Instructors, students find benefits in virtual learning

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This year’s pandemic-induced online instruction did not stop students from enrolling in chemistry courses, but it did give instructors and teaching assistants (TAs) experience using a different instructional medium. “Teaching CHEM 344 online was definitely a unique experience,” said TA Maggie McEwan. “Teaching online requires a different set of skills compared to teaching in a classroom or lab, so I think I learned a lot this summer right along with the students.”

Connecting Science and Society: Science is Fun

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Our public engagement programs reach large audiences in person, on the radio, in print, via television, social media and the internet. The Science is Fun truck traveled to schools, libraries, farmers markets, public parks and other community centers.

Featured Badger Chemist: Bruce Bursten, Ph.D. 1978 (Fenske)

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Prof. Bruce Bursten received his Ph.D. in chemistry from UW–Madison in 1978. He was recently honored with the 2020 ACS Award for Distinguished Service in the Advancement of Inorganic Chemistry. Bursten’s journey toward the ACS award has been profoundly guided by his experiences. His story begins in high school, as a curious student in a math summer program.

Chemistry students win numerous awards

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It was a busy year for awards, despite the constraints of a pandemic. In May, the Department of Chemistry celebrated students, faculty and staff with an online awards and graduation event called Celebrating Student Success. Because of generous donors, the department was able to give almost $500,000 in student support. See the winners of department and other awards below.

Remembering Phil Certain (Ph.D. 1969, Hirschfelder)

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Phillip R. Certain, dean of the College of Letters & Science from 1993 until 2004, died Tuesday, August 11 at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg at age 76 after a years-long struggle with progressive supranuclear palsy. He was the fifth-longest-serving dean of the largest college on the UW-Madison campus.

Remembering Marilyn Olmstead (Ph.D. 1969, Fenske)

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Alumna teacher and leader in X-ray crystallography pioneered key techniques in the field By Becky Oskin, research communications UC Davis College of Letters and Science Marilyn Olmstead, a leader in X-ray crystallography and a stellar teacher who shared her passion for chemistry with thousands of students, died September 30. She was 76. “Olmstead was a …

Remembering Hans Reich (Ph.D. 1968, Cram)

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Everyone who knew Hans Reich knew of his love for the chemistry department. For 43 years of his life, Reich distinguished himself as an exceptional professor, a passionate scientist, and above all, an inspiring colleague. He died May 1, 2020, at age 76, from an injury sustained in a bicycle accident.

Remembering Steve Yamamoto (B.S. 1965, Ph.D. PSU)

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At his 45th high school reunion, Steve Yamamoto said that he had “gone on to try just about everything,” and looking at his life, this was not an exaggeration. Steve grew up in Madison. His father, Shinji Yamamoto, was a Wisconsin state architect who managed construction of many familiar and important state and university buildings. Robert J. McMahon, professor of chemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, explained that Madison was an important place for the family, especially for Steve.

Prof. Susanna Widicus Weaver brings a love of chemistry and expertise in astronomy

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Vozza Professor of Chemistry Susanna Widicus Weaver arrived at UW–Madison in May to conduct research in prebiotic astrochemistry and on how life may form with the evolution of stars and planets. Weaver received a bachelor’s degree in chemistry at Illinois Wesleyan University (2000) and her Ph.D. in chemistry at California Institute of Technology (2005). She most recently was a professor of chemistry at Emory University.

Letter from the Chair: Judith N. Burstyn

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This year has been filled with challenges, yet the Department of Chemistry students, faculty, staff and alumni are keeping the Badger Chemist spirit alive at the forefront of research and education. The department continues to deliver its mission to conduct world-class, groundbreaking research in the chemical sciences, while offering the highest quality education and training …