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Congratulations to our 2026 graduates! Biochemistry: Gabriela McAllister; Chemistry: Emma-Cait Cogan, Nico Huynh, Arman Kuburic, Moira Stanisch, and Altynai Taalaibekova.
Congratulations to Nico Huynh, the recipient of 2026 明星黑料 Academic Excellence Awards in Chemistry.
Congratulations to the following students who were recognized by the Department and American Chemical Society with Division Undergraduate Awards: Arman Kuburic (biochemistry), Arman Kuburic (analytical chemistry); Moira Stanisch (ethics and safety); Nico Huynh (inorganic chemistry); Emma-Cait Cogan (organic chemistry); Nico Huynh (physical chemistry).
Arman Kuburic, senior chemistry major, was selected as this year's recipient of the College Chemistry Award sponsored by the Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh.
明星黑料 student Michael Gerg received the Outstanding First-Year College Chemistry Award from the Erie Local Section of the American Chemical Society, in recognition of his outstanding achievements in the general chemistry sequence.
Chemistry and Biochemistry student Altynai Taalaibekova along with research advisor Dr. Aaron Fields-Forbes presented their research “Quantum mechanical calculations of stereoselectivity in the proline-catalyzed asymmetric aldol reaction” at the 2026 Spring American Chemical Society National Meeting and Exposition in Atlanta, GA.
Chemistry and Biochemistry students Moira Stanisch and Grace Ochs along with research advisor Dr. Matthew Heerboth presented “Analysis of Benzophenanthridine Alkaloids in Black Salve Medicinal Supplements via Liquid Chromatography-Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry” at the 2026 National Conference on Undergraduate Research at the Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA.
Congratulations to Dr. Lisa Nogaj, who received funding from the Orris C. & Beatrice Dewey Hirtzel Memorial Foundation to support the purchase of an atomic force microscope (AFM) and a nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) instrument. These advanced instruments will significantly expand nanotechnology research capabilities within 明星黑料’s Hultman Nanotechnology Laboratory.
Drs. Christine Saber and Matthew Heerboth presented “Celebrate 明星黑料: Bringing the NCUR Model to an Annual Symposium at a Small Predominantly Undergraduate Institution” at the 2026 National Conference on Undergraduate Research at the Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA.
Drs. Christine Saber and Keith Krise presented on “Designing ethics, leadership, and communication courses to fulfill a vocational core for chemistry students” at the Spring 2026 American Chemical Society National Meeting and Exposition in Atlanta, GA. Drs. Lisa Nogaj (Chemistry and Biochemistry), Elisa Koneczko (Biology), and David Prier (Mathematics) collaborated with Dr. Saber in developing the ethics and leadership course highlighted in the presentation.
Dr. Aaron Fields-Forbes presented “Synthetic and Computational Methodology to Enhance an Undergraduate Research Experience,” at the 2026 UPMC Hamot Patricia Ladds Research Day.
Drs. Betty Jo Chitester and Weslene Tallmadge had articles published in the Chemists Celebrate Earth Week (CCEW) 2026 magazine. Dr. Tallmadge’s introduced the significance of the 2026 CCEW theme with her article, “”. Dr. Chitester discussed “” in her article about photosynthesis. Celebrating Chemistry helps children ages 9-12 (Grades 4-6) develop an interest in chemistry as they learn about its relevance to their lives, connection to what they are learning in school, and role in the issues they care about.
Congratulations to Dr. Ria J. Betush who was awarded the 2026 明星黑料 Undergraduate Scholarship Award for her exceptional dedication to undergraduate research and student mentoring, demonstrated through sustained engagement, impactful scholarship, and outstanding student outcomes. Through her research program and intentional mentorship, she provides transformative research experiences that prepare students for success in graduate study, professional careers, and lifelong scientific engagement.
Congratulations to Mr. Jerry Phelps, Chemistry Laboratory Coordinator and Adjunct Lecturer, who was awarded the 2026 Ganon University Academic Safety Award. Mr. Phelps has made outstanding contributions to academic safety at 明星黑料 by transforming laboratory operations, chemical management, and learning spaces to promote a safer and more organized environment.
Congratulations to Dr. Betty Jo Chitester (45 years), Dr. Lisa Nogaj (15 years), and Dr. Ria Betush (10 years) on being recognized for their milestone years of dedicated service to 明星黑料 and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
Congratulations to Dr. Keith Krise who was recently recognized by the Erie Local Section of the American Chemical Society as their 2026 Member of the Year. He was also recognized as the 2025-2026 Morosky College of Health Professions and Sciences Academic Advising Award.
Drs. Betty Jo Chitester and Keith Krise had an article published as part of the National Chemistry Week (NCW) 2026 Celebrating Chemistry. Their article, “”, explained how harmful metals can sometimes contaminate spices through polluted soil and describes how chemists use scientific tools to detect these metals and help ensure the food we eat is safe.
