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Learn from expert faculty and work with your peers while conducting impactful research in energy, environment, and medicine all at an R1 institution using the latest tools for scientific discovery.
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Whether you're passionate about solving complex scientific challenges or shaping the future of chemistry education, Iowa offers a supportive environment where your ideas can flourish.
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Study chemistry at Iowa, where innovative research, dedicated mentorship, and a vibrant community will set you up for success in STEM careers and beyond.
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Graduate Students
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News and announcements
Meet these CLAS Student Researchers!
Friday, April 25, 2025
Graduate and undergraduate students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are doing important and interesting work across disciplines. Learn more about the research, creative projects, and interests of current students Arissa Khan (BA Chemistry student) & Harindu Rajapasksha (PhD candidate in Forbes/Mason Groups).
Bess Vlaisavljevich group’s discovery could expand use of rare earth element
Friday, April 25, 2025
Professor Vlaisavljevich's team of chemists report a new oxidation state for a rare earth chemical element, a discovery that could broaden its use and potential applications for society.
Chemistry faculty member receives grant from the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Scott Daly, associate professor in the Department of Chemistry, received $373,254 to develop the chemistry to separate lanthanide isotopes in large quantities.
Organic chemistry with an entrepreneurial outlook
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Vishuka Pathirana, a second-year doctoral student in chemistry at the University of Iowa, addresses global issues by starting at the molecular level. With an emphasis on organic chemistry, Pathirana focuses on worldwide food sustainability by developing compounds to increase crop yield.
Forbes and Salem honored with 2025 Regents Award for Faculty Excellence
Thursday, April 3, 2025
Recipients of the Regents Award for Faculty Excellence receives a $1,500 stipend. Awardees were selected by committees appointed by shared governance in collaboration with UI administration and confirmed by the Board of Regents.
David Cwiertny Honored with Michael J Brody Award for Faculty Excellence in Service
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Award recognizes outstanding faculty who have made exceptional contributions to the university and the community
CLAS students win first place in Upper Midwest Regional Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl Competition
Thursday, March 27, 2025
The recently formed University of Iowa Ethics Bowl team, led by second-year physics and chemistry student Arissa Khan, bested 20 competing teams in the Midwest.
Through Plant-Based Alternatives to Plastics, Iowa Alum Seeds Sustainability
Thursday, March 13, 2025
Luke Haverhals uses his PhD in chemistry from the UI to turn the global plastics industry on its head.