News, Events & CEMS Seminars
DEPARTMENT NEWS
Xiang Cheng Co-Authors Paper with New Insights into Bacterial Rectification
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Jan. 13, 2025 - How can random bacterial motion be harnessed for controlled movement? A new paper, "Transport and Energetics of Bacterial Rectification," co-authored by CEMS faculty member Xiang Cheng, explores this question. By studying how bacteria navigate through asymmetric structures, the research sheds light on the mechanisms behind this phenomenon and its potential applications in science and medicine.
Meet Nathan Mara: Director of Undergraduate Studies for Materials Science
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Jan. 2nd, 2025 - Meet Nathan Mara, the current Director of the Undergraduate Materials Science program at CEMS. Nathan joined the department in 2017 after a distinguished career as a staff scientist and Thrust Leader at Los Alamos National Laboratory. In addition to leading the undergraduate program, he advises the department's award-winning bladesmithing team. In this Q&A, Nathan shares his passion for materials science, his teaching philosophy, and his vision for the future of the undergraduate program, as well as the exciting discoveries that drive his research and teaching.
Graduate Student Spotlight: Yi-Ting Cheng Publishes First-Author Paper with International Research Team
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Yi-Ting Cheng is a third-year PhD student in the Chris Bartel research group whose work focuses on the computational design of battery materials. Recently, she published her first first-author paper, Synthesis, Electronic Structure, and Redox Chemistry of Li₂MnP₂S₆, a Candidate High-Voltage Cathode Material. The study is the result of an exciting collaboration with Hokkaido University’s Prof. Miura and his experimental group in Japan.
Michelle Calabrese Honored with 2025 Marion Milligan Mason Award for Women in the Chemical Sciences
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The Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science is proud to celebrate Dr. Michelle Calabrese, who has been named a recipient of the 2025 Marion Milligan Mason Award for Women in the Chemical Sciences.
Celebrating Faculty Excellence: 2024 CEMS Faculty Achievements Roundup
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Dec. 18, 2024 - Our faculty continue to achieve remarkable milestones in Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, earning recognition that underscores the innovation and excellence at the heart of our department. In 2024, they received fellowships, scholarships, prestigious awards, and other honors, demonstrating their leadership in research, education, and innovation.
Empowering Undergraduates with the CEMS Ambassador Program
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Dec. 17, 2024 - The CEMS Ambassador Program offers undergraduate students a unique opportunity to grow as leaders while making a meaningful impact within the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science. Designed for students passionate about their field and eager to connect with others, this program empowers ambassadors to take on key roles that benefit their peers, prospective students, and the department as a whole.
Paul Dauenhauer Delivers Lecture at Princeton’s Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment
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Dec. 11, 2024 - Paul Dauenhauer, Distinguished McKnight University Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science at the University of Minnesota, delivered an engaging lecture as part of the Andlinger Center’s Highlight Seminar Series. Hosted at Princeton University's Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, the event drew attention to groundbreaking advancements in energy catalysis and sustainable technology.
2024 Updates from the CEMS DEI Working Group
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Dec. 9th, 2024 - The DEI Working Group, is a coalition of CEMS faculty, staff, graduate students, postdoctoral associates, and undergraduates focused on improving the DEI climate of the CEMS department; they did excellent work in 2024.
CEMS Faculty Receive Rapid Response Seed Grant From UMN DSI
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Dec. 12, 2024 - Congratulations to Assistant Professor Natalie Boehnke and Associate Professor Qi Zhang for receiving a Rapid Response Seed Grant from the University of Minnesota’s Data Science Initiative (DSI).
CEMS Student Organizations in Action: News from the Women+ Group, MRS, SFA, and GSC
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Nov. 25, 2024 - CEMS student groups, including the Women+ Group, MRS Student Chapter, Science for All, and the Graduate Student Committee, have made remarkable contributions this year through their dedication to professional development, community building, and outreach. Read on to learn more about their impactful work.