Department of Chemistry

University at Buffalo medicinal chemist David Heppner has received the 2025 Philip S. Portoghese Lectureship Award from the American Chemical Society (ACS). The annual award goes to two early-career investigators who have had a major impact on medicinal chemistry research. It is named in honor of Phil Portoghese, editor-in-chief of the ACS Journal of Medicinal Chemistry from 1972 to 2011.

In an extended Q&A interview, Spectroscopy Magazine sits down with UB Chemistry alumna Kelsey L. Williams, PhD, who is currently a postdoctoral researcher at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), working on planetary instrumentation using spectroscopic techniques such as laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and laser ablation molecular isotopic spectrometry (LAMIS). Link to story: Celebrating National Space Day with Spectroscopy

SUNY Distinguished Professor Luis A. Colón, A. Conger Goodyear Professor, will receive the President’s Medal in recognition of extraordinary service to the University. Colón is a groundbreaking scientist who has made significant contributions to ultra-high-pressure and selective chemical separations. His research has led to the creation of hybrid silica adsorptive materials used in chromatographic techniques for chemical and biochemical analyses.

The University at Buffalo is hosting a "Broken Plastics Workshop" on May 8, 2025, where students, faculty, and staff can create art from microplastics collected on campus, turning exam stress into creative expression while addressing plastic pollution. Led by local artist and UB alumna Nicole Chochrek, the event combines science and art to raise awareness about environmental issues through hands-on engagement. The workshop is free, but space is limited. Register by May 6th at the link provided in the news article.