Recent News

Prof. Luis Colón has been prominently featured and interviewed in Chemical & Engineering News (the weekly publication of the ACS) for his career-long achievements in scientific mentoring and scholarship, particularly for his efforts to promote diversity within the chemical sciences. Read more about Prof. Colón and his interview with C&EN.

NBC news included Prof. Luis Colón in a star-powered list of Latino decedents in the US entitled “The Latino 10: A standout year.” The piece highlights 10 Americans that have had an outstanding year of national recognition and growth with their Hispanic heritage intrinsically tied to their work. Read about this story.

Dr. Roberto Pili, MD (Hematology/Oncology) and Dr. David Heppner, PhD (Chemistry) have teamed up to develop treatments against an aggressive form of kidney cancer. The project has been awarded a five-year $1.8M NIH R01 National Cancer Institute R01 shared between the collaborating labs to advance drug discovery in a cancer type where limited therapeutic options are available. Read more about this collaborative work.

The American Physical Society (APS) has awarded Dr. Luis De Jesús Báez the 2024 FECS Diversity & Inclusion Award for his work to support and create opportunities for students from underrepresented backgrounds. This award represents efforts by Dr. De Jesús Báez from his postdoctoral and independent career, such as initiating a program connecting students from the University of Puerto Rico Cayey to REU and graduate opportunities at Texas A&M University.

A study published two years ago by Prof. David Heppner reported the first three-dimensional structures of Lazcluze (Lazertinib). The FDA recently approved this drug administered in combination with Rybrevant (Amivantamab) for the treatment of lung cancer.