We are saddened by the passing of our colleague and friend Elmer Gaden on March 10, 2012. Those of you who knew Elmer will remember his quick wit, broad interests, and enthusiasm for teaching, mentoring and helping young people in their careers. Although Elmer retired from our department in 1994, he continued to be an active participant in many departmental activities and maintained strong ties with our faculty, staff, students and alumni. His obituary is posted here.

A service celebrating his life will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, March 24, 2012, at Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church, Unitarian Universalist in Charlottesville, Virginia.

We encourage you to post memories or tributes to Elmer at the Departmental Facebook page.

Billy Bardin (PhD 2000) received the 2011 Outstanding Young Engineering Graduate Award from the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) at the University of Virginia. The award is given to recognize alumni who have made significant achievements and contributions in the early phase of their careers. [more]

Congratulations to Erik Fernandez and John Yates, elected as Fellows of the American Chemical Society, two of only 213 nationally elected this year. ACS Fellows are recognized for out standing achievements in and contributions to science, the profession, and the American Chemical Society. [more]

A new collaborative study details for the first time a new type of catalytic site where oxidation catalysis occurs, shedding light on the possibilities for molecular catalysis. The study, conducted by Profs. John Yates and Prof. Matthew Neurock was published in the Aug. 5 issue of the journal Science. [more]

Prof. Inchan Kwon received a KSEA Young Investigator Grant, one of only two in the country out of 40 applicants, awarded by the Korean-American Scientists and Engineers Association. [more]

Prof. Roseanne Ford received the Cavaliers' Distinguished Teaching Professorship for 2011-13, for her efforts and success in undergraduate teaching and mentoring. This Chair is the highest teaching award at the University and it recognizes an eminent scholar for outstanding teaching of undergraduates. [more]