New Antibiotics May End Chronic Infections, Slash Billions in Health Care Costs

Leading Like a Scientist, Pitching Biotech Solutions

June 4, 2025

In CHEM 7780: Special Topics in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, taught by Assistant Professor Amy Xu, students stepped into the world of biotech innovation—not with a final exam, but with a mock startup pitch. One team, BioSpecific Innovations, proposed BioBridge, a mock immunotherapy using BiTEs and recombinant DNA to guide T-cells to attack leukemia and multiple myeloma cells. Their project combined cutting-edge science, clinical trial design, and investor-ready strategy. 

Starting next year, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology will be open to undergraduates as CHEM 4013. 

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Celebrating 25 Years of Service

May 20, 2025

Amy Commander, LSU Chemistry’s Senior HR Specialist, was honored at the LSU Faculty and Staff Recognition Jazz Brunch for 25 years of service. Amy began her LSU journey in 1999 with Undergraduate Admissions, later transitioning to the School of Social Work before finding her home in the Department of Chemistry in 2003. Among her proudest achievements at LSU are earning her bachelor’s degree in 2002 while working full time and raising a family. As she looks ahead to retirement in a few years, she’s excited for new adventures and plenty of travel.

Congratulations, Amy, and thank you for your dedication and service to LSU!

How LSU Chemists Are Learning from Nature to Rethink Nitrogen Fixation

May 15, 2025

Professor Emeritus Brian Hales and Dr. Kresimir Rupnik are uncovering how nature efficiently converts nitrogen gas into ammonia. They aim to unravel the inner workings of nitrogenase, a natural enzyme, paving the way for cleaner, more energy-efficient alternatives to traditional fertilizer production.

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LSU Chemistry Students Recognized at Choppin Honors Convocation

May 5, 2025

At the close of each spring semester, the College of Science and its departments celebrate the achievements of students, faculty, and staff at the Arthur R. Choppin Honors Convocation. This year, LSU Chemistry students were distinguished for their exceptional academic performance, research, and service to the College and Department. Congratulations to the 2025 Chemistry Honorees for their remarkable accomplishments and contributions.

student awardees

2025 University and College Research and Teaching Awards

May 5, 2025

Louisiana State University celebrates the outstanding contributions of its faculty in research, teaching, and service through the University Faculty Awards Ceremony and the LSU College of Science Arthur R. Choppin Honors Convocation. Congratulations to the faculty members from the LSU Department of Chemistry who were honored this year. These distinguished scholars have been recognized for their exceptional commitment to advancing scientific research, enriching student learning, and providing impactful mentorship. 

Faculty Awardees

LSU Chemistry Graduate Student Receives NSF GRFP Honorable Mention

LSU Chemistry graduate student Natalie Stewart, conducting research in the Chambers and Elgrishi laboratories, received an Honorable Mention from the National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) for her promising research targeting “forever chemicals.” Learn more about her innovative approach and future goals.

LSU Chemistry Graduate Students Awarded University Dissertation Fellowships

April 28, 2025

The LSU Department of Chemistry proudly announces two graduate students, Udyogi Conthagamage and Stefanie Klisch, have been selected as 2025–2026 LSU Dissertation Year Fellowship recipients. The competitive, university-wide fellowship awarded by the LSU Pinkie Gordon Lane Graduate School recognizes exceptional doctoral candidates for academic excellence and impactful research during the final stages of their Ph.D. training. | Learn more

LSU Chemistry Alum Danielle S. Meador: Rooted in Louisiana, Rising in Chemistry

April 25, 2025

For LSU Chemistry alumna Dr. Danielle Songe Meador, Louisiana isn’t just home, it’s the heart of her journey, both personally and professionally. From her hometown of Meraux, just southeast of New Orleans, to her leadership role in the chemical industry, Meador’s path is a powerful reminder that you don’t have to leave your roots to grow.  

Alumni Spotlight

García-López Named Scialog Fellow

April 10, 2025

Prof. Víctor García-López was honored as a Scialog Fellow at the second meeting of Scialog: Automating Chemical Laboratories, a program organized in partnership with the Research Corporation for Science Advancement, the Beckman Foundation, the Frederick Gardner Cottrell Foundation, and the Walder Foundation. Scialog supports early career faculty in advancing research within areas of high scientific importance. The initiative promotes innovative thinking and the formation of multidisciplinary teams to address critical scientific challenges. By encouraging collaboration and bold ideas, Scialog helps participants accelerate their research and strengthen their competitiveness for future funding opportunities. | Learn more