Kent State University Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Congratulations to all of our Summer 2026 graduates! Pictured here (L to R) are Dr. Michael Carrillo and advisor Dr. Michael Tubergen, and advisor Dr. Hao Shen with Dr. Fatiha Farhana. 🎓🎉

What if we could see exactly where molecules are located inside cells—at the nanometer scale?

That's the question driving Dr. Diana Goncalves Schmidt's research, recently recognized with a prestigious five-year U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award.

Her project aims to develop innovative DNA-based molecular barcodes that, combined with high-resolution electron microscopy, could transform how scientists study molecular interactions in biological tissues. The work has exciting implications for understanding complex diseases and advancing future biomedical discoveries.

Beyond the research, the award will also support educational opportunities, helping train the next generation of scientists through hands-on research experiences and outreach.

Read more about Dr. Goncalves Schmidt's research, what inspired this project, and what this award means for the future of science in our latest story:
https://www.kent.edu/chemistry/news/kent-state-university-chemist-wins-nsf-career-award

🌍 Big news for Kent State!

The latest U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities rankings recognize the strength of Kent State's research on the world stage - and we're proud that Chemistry ranked #335 globally among chemistry programs.

This recognition reflects the outstanding work of our faculty, researchers, students, postdocs, and staff, whose discoveries continue to advance science and make an impact around the world.

Congratulations to everyone who helps make our department a place where innovative research thrives! 💙💛

Read more about Kent State's global rankings: https://www.kent.edu/today/news/2026/06/kent-state-best-global-universities-us-news

There have been several Jimothy sightings around campus, and we're happy to announce he's officially gotten clearance to visit the chemistry labs! After a careful search for appropriately-sized PPE (those safety goggles were harder to find than expected), he completed his safety training and is ready to go!

With his intelligence, curiosity, and problem-solving skills, we think he'll fit right in with our chemistry community.🧪

Welcome to the lab, Jimothy!🦝

We're proud to be part of one of the best college towns in America!

Kent, Ohio has been ranked #8 on MoneyLion's list of the 20 Best College Towns in America for 2026, recognized for its strong balance of academic excellence and affordability.

The Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry is proud to call Kent home. Our students benefit from outstanding academic and research opportunities while enjoying everything our vibrant college town has to offer.

Congratulations to the Kent community on this well-deserved recognition! 💙💛

Best College Towns in America in 2026 MoneyLion has given it the old college try to break down the best college towns in the U.S. and what it actually costs to live in them.

Congratulations to doctoral student Michael Carrillo, who successfully defended their dissertation last Thursday! Their dissertation title is, "Rotational Spectroscopic Studies of Halogen-Containing Atmospheric Contaminant Precursor Series."

Congratulations to doctoral student Fatiha Farhana, who successfully defended her dissertation last Thursday! Her dissertation title is, "Gold Nanoparticle Nanozymes for Glucose Oxidation: From Single-Molecule Kinetics to Picomolar Antibacterial Applications."

Congratulations to Dr. Diana Goncalves Schmidt on receiving a prestigious five-year U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award!

Her project, Multiplexed mRNA Detection at Nanometer Resolution, will advance the development of DNA origami-based molecular barcodes that enable researchers to detect and map molecules within biological tissues at the nanoscale. By combining programmable DNA nanostructures with high-resolution electron microscopy, this innovative research has the potential to transform how scientists study molecular interactions and gain new insights into complex biological systems.

The NSF CAREER Award is among the Foundation's most prestigious honors, recognizing early-career faculty who demonstrate exceptional potential as both researchers and educators.

Congratulations, Dr. Goncalves Schmidt, on this outstanding achievement!

Learn more about Dr. Goncalves Schmidt's research: https://www.kent.edu/chemistry/diana-goncalves-schmidt

(From L to R): Students Maelee, Milan, Megan, and Michael are attending the 79th annual International Symposium on Molecular Spectroscopy (ISMS) taking place this week at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign!