KU Department of Chemistry

Exciting research news from Gray-Little Hall!

KU’s new Materials Characterization & Testing Lab is now open, expanding opportunities for innovative research, hands-on student learning and collaboration across the physical sciences and engineering. The lab includes 11 new instruments that will help researchers examine materials ranging from nanoscopic structures to their overall material properties.

We are especially proud to see Chemistry’s own, Foundation Distinguished Professor, Dr. Steve Soper helping to lead this important multidisciplinary effort.

Read more about this exciting new resource at KU:

New core lab enhances physical sciences and engineering research at KU New core lab enhances physical sciences and engineering research at KU Wed, 05/27/2026 author Vincent P Munoz Share Share by Email Share on LinkedIn Share on Facebook Share on Twitter A new core lab at the University of Kansas will increase the capacity to research materials such as next-generation....

Congratulations to Laurie White, facility manager for Gray-Little Hall, on being featured as one of KU Research’s Unsung Heroes!

Those of us in Chemistry know just how much Laurie does to keep Gray-Little running safely and effectively. She is proactive, knowledgeable, deeply protective of our building community, and always ready to jump in when something needs attention.

Laurie’s work touches nearly every part of daily life in Gray-Little, from coordinating repairs and work orders to supporting lab and equipment needs, solving building issues, and helping guide our safety efforts. She cares deeply about the people who work and learn here, and she regularly goes above and beyond the call of her duties to make sure our spaces are safe, functional, and ready for the important work happening inside them.

We are incredibly grateful for Laurie’s dedication, expertise, and commitment to Gray-Little Hall and KU Chemistry.

Congratulations, Laurie! This recognition is so well deserved. ❤️💙

Read the full KU Research feature here: https://research.ku.edu/news/article/facility-manager-enables-safe-successful-research-ARTICLE-3DEVS6

Congratulations to Prof. Ward Thompson and the four other honorees who have been awarded Kemper Teaching Fellowships!

https://news.ku.edu/news/article/university-announces-2026-kemper-fellows-for-teaching-excellence

The KU Department of Chemistry recently welcomed our Chemistry Alumni Advisory Board for this year’s CAAB visit.

CAAB brings together alumni leaders from academia, industry, national labs, and beyond to offer valuable perspective on the department’s teaching, research, student experience, and future direction. We are grateful for their continued engagement, thoughtful feedback, and generous support of KU Chemistry.

Thank you to our CAAB members, faculty, students, and staff who helped make this year’s visit meaningful and productive.

Rock Chalk!

Congratulations to the 2026 graduates of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Kansas! 🎓

This weekend marked an incredible milestone, and we are so proud to celebrate all that you have accomplished. From long hours in the lab and challenging coursework to research presentations, late-night study sessions, and countless cups of coffee, you made it through and achieved something remarkable.

We are excited to see where your paths lead next: graduate school, industry, healthcare, education, research, and beyond. The future of science is brighter because of you!

Thank you for being part of our Chemistry community. We cannot wait to see what you do next.

Rock Chalk and congratulations, Class of 2026! 💙❤️💛

Transforming the Future of Medical Technology 🔬

Check out this recent interview with Dr. Steven Soper on Health Uncensored with Dr. Drew (Fox Business News), highlighting the exciting potential of liquid biopsy technology and BioFluidica’s innovative work to improve early disease detection and reduce invasive procedures.

Watch the full segment below!

Transforming the Future of Medical Technology Liquid biopsy is one of the most promising frontiers in modern medicine, but until now, the biggest challenge has been capturing the rare signals that matter...

Congratulations to our March2026 Sutton Family Research Impact Award recipient, Professor Bob Dunn! 🎉

Read more here: https://chem.ku.edu/news/article/professor-robert-c-dunn-named-as-recipient-of-march-2026-sutton-family-research-impact-award-ARTICLE-V23WWK-ARTICLE-V23WWK

Congratulations to our February 2026 Sutton Family Research Impact Award recipient, Professor Brian Laird! 🎉

Read more here: https://chem.ku.edu/news/article/professor-brian-laird-named-february-2026-sutton-family-research-impact-award-recipient

We are proud to celebrate Dr. Ward Thompson as a 2026 recipient of a prestigious Kemper Fellowship for Teaching Excellence.

Awarded through the William T. Kemper Foundation, these fellowships recognize outstanding KU faculty who bring innovation, dedication, and a true student-centered approach to their teaching. Each year, just five faculty members are selected for their impact in helping students build critical skills, take on meaningful challenges, and thrive long after the classroom.

Dr. Thompson’s commitment to teaching excellence and student success reflects the very best of KU Chemistry, and we are thrilled to see his work recognized in this way.

Congratulations, Dr. Thompson!

Congratulations to senior Noah Tucker for receiving an Undergraduate Research Award!

The Undergraduate Research Award is meant to support a semester of research. Students must apply for it and are chosen after having a faculty member review the proposal. Noah Tucker is mentored by James Blakemore and is working on research related to his proposal, titled "Characterization of a Novel Uranyl Crown Ether Complex".