University of Utah Department of Chemistry

On Wednesday, May 13, Professor Jeff Statler enjoyed delivering a 45-minute demonstration show for students from the American Heritage School—a private school visiting from American Fork. In attendance were 22 Advanced Placement Chemistry students, their teacher, and 4 chaperoning parents.

The students were very interactive and excited by all of the demonstrations. With their knowledge of chemistry, the demos were engaging and very educational. During the demonstration, students were able to explore explosive decomposition of nitrogen triiodide, paramagnetism of Liquid Oxygen generated through condensation from air, Liquid Nitrogen reactions, catalytic decompositions of hydrogen peroxide, explosion of hydrogen gas—including the use of a palladium catalyst, oscillating clock reactions, reaction of potassium chlorate and powdered sugar, and a thermite reaction.

Students lingered for quite some time after the show, asking brilliant questions and enjoying some Department of Chemistry memorabilia. Surely Professor Statler will enjoy a few of these students again in his General Chemistry sequence!

Professor Gabe Nagy is named recipient 2026 ACS Division of Analytical Chemistry’s Arthur F. Findeis Award for achievements by a Young Analytical Scientist. Learn more at the link in our bio or here: https://www.chemistry.utah.edu/research/gabe-nagy-receives-the-2026-acs-arthur-f-findeis-award-for-achievements-by-a-young-analytical-scientist/

David Hickey returned to the University of Utah’s Department of Chemistry, sharing new research at the forefront of molecular electrochemistry. Learn more at the link in our bio or here: https://www.chemistry.utah.edu/alumni/seminar-david-hickey/

Prof. Sarah Lefave becomes Chemistry Department assistant professor lecturer for the 2026 academic year. Learn more at the link in our bio or here: https://www.chemistry.utah.edu/history/u-chemistry-welcomes-professor-sarah-lefave/

The University of Utah Department of Chemistry hosted Professor Hanadi Sleiman (second image, middle bottom row) of McGill University on March 19, 2026, as the 2026 Stang Burrows Sessler Lecturer. Learn more at the link in our bio or here: https://www.chemistry.utah.edu/history/2026-stang-burrows-sessler-lectureship/

University of Utah Chemistry faculty never cease to impress. Congratulations to Distinguished Professor Matt Sigman who was recently elected to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences! Learn more at the link in our bio or here: https://www.chemistry.utah.edu/history/matt-sigman-elected-to-the-american-academy-of-arts-sciences/

Luisa Whittaker-Brooks receives the RCSA Bridge Award. Read more here at the link in our bio or here: https://www.chemistry.utah.edu/awards/luisa-whittaker-brooks-receives-rcsa-bridge-award/

Congratulations 2026 University of Utah Chemistry graduates!

Congratulations Connor and Kenny for the NSF recognition. Read more here at the link in our bio or here: https://www.chemistry.utah.edu/research/connor-ambrose-and-kenny-drbohlav-nsf-recognition/

Did you know the University of Utah Chemistry Department has state-of-the-art facilities? Read more here: https://www.chemistry.utah.edu/history/chemistry-facilities-open-house/