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

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

Boyd Professor Emeritus Isiah Warner Inducted into LSU College of Science Hall of Distinction

March 28, 2025

Boyd Professor Emeritus Isiah Warner was honored as a 2025 inductee into the LSU College of Science Hall of Distinction. Prof. Warner’s remarkable career influenced the scientific community through his exceptional research, education, and mentorship contributions. His efforts helped expand access to science education and foster a culture of excellence, inspiring and guiding future leaders in STEM. | Learn more

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LSU Researchers Harness Natural Compounds to Combat Louisiana’s High Cancer Rates

February 24, 2025

LSU Chemistry's Assistant Professor Fatima Rivas and graduate student Jake Barras are leading groundbreaking research exploring how natural products can be used to develop new treatments for metabolic syndrome and obesity—both of which increase cancer risk. | Learn more

LSU's Antibiotic Breakthrough

Bacterial biofilms make chronic infections hard to treat, protecting bacteria from antibiotics with a tough layer of proteins, sugars, and DNA. But there's good news! LSU Chemistry Professor Mario Rivera and his research team have discovered a new class of antibiotics that break through these defenses by blocking bacteria’s access to iron, a vital nutrient they need to survive. 

Prof. García-López Receives 2025 Thieme Chemistry Journals Award

February 17, 2025

LSU Chemistry Assistant Professor Víctor García-López has been named a 2025 recipient of the Thieme Chemistry Journals Award, an annual honor recognizing promising early-career researchers worldwide who have recently begun independent academic careers as assistant or junior professors. Awardees are selected by the editorial board members of SYNTHESIS, SYNLETT, and SYNFACTS, who seek out exceptional talent in chemical synthesis, catalysis, and related areas of organic chemistry. The award includes a one-year complimentary subscription to these journals and a certificate. 

Big Idea Award for Molecular Switches Research

January 29, 2025

Assistant Professor Víctor García-López received an LSU Provost’s Fund - Big Idea Phase I award for his work on light-activated, non-genetic molecular switches to control mechanosensitive channels in neurons. In collaboration with Professor Ryoichi Teruyama (LSU Biological Sciences) and researchers from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the project will utilize the molecular switches to understand mechanosensitive channels better and offer insights into treating certain neurological diseases. | Learn more