Chemistry | Penn Today

amy chu smiles while adjusting a knob on a metal piece of lab equipment

Championing scientifically driven energy policy

In the lab, chemist Amy Chu is aiming to make the chemical reaction that converts carbon dioxide into methanol more sustainable. Her work reflects her philosophy that scientists should have a stronger role in both public policy and education.

Illustraion showing Percec cell morphology

Cells use sugars to communicate at the molecular level

A recent study reveals the chemistry behind cellular communication using a new method that holds promise for future applications ranging from materials science to nanomedicine.

head shots of Jessica Anna and Davi Maximo

Two Penn faculty named 2019 Sloan Research Fellows

Jessica Anna and Davi Maximo of the School of Arts and Sciences are among the 126 recipients of this year’s Sloan Research Fellowships, which recognize early-career researchers and scholars in North America. Each will receive a two-year, $70,000 Fellowship for research.

students in a classroom with a large periodic table behind their seats

Celebrating 150 years of the periodic table

Judith Currano of Penn Libraries and Jenine Maeyer of the School of Arts and Sciences share their perspectives on how all types of chemists still use the periodic table of elements.

a person inside of a lab pouring liquid nitrogen into a container with a computer screen in the foreground

The dynamics of light-harvesting chemistry

A new paper provides insights into the chemistry that underlies human-made, light-driven catalytic systems and paves the way to better understand how light-induced reactions can be controlled more effectively.

a close-up of chemical reactions written on a glass screen with a person in a lab coat working in the background

Pushing the boundaries of fundamental chemistry

A team of chemists has created “impossible molecules” inside water- and oxygen-free environments.

a stack of books in front of a chalkboard with math equations

Celebrating science

Eight Penn faculty share their favorite general interest books about science.

A physics treasure hidden in the pattern of wallpaper

Charles Kane and Andrew Rappe of the School of Arts and Sciences were part of an international team that has identified a new form of insulating material that may one day provide a basis for quantum computing. The patterns found in everyday wallpaper played a role in the discovery.

A maverick among chemists

Madeleine Joullie, the first woman to join Penn’s chemistry faculty, was also the University’s first affirmative action officer, which she says is the most important thing she’s done.

Two faculty members elected to National Academy of Sciences

Shelly Berger and Karen Goldberg are among 84 new members elected to the National Academy of Sciences, one of the highest honors for a scientist.

Filters