UCLA

Chem 263 Seminars in Chemical Biology: Tianyang (Sunny) Yan
2023-05-09 16:00 - 17:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States

Physical Chemistry Seminar 228: Raphaele Clement
2023-05-08 16:00 - 17:00 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Prof. Clement Flyer
Linking Synthesis, Composition, and Performance in Li-ion and Na-ion Battery Materials Using Magnetic Resonance Tools
Abstract: Batteries have transformed our daily lives and hold the key to a low carbon future. Yet, current Li-ion chemistries are approaching their theoretical performance limit. Remarkably, we continue to rely on a limited subset of Li-ion battery materials –– most commercial cathodes derive from LiCoO2 developed in 1980 –– that cannot meet our ever-growing need for energy storage. The development of more sustainable, energy dense, and/or safer batteries hinges on designing new cathode chemistries and crystal structures that depart from the traditional layered transition metal oxides, as well as non flammable solid electrolytes.
In this talk, I will present our recent work combining solid-state NMR, first principles simulations, and other advanced tools to relate synthesis, structure, and properties in various classes of battery materials. For example, our work on Li-ion rocksalt oxyfluoride cathodes emphasizes the importance of 7Li/19F solid-state NMR to determine the true composition of such systems and establish robust materials design rules, and introduces a new, rapid and energy-efficient synthesis procedure to obtain those materials. Our work on Li- and Na-ion conducting rocksalt halide electrolytes reveals their high propensity for polymorphism and for the formation of planar defects, with resulting structural and ion conduction properties that can be modulated by changing the synthesis conditions.

Dickerson Biochemistry Seminar - Eric Pang and Jordan Ford
2023-05-05 15:30 - 16:30
05.05.23 Pang and Ford Flyer

Houk-Jung Organic Colloquium 247: Hung-Wen Liu
2023-05-04 16:00 - 17:00 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Liu Flyer
Atypical Reactions in the Biosynthesis of Herbicidins
Abstract: Herbicidins are adenosine-derived nucleoside antibiotics with an unusual tricyclic core structure. Deletion of the genes responsible for formation of the tricyclic skeleton in Streptomyces sp. L-9-10 reveals the in vivo importance of Her4, Her5 and Her6 during the early stages of herbicidin biosynthesis. In vitro characterization of Her4 and Her5 demonstrates their involvement in an initial, two stage C–C coupling reaction that results in net C5′-glycosylation of ADP/ATP by UDP/TDP-glucuronic acid. Biochemical analyses and intermediate trapping experiments imply a non-canonical mechanism of C-glycosylation reminiscent of NAD-dependent S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase. Structural characterization of the isolated metabolites suggested possible reactions catalyzed by Her6 and Her7, and subsequent biochemical experiments confirmed the functions of Her6 and Her7 as the C3’ epimerase and C8’ reductase, respectively. An overall herbicidin biosynthetic pathway is thus established based on these observations.

Chem 218 Student Exit Seminar: Xueying Chang
2023-05-04 12:00 - 13:00 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States

Jeffrey I. Zink Inorganic Chemistry Seminar Series: Konstantin Bukhryakov
2023-05-03 16:00 - 17:30 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Flyer: Prof. Konstantin Bukhryakov Flyer
Title: Vanadium Alkylidenes for Olefin Metathesis
Abstract: Olefin metathesis is a widely used synthetic method for the synthesis of chemicals employed in daily life, including plastics, household chemicals, agrochemicals, and high-grade fuels, including biofuels from renewable, sustainable feedstock. The current production of fine and commodity chemicals involving olefin metathesis exclusively relies on catalysts based on second- and third-row transition metals, such as Mo, Ru, W, and Re. The use of Earth-abundant first-row metal, such as V, will have a broad impact on society by providing less expensive and greener alternatives for existing methods. This, in turn, will make essential chemicals more accessible to consumers and decrease the human environmental footprint. Sustainability, low cost, and environmental preservation are essential but not the only driving force of our research. Thus, V-based catalysts can offer a unique reactivity compared to second-and third-row counterparts. In my talk, I will give an overview of our recent progress in developing V catalysts for olefin metathesis.

Chem 263 Seminars in Chemical Biology: Prof. Elizabeth Bess
2023-05-02 16:00 - 17:30 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States

Special Seminar: Research in Chemical Education and STEM Pedagogy: Mr. Song Wang
2023-05-02 14:30 - 15:30 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Flyer: Mr. Song Wang Flyer
Title: A post-structural analysis of student learning with an augmented reality molecular visualization tool in an undergraduate chemistry course
Abstract: External representations provide an important space of learning and medium for communicating about molecular structure and function in the chemical sciences. As affordable visualization tools continue to advance, there has been increasing interest to utilize novel technologies, such as augmented reality (AR), in the development of new molecular visualization tools. However, existing research on these visual-spatial learning tools often assumes the meaning of external representations as inherent and focuses primarily on student performance and competence, with less attention towards how external representations take on situated meaning and potential inequity in how students participate in classroom activities that involve molecular visualization tools. In this talk, I will describe a post-structural approach to investigate student learning with external representations that aims to address the representational practices through which external representations become increasingly meaningful and the fluid and multifaceted situations of (in)equity in an AR-mediated biochemistry group learning activity. The analysis centers around BioChemAR, a mobile application that utilizes AR technology to create protein models for student learning. Data sources include audio and video recordings of undergraduate biochemistry students engaging with AR protein models in classroom and interview settings. Pairing qualitative analysis with quantitative metrics, I will present a complex and nuanced story of how students learn with new forms of external representations that utilize AR technology. Findings highlight how external representations become increasingly meaningful through the (re)configuration of the material, discursive, and semiotic aspects of representational practices in chemistry and provide unique ways of conceptualizing equity and inequity in chemistry learning settings.

Physical Chemistry Seminar 228: Art Bragg
2023-05-01 16:00 - 17:00 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Bragg Flyer
Structure-tuned Exciton Dynamics in Peptide and Electrolyte-scaffolded Molecular Assemblies
Abstract: Electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding present means for driving supramolecular assembly of organic chromophores in aqueous environments and controlling the microstructures of resultant assemblies for light-harvesting applications. We present our recent studies of the microstructure-dependence of exciton migration and electron transfer in two classes of supramolecular assemblies: 1) complexes of conjugated polyelectrolytes with electrolytic small-molecule electron acceptors; 2) assemblies of peptide-functionalized perylene diimide. For the former, we have determined that acceptor:donor stoichiometry and compatible head-group separations in donors and acceptors can be used to control the dominant exciton coupling of a polythiophene donor, with significant impacts on potential for long-range charge separation and recombination. For the later, we demonstrate control of energy transfer by using peptide interactions to control exchange interactions of neighboring sites and thereby tune the exciton diffusion constant along molecular stacks. We discuss potential uses of peptide-driven assembly to control inter-chromophore interactions.

Dickerson Biochemistry Seminar - Prof. Carol Gross
2023-04-28 15:30 - 16:30 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States

CANCELLED Houk-Jung Organic Colloquium 247: Bob Waymouth
2023-04-27 16:00 - 17:00 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
SEMINAR HAS BEEN CANCELLED

Chem 218 Student Exit Seminar: Yao Gong
2023-04-27 12:00 - 13:00 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States

Jeffrey I. Zink Inorganic Chemistry Seminar Series: Haotian Wang
2023-04-26 16:00 - 17:30 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Flyer: Dr. Haotian Wang Flyer
Title: Electrochemical Approaches to Decarbonizing Fuels and Chemicals
Abstract: Electrochemical conversion of atmospheric molecules (CO2, O2, H2O, N2) into fuels and chemicals represents a green and alternative route compared to traditional manufacturing approaches. However, its practice is currently challenged at two systematic levels: the lack of active, selective, and stable electrocatalysts for efficient and reliable chemical bond transformations, and the lack of novel catalytic reactors for practical reaction rates and efficient product separation. In this talk, using CO2 reduction to gas and liquid products and O2 reduction to hydrogen peroxide as representative reactions, I will introduce the rational design of both catalytic materials and reactors towards practical electrochemical manufacturing of fuels and chemicals.

Chem 263 Seminars in Chemical Biology: Prof. Mireille Kamariza
2023-04-25 16:00 - 17:30 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Towards Tuberculosis control: A Trehalose-based Detection System for live Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is second only to COVID-19 as the most lethal cause of death from a single infectious agent. Current primary methods for diagnosing TB infection present significant limitations such as lengthy time-to-result for phenotypic tests, the need for a priori knowledge of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) resistance mutations, and prohibitive cost for molecular tests. Here, we present fluorogenic solvatochomic trehalose probes that enables rapid detection of live Mtb. In particular, we designed a 4-N,N-dimethylamino-1,8-naphthalimide–conjugated trehalose (DMN-Tre) probe that undergoes >700-fold increase in fluorescence intensity when transitioned from aqueous to hydrophobic environments. This enhancement occurs upon metabolic conversion of DMN-Tre to trehalose monomycolate and incorporation into the mycomembrane of Actinobacteria. DMN-Tre labeling enabled the rapid, no-wash visualization of mycobacterial and corynebacterial species without nonspecific labeling of Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria. DMN-Tre labeling was detected within minutes and was inhibited by heat killing of mycobacteria. Furthermore, DMN-Tre labeling was reduced by treatment with TB drugs, unlike the clinically used auramine stain. Lastly, DMN-Tre labeled Mtb in TB-positive human sputum samples comparably to auramine staining, suggesting that this operationally simple method may be deployable for TB diagnosis.
Tuesday, April 25, 2023 | 4:00pm

Physical Chemistry Seminar 228: Lea Nienhaus
2023-04-24 16:00 - 17:00 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Neinhaus Flyer
Photon Transformers: Effect of Material Dimensionality on Photon Upconversion
Abstract: Triplet generation at a hybrid inorganic/organic semiconductor interface is a very promising approach to increase the (photo-)excited state recombination lifetime, and thus, can facilitate energy harvesting. One of the possible applications for the generated spin-triplet excitons is photon upconversion. Photon upconversion describes the process of shortening the wavelength of the light emitted upon irradiation, resulting in a net gain in photon energy. To comply with energy conservation laws, triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion occurs by combining two or more low energy photons. Since direct optical excitation of triplet states is ‘spin-forbidden’, so-called sensitizers are required to indirectly populate the triplet state by energy or charge transfer. Triplet sensitizers span a broad range of material classes including metal-organic complexes, nanomaterials, and bulk perovskite films. Understanding the fundamental energy transfer mechanism is crucial for the advancement of optoelectronic devices based on this process.
The exact triplet sensitization mechanism varies depending on several factors including: (i) the absolute alignments of the sensitizer and acceptor energy levels. (ii) The exciton binding energy in the sensitizer, resulting in excited states in form of excitons or free carriers. (iii) Energetic polydispersity of a sample, which varies the energetic driving force for triplet transfer. Here, I will present the current understanding of the triplet sensitization mechanism based on sensitizer materials with different dimensionalities ranging from 0D-3D and highlight the differences of each upconversion system.

Dickerson Biochemistry Seminar - Carolyn Wu
2023-04-21 15:30 - 16:30 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Rodriguez/S. Clarke Group
Quinlan Group

Houk-Jung Organic Colloquium 247: Yiming Wang
2023-04-20 16:00 - 17:00 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Wang Flyer
Cationic Late Transition Metal Complexes for Selective α-C–H Functionalization
Abstract: We describe the discovery and development of catalytic α-C–H functionalization reactions of simple unsaturated hydrocarbons, including alkynes, alkenes, and allenes, using cationic cyclopentadienyliron(II) dicarbonyl complexes. These complexes enable the development of a new mode of catalytic C–H functionalization in which metal coordination to a π-bond facilitates the deprotonation of a neighboring C–H bond. The implementation of this strategy resulted in mild, functional group tolerant, and regioselective transformations for the coupling of unsaturated hydrocarbons with aldehydes, iminiums, and other readily available or easily accessed carbon electrophiles. Investigations into the reaction mechanism and the discovery and optimization of new ligand systems are discussed. Extensions of this approach to other transition metal catalysts for stereoselective transformations are also described.

Inorganic Chemistry Student Exit Seminars: Ben Hoar and Danlei Xiang
2023-04-19 16:00 - 17:30 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Flyer: Inorganic Chemistry Student Exit Seminars – Chong Liu Group Flyer

Chem 263 Seminars in Chemical Biology: Dr. Chau Ngo
2023-04-18 16:00 - 17:00 | Young Hall 2033

Physical Chemistry Seminar 228: Prineha Narang
2023-04-17 16:00 - 17:00 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Narang Flyer
Predicting Electron Hydrodynamics and Signatures of Unconventional Transport
Abstract: The re-invigorated field of electron hydrodynamics in quantum matter has recently garnered considerable scientific interest, both due to its technological promise of designing near dissipation-less nanoelectronics, as well as its fundamental importance as an experimental probe of strong electron-electron interactions. Investigating the capacity to which observations of electron hydrodynamic flows can inform the nature of electron-electron interactions is particularly important and timely with the advent of spatially-resolved transport measurements which, having demonstrated the hallmark spatial signature of electron hydrodynamic channel flow, must now turn their attention to studying more spatially-complex geometries, enabling the observation of intricate fluid phenomena such as vortices. Recently we have explored the effects of crystal symmetry on electron fluid behaviors starting from the most general viscosity tensors in two and three dimensions, constrained only by crystal symmetry and thermodynamics. In our work we demonstrate the anomalous landscape for electron hydrodynamics in systems beyond graphene, highlighting that previously-thought exotic fluid phenomena can exist in both two-dimensional and anisotropic three-dimensional materials with or without breaking time-reversal symmetry. In this context, the first part of my talk will discuss our recent predictions of hydrodynamics beyond graphene, especially the role of phonons in hydrodynamics in Weyl semimetals. We identify phonon-mediated electron-electron interactions, computed with techniques developed in the group that I will discuss in this talk, as critical in a microscopic understanding of hydrodynamics. The second part of my talk will introduce a new theoretical and computational transport framework from our group, the SpaRTaNS (Spatially Resolved Transport of Nonequilibrium Species) framework. I will discuss applications of this method in nonequilibrium electron and phonon transport in quantum matter. Time permitting, building on our recent work in magnetic Weyl semimetals, I will discuss possible approaches to understand and realize axion physics in condensed-matter systems.

Distinguished Lecture Series: Ben Feringa
2023-04-13 16:00 - 17:00 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Feringa DLS Flyer PDF
The Art of Building Small

Jeffrey I. Zink Inorganic Chemistry Seminar Series: Keith Keitz
2023-04-12 16:00 - 17:30 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Flyer: Prof. Keith Keitz Flyer
Title: Expanding Cellular Metabolism through Extracellular Electron Transfer
Abstract: Qualities exhibited by living systems, including self-regulation, self-healing, morphology control, and environmental responsiveness, are highly attractive from a material design perspective. However, biological materials including biofilms and tissues are generally less robust and more difficult to engineer than synthetic materials. Bridging these seemingly disparate properties could enhance the vast functional space of engineered materials with living characteristics. Paradoxically, such designs require methods to program genetic and transcriptional responses to control non-biological material properties. Addressing this challenge, our lab employs techniques from microbiology, synthetic biology, and metabolic engineering to control extracellular electron transfer (EET), a form of microbial respiration in which extracellular metals and metal oxides are used as terminal electron acceptors. Using the model electroactive bacterium Shewanella oneidensis, we coopt EET to establish metabolic and genetic control over a variety of redox-driven catalytic reactions. Specifically, we show that S. oneidensis can activate controlled radical polymerizations to form well-defined synthetic homopolymers, block copolymers, and crosslink hydrogels. We also show that EET can control alternative synthetic reactions, including Cu-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition. Finally, we establish that these reactions can be placed under transcriptional control using genetic circuits that regulate the expression of EET-relevant electron transfer proteins. Ultimately, our efforts demonstrate how the chemical reaction space available to bacteria can be expanded using EET and how this novel form of bacterial respiration can endow synthetic materials with the properties of living systems.

Jeffrey I. Zink Inorganic Chemistry Seminar Series: Lior Sepunaru
2023-04-05 16:00 - 17:30 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Flyer: Prof. Lior Sepunaru Flyer
Title: From molecular electrocatalysis to electro-assembly
Abstract: When we think about electrochemistry, we mostly think about batteries. However, electrochemistry has been experiencing a renaissance in many other subdisciplines of chemistry in the last few years. In this talk, I will introduce the concept of nanoelectrochemistry and how it is used for detecting and quantifying freely diffusing species in solution. Together we will learn how this method can help understand catalysis at the nanoscale and how this method can be used for detecting any species, one at a time, and by that, learning about catalysts’ heterogeneity. After that, I will describe our recent collaborative effort to use electricity as an external trigger to neutralize biomolecules, altering their secondary structure and assembling them. The concept is similar to what Frankenstein tried to do with his (gentle) monster, but we do that on a molecular scale. Overall, the primary motivation is to share with you what electrochemistry offers beyond conventional electrical storage and power devices.

NSF Center for Integrated Catalysis: Careers in Green Chemistry Seminar Series - Stephanie Quan
2023-04-04 13:00 - 14:30
Flyer: TBD
Title: TBD
Abstract: TBD

Physical Chemistry Seminar 228: Dugan Hayes
2023-04-03 16:00 - 17:00 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Hayes Flyer
Time-resolved Spectroscopic Tools for Mechanistic Studies of Organic and Inorganic Photochemistry
Abstract: Ultrafast optical spectroscopies are powerful tools for characterizing electronic excited state dynamics in homogeneous photochemistry. When the system of interest contains a transition metal, we may also take advantage of the element specificity of X-ray spectroscopies to provide complementary information. I will provide two examples of recent work from my group that take advantage of the powerful combination of these techniques to disentangle photochemical and photophysical pathways. First, I will present our investigation of the Cu(I)-catalyzed [2 + 2] photocycloaddition reaction, which provides a simple, single-step route to cyclobutanes in organic syntheses. By observing the intermolecular dimerizations of two model olefins, we have found that this photocatalytic reaction may be directed along strikingly disparate trajectories through only very minor changes in substrate structure. These insights have since allowed us to overcome the limitations of intramolecular [2 + 2] photocyloadditions and thereby broaden the scope of such reactions. Next, I will present our work on the aqueous ferrate(VI) ion, a remarkable example of an air-stable hexavalent iron complex that is an excellent source of oxidizing potential in both catalysis and energy storage applications. We have identified the timescales, intermediates, and branching ratios for the competing photochemical and photophysical relaxation pathways of the ferrate(VI) ligand-to-metal charge transfer state, which will help guide environmental engineering efforts toward novel, non-toxic methods of oxidative water treatment. Finally, I will discuss how we have used organic chromophores as platforms for the discovery of novel photochemical reactions with unique regioselectivity and give several examples of such transformations.

Houk-Jung Organic Colloquium 247: Daniel T. Gryko
2023-04-03 15:00 - 16:00 | Mol Sci 3440, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
1,4-Dihydropyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrrole and Dipyrrolonaphthyridinedione – Novel Building Blocks for Optoelectronics
Abstract: Recently we have discovered and optimized the first practical synthesis of non-fused pyrrole[3,2-b]pyrroles via domino reaction of aldehydes, primary amines, and butane-2,3-dione.1 Six bonds are formed in heretofore unknown tandem process, which gives rise to substituted pyrrole[3,2-b]pyrroles – the ‘missing link’ on the map of aromatic heterocycles. Unparalleled simplicity and versatility of this one-pot reaction, non-chromatographic purification and superb optical properties (including strong violet, blue or green fluorescence both in solution as well as in the solid state), brought these molecules from virtual non-existence to the intensively investigated area functional π-systems. The parent 1,4-dihydro-pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrroles served as building block to construct various π-expanded analogs including nitrogen-embedded buckybowl with inverse Stone–Thrower–Wales topology2,3 and diindolo[2,3-b:2‘,3‘–f]pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrroles. These compounds constitute the most electron-rich ladder-type heteroacenes known to date – EHOMO was located at ca. −4.6 eV. Recently, we have proved that the dipyrrolonaphthyridinedione (DPND) core constitutes an excellent scaffold for the design of strongly fluorescent dyes or quadrupolar-type materials with large two-photon absorption (TPA) cross-sections (up to 5,180 GM).37 These properties result from an unusual arrangement of donor (pyrrole ring) and acceptor (carbonyl group) moieties within the DPND core.

NSF Center for Integrated Catalysis Careers in Green Chemistry Seminar Series: Selma Duhović
2023-03-24 13:00 - 14:30
Flyer: Dr. Selma Duhović Flyer
Title: At the Nexus of Science, Business, and Finance
Abstract: This webinar will tell the story of a slightly unconventional career path taken by Dr. Selma Duhović (Diaconescu Group, 2012). Dr. Duhovic will describe the choices she made, the opportunities she seized (and missed), the challenges she faced, and the competencies (acquired at UCLA) she used along the way. Her story is meant to expose students to different career trajectories on which chemistry students can thrive. Dr. Duhović received her Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry under the supervision of Prof. Paula Diaconescu, with whom she studied reactivity and electrochemical properties of organouranium complexes. She conducted her postdoctoral research with Prof. Mircea Dinca at MIT, where she studied metal organic frameworks.

Chem 278 Student Exit Seminar: Diaconescu Group - Shijie (Jenny) Deng and Yi Shen
2023-03-22 16:00 - 17:30 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Flyer: Student Exit Seminar Flyer – Diaconescu Group

Biochemistry Seminar Series - Prof. Francesca M. Marassi
2023-03-17 15:30 - 16:30 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Francesca Marassi Flyer (1)
Title: Calcification of protein-lipid assemblies in macular degeneration: Insights from NMR
Abstract: The ectopic deposits that form in age-related diseases, like macular degeneration, are rich in lipids and proteins involved in innate immunity, and this has been proposed to reflect an immune response to yet unidentified stress cues. Biomolecular NMR spectroscopy, combined with other biophysical methods and functional assays, can provide insights to the molecular interactions and mechanism for calcified deposit formation.

NSF Center for Integrated Catalysis Webinar Series: Matthew Conley
2023-03-16 13:00 - 14:30
Flyer: Prof. Matthew Conley Flyer
Title: An Organometallic Perspective on Surface Functionalization
Abstract: Generation of catalytically active sites on “inert” oxide supports is a robust methodology used by chemical industry togenerate heterogeneous catalysts that mediate most large-scale chemical processes. One of the most important, yetprosaic, features of some heterogeneous catalysts is the inability of active sites to “move” on the support, whichgenerates reactive site-isolated active sites that can have higher activity or selectivity than related homogeneouscatalysts. As chemists, how can we leverage this property in catalyst design? In this webinar I will describeimmobilization of organometallic species onto functionalized surfaces as a method to understand relevant industrialmodels for common Ziegler-type olefin polymerization catalysts (e.g. Cp 2 ZrCl 2 /AlR 3 /oxide) and to more generallyaccess cationic surface species.
