UCLA

Special Seminar: Research in Chemical Education and STEM Pedagogy: Mr. Song Wang
2023-05-02 14:30 - 15:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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.

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

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 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

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.

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

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.

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

Jeffrey I. Zink Inorganic Chemistry Seminar Series: Quentin Michaudel
2023-05-10 16:00 - 17:30 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Flyer: Prof. Quentin Michaudel Flyer
Title: Modern Organic Reactions for Precise (Macro)molecular Synthesis
Abstract: Progress in healthcare, clean energy, and sustainable materials is driven by the synthesis of molecules of ever-increasing complexity. Research in the Michaudel group centers on the invention of polymerization methods that allow for precise control over macromolecular architecture (i.e., monomer composition, molecular weight distribution, stereochemistry) as a means to tailor the properties, function, and recyclability of soft materials. In parallel, my group develops approaches to the functionalization of fine chemicals, including bioactive and drug-like molecules. Our projects are grounded in fundamental mechanistic considerations with an aim to develop synthetic tools applicable to small organic compounds and macromolecules alike. This presentation will cover our recent work in SuFEx click reactions, stereoselective olefin metathesis, and heterocyclic aryne chemistry.

Chem 218 Student Exit Seminar: Tianren Yu
2023-05-11 12:00 - 13:00 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States

Houk-Jung Organic Colloquium 247: Thomas Maimone
2023-05-11 16:00 - 17:00 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Maimone Flyer
Synthetic Studies of Complex Natural Products
Abstract: Natural products continue to provide inspiration for improved synthetic design processes and novel methodologies, and also serve as potential leads for medicinal chemistry exploration and drug discovery. This talk will highlight efficient total syntheses of biologically active natural products with a focus on the enabling synthetic strategies. The use of complex natural products for non-natural purposes of relevance to chemical biology will also be discussed.

Dickerson Biochemistry Seminar - Flowreen Shikwana and Connor Short
2023-05-12 15:30 - 16:30 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
05.12.23 Shikwana and Short Flyer

Physical Chemistry Seminar 228: Lauren Marbella
2023-05-15 16:00 - 17:00 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Marbella Flyer

Special Seminar: Research in Chemical Education and STEM Pedagogy: Dr. Jennifer Casey
2023-05-16 16:00 - 17:00 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Flyer: Dr. Jennifer Casey Flyer
Title: Implementing Effective and Inclusive Group Work in the STEM Classroom
Abstract: Students learn more and earn higher grades in student-centered, collaborative instruction than in lecture-based instruction. Research also suggests that group work may improve equity in course outcomes. Given the many documented benefits of collaborative learning, instructors have good reason to integrate group work into their classrooms, however, incorporating this form of active learning in large classroom settings can be difficult. Additionally, a critical aspect is being overlooked – is incorporating group work enough, or are specific aspects of implementation required in order to achieve a desired outcome? While the literature contains many recommendations for high-impact practices, my work focuses on investigating which features are critical for obtaining an intended outcome, as well as determining who truly benefits from these interventions. In this seminar, we will specifically focus on the impact of group work on student engagement in remote chemistry classrooms, as well as the effect group work has on student sense of belonging across multiple STEM disciplines. The picture that emerges is one that underscores the importance of having thoughtful and deliberate integration of group work into a course – preliminary data suggests having students simply work in groups is insufficient to see improved student outcomes. Depending on the overall goal an instructor is hoping to achieve, they may need to focus on different elements of supportive group work. Furthermore, it is important that we confirm whether the practices we are using are having the desired impact given the effort required to implement structured group work, especially in high-enrollment courses.

Jeffrey I. Zink Inorganic Chemistry Seminar Series: Jerome Robinson
2023-05-17 16:00 - 17:30 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Flyer: Prof. Jerome Robinson Flyer
Title: Catalyst RE-Design: Dynamic, Reactive, and Selective Systems for Oxygenated (Co)Polymer Synthesis
Abstract: Polymer waste has quickly become one of our society’s largest looming environmental concerns, where an estimated 4.9 GTons of polymer waste currently exist in the environment. Central to addressing this challenge is the generation of polymers with robust materials properties that also embed or encode end-of-use. Oxygenated (co)polymers such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are naturally occurring and fully bioresorbable polymers with promising properties, yet their efficient and cost-effective stereospecific synthesis remains challenging. In this talk, I will share some of our group’s recent advances in catalyst development for the synthesis of oxygenated (co)polymers. Specifically, we’ll discuss new catalyst design strategies which fully leverage the unique properties of the rare-earth elements (group III and the lanthanides) to generate systems which are highly dynamic, reactive, and selective.

Chem 218 Student Exit Seminar: Natalie Kashanchi
2023-05-18 12:00 - 13:00 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States

Houk-Jung Organic Colloquium 247: Joshua Kritzer
2023-05-18 16:00 - 17:00 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Kritzer Flyer
Designing Stapled Peptides that Control Autophagy
Abstract: Autophagy is a cellular recycling process important for health and disease, and a major focus for new types of targeted protein degradation. The Kritzer Lab has used structure-based design to develop stapled peptides that bind the critical autophagy proteins LC3B and GABARAP with nanomolar affinities. Small changes in staple structure produced ligands with very different binding modes, leading to differences in paralog selectivity. The stapled peptides exhibited considerable cytosolic penetration and resistance to biological degradation. They also reduced autophagic flux in cultured ovarian cancer cells and sensitized ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin. These small, potent stapled peptides represent promising autophagy-modulating compounds that can be developed as novel cancer therapeutics and novel mediators of targeted protein degradation.

Dickerson Biochemistry Seminar - Nina Harpell and Kayla Rich
2023-05-19 15:30 - 16:30 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
05.19.23 Harpell and Rich Flyer

MACS Careers in Chemistry Seminar Series | Dr. Mihaela Balseanu | ASM
2023-05-19 16:00 - 17:00 | Mol Sci 3440, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States

Physical Chemistry Seminar 228: Aaswath Raman
2023-05-22 16:00 - 17:00 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Prof. Raman Flyer
Nanophotonic Control of Thermal Emission and Radiative Cooling Applications
Abstract: Thermal emission is a ubiquitous light emission process whose control is of central importance to a broad range of energy, heat transfer and imaging applications. In this talk, I will describe my group’s recent work on controlling the directional and spectral characteristics of thermal emission using nanophotonic strategies. Recent work demonstrating how infrared emissivity can be arbitrarily controlled using graded-doped III-V semiconductor films will be discussed. I will also introduce new energy and climate resilience capabilities enabled by these kinds of material capabilities, in particular highlighting our body of work on radiative cooling for building efficiency as well as desalination applications.

Chem 263 Seminars in Chemical Biology: Hayden Montgomery
2023-05-23 16:00 - 17:30 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States

Jeffrey I. Zink Inorganic Chemistry Seminar Series: Yulia Zaikina
2023-05-24 16:00 - 17:30 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Flyer: Dr. Yulia Zaikina Flyer
Title: Hard-to-make solids from unconventional synthetic routes
Abstract: Materials discovery can be accelerated by the development of synthesis methods and in-situ characterization techniques allowing for the rapid “screening” of multicomponent systems, while theoretical predictions of new compounds’ structure and thermodynamic stability can yield the desired roadmap for the targeted synthesis. However, the sluggish kinetics of solid-state reactions entails the necessity of high temperatures and long annealing times, often leading to the stabilization of the thermodynamically stable products. We are interested in unconventional synthesis methods toward solid-state materials, using reactive, salt-like precursors. Our synthesis is guided by real-time reaction monitoring and theoretical predictions. I will show how new ternary compounds containing alkali metals (Li, Na, K) can be discovered using this approach. I will further discuss their structural features established by comprehensive diffraction methods, and physical properties.

Chem 218 Student Exit Seminar: Austin Bailey
2023-05-25 12:00 - 13:00 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States

Houk-Jung Organic Colloquium 247: Brian Liau
2023-05-25 16:00 - 17:00 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Liau Flyer
Unraveling Chromatin Complexes with Small Molecules
Abstract: The orchestrated interactions of chromatin complexes and transcription factors shape the cell’s epigenome to control gene expression and cell state. Dysregulation of these complexes and their interactions underlie human disease, and new therapeutic approaches to modulate them by blocking or even creating interactions are transforming paradigms for drug discovery. Beyond their potential as therapeutics, these small molecules are powerful tools to dissect the function and regulation of chromatin complexes. By combining genome-editing with chemical inhibitor profiling in an approach called CRISPR-suppressor scanning, we describe the systematic identification of drug resistance alleles across protein targets, including chromatin complexes. These drug resistance alleles not only confirm on-target engagement but can be used as powerful discovery tools to uncover new principles and aspects of chromatin complex biology. In this seminar, I will describe how the application of these approaches in combination with deeper mechanistic investigation has led to unexpected biological discoveries that reshape our views on targeting chromatin modifying enzymes for therapeutics.

Dickerson Biochemistry Seminar - Niko Vlahakis and Kelsey Feustel
2023-05-26 15:30 - 16:30 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
05.26.23 Vlahakis and Feustel Flyer

MACS Careers in Chemistry Seminar Series | Dr. Mihaela Bojin | University of Iowa
2023-05-26 16:00 - 17:00 | Mol Sci 3440, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
26May2023 MACS Careers in Chemistry Seminar

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

Jeffrey I. Zink Inorganic Chemistry Seminar Series: Rebecca J. Abergel
2023-05-31 13:00 - 14:30 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Flyer: Prof. Rebecca Abergel Flyer
Title: Heavy elements in nature: from waste management to precision medicine
Abstract: From the potential contamination of individuals with radioactive fission products after a nuclear accident to the therapeutic use of radioisotopes for cancer diagnostics and treatment, the nuclear, coordination, and biological chemistry of actinides have become increasingly relevant to a number of applied problems. Understanding the fundamental bonding interactions of selective metal assemblies presents a rich set of scientific challenges and is critical to the characterization of f-element coordination chemistry, and to the development of highly efficient separation reagents or new therapeutic agents. Our approach to these challenges uses a combination of biochemical and spectroscopic studies on both in vitro and in vivo systems to characterize and tune the selective binding of man-made, f-block metal ions by natural and biomimetic ligand architectures. These studies will be discussed with a focus on emerging applications in separation, isotope production, and medicine.

Chemistry and Biochemistry Departmental Award Ceremony
2023-05-31 15:00 - 18:00 | CNSI Auditorium
Join the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry for our annual Departmental Award Ceremony!
We are honored to recognize the achievements and research done by our Undergraduate/Graduate/Postdoctoral Researchers, as well as the leadership and administrative contributions from our Faculty and Staff throughout the 2022-2023 Academic Year.
We hope to see you at this celebratory Award Ceremony!

Chem 218 Student Exit Seminar: Danny Robertson
2023-06-01 12:00 - 13:00 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
