Over 300 scientists from around the world attended the UCLA Reception and Research Showcase at the American Chemical Society (ACS) National Meeting in San Diego on March 22, 2025.
The event took place from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Pacific Ballroom Foyer at the San Diego Marriott Marquis. A photo gallery from the event can be viewed here, and select photos can be viewed below.
The Research Showcase included a poster session presenting the work of 36 UCLA Chemistry & Biochemistry graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, each of whom also either gave a talk or presented a poster at the ACS conference. A PDF of the poster session booklet can be downloaded here.
Professor Ken Houk welcomed guests representing alumni, friends, current faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and students. He acknowledged faculty members who have been honored or have achieved notable accomplishments at this year’s ACS conference, as well as other recent award recipients (see below). To all the award recipients, Houk said, “Your incredible contributions to the world of chemistry and to your students are a source of pride for our department. The awards and recognitions you are receiving at this year’s ACS meeting are truly well deserved.”
The following faculty and alumni were acknowledged by Houk in his remarks:
- Professor Miguel García-Garibay, Dean of the Division of Physical Sciences and Senior Dean of the UCLA College, who received the 2025 ACS James Flack Norris Award in Physical Organic Chemistry.
- Professor Neil Garg, the Kenneth N. Trueblood Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry, received the 2025 David A. Evans Award for the Advancement and Education of Organic Synthesis. Garg is the inaugural recipient of this prestigious national award, which honors former UCLA Chemistry & Biochemistry faculty member, Professor David A. Evans.
- Professor Emerita Arlene Russell, who received the ACS Division of Chemical Education (CHED) 2025 Outstanding Service to the Division Award
- Professor Yi Tang, who received the 2025 Marvin J. Johnson Award in Microbial and Biochemical Technology from the ACS Division of Biochemical Technology (BIOT).
- Professor Sarah Tolbert received the 2023 Tolman Medal.
- Professor Justin Caram received the 2024 Early Award in Physical Chemistry.
- Postdoctoral researcher alumna, Professor Franziska Schoenebeck, Chair of Aachen, Germany, won the E. J. Corey Award for Organic Synthesis.
The department would like to thank departmental donors and endowed chairs: Prof. Stuart Conway (Michael & Alice Jung Endowed Chair In Medicinal Chemistry And Drug Discovery), Prof. Abby Doyle (Saul Winstein Chair in Organic Chemistry), Prof. Neil Garg (Kenneth N. Trueblood Endowed Chair in Chemistry and Biochemistry), Prof. Michael Jung (Walter and Shirley Wang Endowed Chair in Medicinal Drug Discovery), Prof. Ric Kaner (Dr. Myung Ki Hong Endowed Chair in Materials Innovation), Prof. Heather Maynard (Dr. Myung Ki Hong Endowed Chair in Polymer Sciences), and Prof. Patrick Harran (Donald J. and Jane M. Cram Chair in Organic Chemistry) whose generous support made the event possible.
Isaiah Gutierrez, the department’s event coordinator, organized the event, with staff members Kelsea Valerio and Brandon Lindo helping at the event.
All photos by Kelsea Valerio, unless otherwise noted.
