Virginia Tech College of Science

09/02/2026

Imagine the perfect adhesive 🪄🩹... It’s got to be recyclable and really, really sticky — until you don't need it anymore.

Then, p**f, it should go away.

John Matson, Joshua C. Worch, and their teams in the Virginia Tech Department of Chemistry are bringing adhesion dreams to life.

In two separate studies they developed super strong, degradable adhesives with fully recyclable backing.

They are continuing to refine the results of their collaboration, proving that research goes further when we work together—one of the main missions of the MII Macromolecules Innovation Institute, which connects polymer scientists
across different disciplines.

Graduate students driving this work include Isaac Addo, Clark Vu, Woojung Ham, and Udita Choudhury.

09/02/2026

The ATOMS Peer Mentor Program helps-first year science students find their footing by connecting them with upper-level peer mentors. Our program wants all students to feel welcomed, no matter their financial standing.

Your support helps us fund group activities, like visiting the local pumpkin festival, making the program accessible to all our participants.

Make a difference in our students' lives: https://go.vt.edu/usAXo

08/14/2026

Congratulations to Carla Finkielstein (Biological Sciences), Robin McCarley (Virginia Tech Department of Chemistry), and all the new inductees.

Seven Virginia Tech faculty members have been elected to the Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, recognizing their sustained contributions to research, innovation, education, and service to the Commonwealth of Virginia. 🙌

🔗: bit.ly/4qhcwfo

08/14/2026

Esteemed Professor Emeritus Harry Dorn passed on August 6, 2026. Dorn, an internationally recognized scientist, educator, mentor, and colleague, made an indelible impact on Virginia Tech and the field of chemistry that will be felt for generations.

Dorn's pioneering contributions to fullerene chemistry and carbon nanoscience helped shape an entire field of research. His curiosity, creativity, and dedication to scientific discovery inspired students, collaborators, and fellow researchers around the world.

Beyond his remarkable scientific achievements, Dorn was known for his generosity, enthusiasm, and commitment to mentoring others. He had a gift for sharing his passion for chemistry and encouraging those around him to think bigger, dig deeper, and remain curious.

Even in recent years, Dorn continued advancing knowledge through publications, collaborations, and new projects, including manuscripts still in development and a book he was reportedly writing.

Our thoughts are with Dorn's family, friends, former students, collaborators, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. We are grateful for his many contributions to science, to Virginia Tech, and to the countless lives he touched along the way.

Find his full obituary: https://www.mccoyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/harry-dorn/ #!/Obituary

08/07/2026

From pipes to pistons ✈️

Guoliang (Greg) Liu in the Virginia Tech Department of Chemistry is turning plastic into premium engine lubricant.

No exotic industrial catalysts required, and the resulting oil performs competitively with commercial synthetics on viscosity and friction.

Incredible research and teamwork! Check it out 👇

A Virginia Tech researcher has discovered how to upcycle plastic to engine oil. 👏

PVC is one of the world's most common plastics, but it's also one of the hardest to recycle. In a new Nature study, scientists developed a way to remove the chlorine from PVC and turn the remaining material into high-performance synthetic oils that rival commercial products.

🔗: go.vt.edu/ur0O3

07/22/2026

It's sticky, it sticks and stays stuck:

What began as a student-led research project in a polymer chemistry lab led to an unexpected discovery. While experimenting with bottlebrush polymers, researchers realized the material behaved differently. After putting it to the test, the results were striking. The material proved to be an exceptio...

05/18/2026

05/11/2026

Welcome to Virginia Tech’s observational astrophysics course. ✨

Here, students step into the Anderson Observatory to photograph galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters, then dive into the data to uncover what those images reveal about the universe.

05/11/2026

Michael Hochella '75, M.S. '77, University Distinguished Professor Emeritus has been elected as a member of the National Academy of Sciences.

He is among 120 members and 25 international members newly recognized for their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research.

🔗: go.vt.edu/uoQDC

04/17/2026

Burruss Hall has been the backdrop of countless Hokie moments – from first days on campus to graduation photos. Now you can build those memories at home. Make a gift of $30 or more to receive a limited-edition set of Burruss Hall micro building blocks. give.vt.edu/supportcos