ECU Department of Chemistry

08/24/2026

🔬⚗️ The Department of Chemistry kicked off its Fall Seminar Series on August 21 with our annual Chemistry Lightning Talks!

More than 45 undergraduate and graduate students got a glimpse into the exciting research happening across the department as Drs. Morehead, Hughes, Kennedy, Pajski, and Offenbacher shared highlights from their labs.

We're excited to continue the series on Friday, August 28, with special guest Dr. Jared Keever (BA CHEM ’17, MS CHEM ’19), a proud two-time alumnus of ECU Chemistry. We look forward to welcoming him back to campus to share his journey and expertise with our students.

💜💛 Stay tuned for more seminars and opportunities to connect with researchers throughout the semester!

08/19/2026

ECU Chemistry welcomes one of our largest-ever cohorts of new graduate students for the 2026-27 academic year. Pictured here with returning M.S. and Ph.D. students, along with faculty members Dr. Colin Burns, Dr. Robert Hughes, Dr. Felicia Jaimes, and Department Chair Dr. Andrew Morehead.

Best of luck to everyone! 💜

08/17/2026

🧪💜 Welcome Back, Pirates!

The Department of Chemistry is excited to welcome our students back for another semester of learning, discovery, and research! Whether you’re taking your first chemistry course or returning to continue your research, we’re looking forward to all the opportunities and accomplishments this semester will bring.

Wishing everyone a fantastic first day of classes and a successful semester ahead! ⚗️💜🏴‍☠️

07/24/2026

Ryan Pepperman and Ayden Buechler of the Morehead Group presented a poster showcasing their organometallic catalysis research at the 5th Annual ECU Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium (SURS)! 🎉

The symposium celebrated the outstanding scholarship of undergraduate researchers and their faculty mentors from across the university, and Ryan and Ayden were proud to represent ECU Chemistry.

Congratulations on a great presentation and an excellent representation of our department! 🧪👏

07/17/2026

The Department of Chemistry is saddened by the passing of William Phillip “Phil” Hodges, a distinguished East Carolina University alumnus, successful entrepreneur, and dedicated supporter of education. Phil's impact extended far beyond his professional accomplishments, touching the lives of students, colleagues, and communities throughout eastern North Carolina.

Through his generosity and commitment to giving back, Phil helped create opportunities for future generations of ECU students. His legacy will continue through the Phil and Lisa Hodges Scholarship, which reflects Phil and Lisa's shared belief in the power of education and their dedication to helping students achieve their goals.

We are deeply grateful for Phil's support of the Department of Chemistry and for the lasting difference he has made in the lives of so many students. On behalf of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Hodges family and all who knew and loved him.

Phil's legacy of generosity, leadership, and service will continue to inspire future generations of Pirates.

https://www.biggsfuneral.com/obituary/william-hodges

07/15/2026

🔬✨ Student Spotlight: Greta Bublitz ✨🔬

ECU junior Greta Bublitz is a Chemistry, and German Studies double major whose curiosity has led her to undergraduate cancer research, student leadership, and a future career in pharmacy!

As president of the Chemistry Club, Greta shares her passion for science with fellow students while contributing to innovative cancer research.

Read more about Greta's research, leadership, and journey to pharmacy: https://news.ecu.edu/2026/07/14/student-greta-bublitz/

07/01/2026

Congratulations to Dhwani Hada (’26, BA Chemistry) on this outstanding achievement! We’re excited to see what’s ahead in her next chapter! 🎉

Dhwani Hada "got hooked" by the Wake Forest University School of Medicine where she will receive her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. Dhwani graduated this May with degrees in neuroscience, psychology and chemistry.

06/04/2026

💜 Student Spotlight: Savannah Perry 💛

Savannah Perry is turning challenges into success at ECU — and Dr. Brian Love played a key role in that journey. With his support in Organic Chemistry II, she gained confidence and now gives back by helping other students succeed.

From the classroom to her work as an EMT, Savannah is a true example of Pirate perseverance and service.

📖 Read more: https://news.ecu.edu/2026/04/20/student-savannah-perry/

Student Savannah Perry found her way to East Carolina University after realizing she needed a change.

06/02/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Dr. Adam R. Offenbacher! 🎉

Dr. Offenbacher, of ECU’s Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences, has been recognized as a 2026 Treasured Pirate Award recipient in the category of innovative spirit.

His quantum biology course-based undergraduate research experiences (CURES) course has inspired students across majors and is now being replicated at other institutions. Through the development of groundbreaking enzyme analysis tools and a major industry contract with the Toyota Research Institute, Dr. Offenbacher is helping bring ECU science to the national stage.

👏 We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition and his continued impact on students and research at ECU!

🔗 Read more:

Treasured Pirates making outstanding contributions to ECU’s mission, and faculty and staff with 30+ years of state service were honored.

05/19/2026

We’re thrilled to celebrate BA Chemistry major Greta Bublitz on her acceptance into the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy Early Assurance Program! Congratulations on this exciting achievement—we can’t wait to see all that’s ahead for you! 🎉

Congratulations to and Harriot College students Greta Bublitz, Jaylen Queen and Annika Rogov❗
(ECU Department of Biology, ECU Department of Chemistry, ECU Department of Foreign Languages & Literatures)

These bright, pre-health professionals have been accepted to the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy Early Assurance Program 🎉

Learn more about the program ➡️ https://unc.live/3PwhZku