The University of Iowa Chemistry Dept.

09/30/2026

Harindu Rajapaksha, who recently completed his doctorate in chemistry, is the winner of the Graduate College’s 2026 D.C. Spriestersbach Dissertation Prize in the category of Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Engineering. His research focuses on better understanding the behavior and stability of elements found in nuclear waste in an effort to improve its management.

"The University of Iowa gave me opportunities that extended far beyond the classroom. My advisors trusted me to pursue ambitious research projects, collaborate with national laboratories, and present my work at conferences around the world."

Read more about Harindu and his experience at the link below.

Congratulations, Harindu!

Harindu Rajapaksha, PhD, is working to improve our understanding of nuclear waste for safer storage, recycling, and management.

09/29/2026

Scientific glassblower, Benj Revis, and Electrical Project Engineer, Mike Estenson, have been featured in a new CLAS article highlighting our shops and their services for all facets of campus.

Glass, electronics, engineering, and machine shops support everything from scientific research to art installations.

09/25/2026

The Department of Chemistry at the University of Iowa solicits applications to fill two tenure-track faculty positions at the assistant professor level. Prospective candidates are sought whose research focuses in areas broadly related to radiochemistry with an anticipated start date of August 18, 2027.

Candidates with expertise in all areas of chemistry are encouraged to apply.

Jobs@UIOWA: The official place to search and apply for jobs at The University of Iowa.

09/15/2026

Department of Chemistry faculty Korey Carter & Pere Miro have been featured in an Iowa NOW article about their research with terbium and how the element can be isolated and expand its use, particularly with quantum technology.

“Our findings highlight the ability to do transformative research at the University of Iowa, and they provide a platform to extend the chemistry to the actinide series in UI radiochemistry laboratories,” Carter says.

A University of Iowa-led chemistry team has developed a simpler, less expensive way to isolate terbium, a rare-earth element essential to technologies ranging from smartphone screens to X-rays. The breakthrough could expand access to this critical material, potentially accelerating advances in in...

09/15/2026

The Women Chemists Committee (WCC) of the American Chemical Society has selected Professor Bess Vlaisavljevich to be a recipient of the 2027 WCC Rising Star Award for excellence in the scientific enterprise. This award recognizes nine exceptional women scientists this year who are approaching mid-level careers across all sectors (academic, industrial, and government) who have demonstrated outstanding promise for contributions to their respective fields. She will be formally recognized for this honor at the 2027 Spring ACS Meeting in New Orleans, LA in March.

Congratulations, Bess!

The Women Chemists Committee (WCC) of the American Chemical Society has selected Bess Vlaisavljevich to be a recipient of the 2027 WCC Rising Star Award for excellence in the scientific enterprise. This award recognizes nine exceptional women scientists this year who are approaching mid-level...

09/14/2026

Prof. Dave Wiemer has retired after a productive & historic 48-year faculty career.

This year Professor David Wiemer closes the doors on an epic University of Iowa chemistry faculty career that spans 48 years (wow!!), which is longer than any other chemistry professor. He arrived as an Assistant Professor in 1978, coming to us from an NIH postdoctoral fellowship at Cornell...

09/14/2026

Congratulations to Prof. Mark Arnold, who has recently retired after a successful & multi-faceted 44 years at the University of Iowa.

Professor Mark Arnold has wrapped up a successful and multi-faceted 44-year faculty career at the University of Iowa and we wish him the best as he moves on to some hopefully equally engaging and enjoyable retirement adventures! Professor Arnold started his faculty career in our Department of...

08/29/2026

Fun times at our annual Welcome Back Picnic this afternoon! It is always fun to get everyone together, have some delicious food, and relax as a department. Drop your pictures in the comments if you took any! Thanks for coming out everyone!

🧺🍴🧪👩🏻‍🔬⚗️

08/28/2026

Dishan Das (Margulis group) received the Best Poster Award at ACS Physical Division at the ACS National Fall 2026 meeting this past week in Chicago. Congratulations, Dishan!

08/28/2026

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Department of Chemistry are seeking a Chemistry Lab Coordinator (Instructional Services Coordinator).

Reporting to the Administrator of Undergraduate Instruction, this position supports the daily operation of undergraduate instructional laboratories and preparation facilities. The role coordinates laboratory preparation, chemical and solution preparation, inventory management, equipment readiness, safety compliance, and instructional support activities for freshmen chemistry laboratory courses. The Laboratory Coordinator works closely with faculty, teaching assistants, staff, and student employees to help maintain a safe, efficient, and student-focused laboratory environment.

Join our team and contribute to an exceptional undergraduate learning experience.

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Department of Chemistry are seeking a Chemistry Lab Coordinator (Instructional Services...