UCF Department of Chemistry

09/04/2026

🔬 UCF Chemistry research featured by SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory!

Congratulations to Dr. Tom Hopper, Assistant Professor of Chemistry at UCF, whose recent work published in Nature Photonics has been featured by SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory.

The study explores how high-energy electrons can generate exceptionally strong, ultrafast optical responses in semiconductors, with potential applications in advanced imaging, radiation detection, and sensing technologies.

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, operated by Stanford University for the U.S. Department of Energy, is one of the nation’s premier research centers for accelerator science, photon science, materials, and ultrafast phenomena.

It is great to see UCF Chemistry faculty research recognized through both a Nature Photonics publication and a feature from a leading U.S. national laboratory.
🔗 Read the SLAC feature:
https://www6.slac.stanford.edu/news/2026-09-03-ultrafast-electrons-and-lasers-open-possibilities-better-imaging-and-sensing

SLAC and Stanford scientists used ultrafast electrons and a laser to reveal an unexpectedly strong optical response to ionization, opening new possibilities for radiological imaging and sensing while shedding light on the fundamental behavior of materials.

09/03/2026

The UCF Materials Innovation for Sustainable Agriculture (MISA) Center and the Department of Chemistry are pleased to announce the Eleventh Annual MISA Symposium!
📅 Dates: October 10–11, 2026
📍 Location: Live Oak Event Center, University of Central Florida
🎟️ Cost: FREE registration (meals provided at the venue)
⏰ Registration Deadline: October 1, 2026

Each year, MISA brings together a vibrant community of scientists, industry professionals, regulatory representatives, and growers.
This symposium, led by Dr. Swadeshmukul Santra, offers a premier platform for students, postdocs, research scientists, and faculty to collaborate on emerging agricultural challenges and explore novel materials and tools for crop protection and sustainable farming.
We strongly encourage students and postdoctoral researchers to join us, present their ideas, and network with leading experts in the field.
🔗 Register today and secure your spot by Oct 1.

09/02/2026

This summer, UCF Chemistry played a leading role in the inaugural Engineering and Radiochemistry for Nuclear Non-proliferation (ERNN) Summer School, where students from across the country gained hands-on experience in radiochemistry, nuclear chemistry, nuclear engineering, and nuclear nonproliferation.

The ERNN Summer School is dedicated to training the next generation of scientists and engineers in these critical fields through applied training and real-world learning experiences.
Congratulations to the UCF team that made it possible: Dr. Deborah Penchoff, ERNN director; Dr. Andres Campiglia, who contributed to curriculum development; Brittany Stieferman, who received an Outstanding Service Award for her teaching assistant duties; and Deanna Nguyen, Caroline del Barrio, Emily Willis, and Kaithlyne Nguyen, who contributed to the program's success.

08/31/2026

Today, our department will host Dr. Eli Chapman from the University of Florida. Dr. Chapman will present a seminar titled "Discovery of isoform selective HSP70 inhibitors."

Event Details
📅 Date: Monday, August 31
⏰Time: 9:00 AM
📍 Location: HS1 Room 112
🤝Host: Dr. Yu Yuan

08/28/2026

Huge congratulations to our very own Professor Xiaohu Xia on being named an Associate Member of the Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine of Florida (ASEMFL)! 🎉

Dr. Xia is recognized for his groundbreaking work combining nanomaterials and fundamental chemistry research, driving innovations in healthcare applications that will have a lasting impact on people's lives.

He is one of eight exceptional UCF faculty members selected for the 2026 cohort, representing the top academics and practitioners shaping the future of science and technology in our state. UCF Office of Research UCF College of Sciences

08/24/2026

We are excited to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the UCF Department of Chemistry’s Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) Training Program! 🎉

What began as a grassroots effort has grown into a cornerstone of our commitment to undergraduate education and graduate professional development.
Led by Dr. Erin Saitta and co-coordinated by Dr. Noah Froelich—a fantastic example of a former trainee returning as a faculty collaborator—this program equips our GTAs with practical teaching tools, safety training, and evidence-based instructional strategies.

To date, over 200 graduate students have completed the program, directly impacting our undergraduate chemistry courses and shaping the next generation of educators.

Thank you to Dr. Saitta, Dr. Froelich, and all of our incredible GTAs past and present for your dedication, enthusiasm, and talent in the classroom! 🧪✨

08/19/2026

Our department welcomes its newest faculty member, Dr. Salina Som, who joins UCF Chemistry as a Lecturer in Organic Chemistry!

Dr. Som earned my bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Florida, where she conducted research at the USDA Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology (USDA-ARS CMAVE). After graduation, she worked at SiVance before pursuing graduate studies at the University of Central Florida, where she earned her Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry. She is also a recipient of the Gates Millennium Scholarship and an Asian & Pacific Islander American (APIA) Scholarship.

https://sciences.ucf.edu/chemistry/person/salina-som/

Dr. Som earned my bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Florida, where she conducted research at the USDA Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology (USDA-ARS CMAVE). After graduation, she worked at SiVance before pursuing graduate studies at the University of Cent...

08/17/2026

Our department welcomes its newest faculty member, Dr. Venkatesh Telugu!
Dr. Telugu joins UCF Chemistry as a Lecturer for Organic Chemistry and brings with him a wealth of professional preparation: he obtained his PhD in Organic Chemistry from CSIR-IICT, India and dis his postdoctoral training at UCLA and UCF.
Welcome to the department Dr. Telugu!
https://sciences.ucf.edu/chemistry/person/venkatesh-telugu/

Dr. Venkatesh Telugu’s research focuses on the total synthesis of natural products in organic chemistry. He teaches Organic Chemistry and related courses. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from CSIR-IICT, India, in 2021. Later, he did postdoctoral research at UCLA and OSU. Publications: Khong, S.; ...

08/14/2026

We are proud to recognize UCF Chemistry graduate student Lucy Hunley, who has been invited to participate with U.S. Women in Nuclear (U.S. WIN) for the third consecutive year and continues to be an active member of the organization!

U.S. WIN supports and advances women across the nuclear field through mentorship, professional development, leadership, and networking.
For graduate students like Lucy, this involvement provides valuable opportunities to connect with leaders across the nuclear enterprise and build relationships and skills that will support their future careers.

Congratulations, Lucy, for your commitment and engagement and for representing University of Central Florida and UCF Chemistry so well!
UCF College of Graduate Studies UCF College of Sciences

07/29/2026

👏 Big congratulations to our graduate student, Lucy Hunley on being selected for the 2026 Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) Rising Stars Program! 🌟
Organized by the NEA, this prestigious program is dedicated to empowering and mentoring the next generation of women leaders in the nuclear field.
As part of this honor, Lucy will be heading to Canadian Nuclear Laboratories in Chalk River, Ontario, this October to attend the annual Rising Stars Workshop. 🎉