Department of Chemistry at Washington State University

09/17/2026

Recently Published to the Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS):
“Doubly Reduced Arene as a Platform for Th(II) and Zr(II) Synthons: M–Arene δ-Bonding Governs Divergent Two-Electron Reactivity”

https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.6c13463

In this work, Dr. Ian A. Haltom, Dr. Chad Studvick, Dr. Sourav Dey, Prof. Ivan Popov, and Prof. James Boncella show how arene can serve as an electron reservoir, enabling access to Th(II) and Zr(II) synthons through M–arene δ-bonding. Despite their structural similarities, the valence-isoelectronic Th and Zr complexes display markedly different two-electron reactivity toward benzyl bromide, azobenzene, and H₂. Whereas DFT showed only minor differences in M–arene π and δ interactions, CASSCF reveals clear differences in the arene π* orbital populations, as well as in the magnitude and orbital character of the metal contributions to the M–arene δ interaction.

Congratulations to Dr. Ian A. Haltom, Dr. Chad Studvick, Dr. Sourav Dey, Prof. Ivan Popov, and Prof. James Boncella!

09/15/2026

Dr. Ivan Popov is proud to share a new first-author paper by his Ph.D. student, Chad Studvick, now published in Inorganic Chemistry!

https://pubs.acs.org/inocaj/article/doi/10.1021/acs.inorgchem.6c02332/5429677/Disentangling-Electronic-Interactions-in-f7

This work grew out of Chad’s 10-week summer 2025 internship at ORNL with Dr. Cristian Celis-Barros. In that short time, Chad completed a theory-driven study of the electronic structure and spectroscopy of f7 lanthanide and actinide complexes, including Gd(III), Tb(IV), Cm(III), and Bk(IV).

The study examines how electron–electron repulsion, spin–orbit coupling, ligand-field strength, oxidation state, and metal identity shape f–f excited states and covalency. Chad also expanded his computational expertise through LFDFT, CASSCF, and NEVPT2 approaches.

Congratulations to Dr. Chad Studvick and Dr. Cristian Celis-Barros!

Abstract. In this work, we demonstrate through computational spectroscopic analysis of four experimentally accessible f7 ions within complexes (GdIII, TbIV

08/10/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Chemistry’s newest PhD graduates! 🎓

Please join us in celebrating:

🔬 Dr. Elizabeth Groetsema (Dr. Brian Clowers’ Research Group)
🔬 Dr. Matthew Heaney (Dr. Xiaofeng Guo’s Research Group)
🔬 Dr. Ryanne Ballard (Dr. Cliff Berkman’s Research Group)

Their hard work, perseverance, and dedication to scientific discovery have culminated in this outstanding achievement. We are proud of all they have accomplished and look forward to seeing the impact they will make in their future careers.

Congratulations, Doctors! 👏

07/30/2026

🎓 WSU Chemistry Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Kamal Seneviratne

Washington State University Chemistry alumnus Dr. Kamal Seneviratne continues to make an impact in biomedical research and higher education.

A member of Dr. Cliff Berkman's research group, Kamal earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from WSU in 2017. Following graduation, he completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where he further developed his expertise in biomedical and translational research.

Today, Dr. Seneviratne leads his own independent research laboratory at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). He also holds a secondary appointment with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and is affiliated with the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

His laboratory's innovative research is currently supported by funding from the Maryland Stem Cell Research Foundation and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) at the NIH.

We are proud to see WSU Chemistry alumni advancing scientific discovery and training the next generation of researchers. Congratulations to Dr. Seneviratne on his continued success!

🔬 Learn more about his research: https://seneviratnelab.umbc.edu/

07/22/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Dr. Kirk Peterson on his election to the Washington State Academy of Sciences! This well-deserved honor recognizes his outstanding contributions to science and his innovative work developing highly accurate computational methods for understanding the properties of rare and complex materials.

A special thank you to Dr. K.W. Hipps for recognizing and highlighting his colleague’s groundbreaking research. We celebrate this achievement and the impact Dr. Kirk Peterson continues to have on advancing scientific discovery.

Link: https://washacad.org/new-members-elected-to-wsas/

👏🔬

07/16/2026

🧪🔍 Turn Clues into Conclusions with Forensic Chemistry a UCORE Designated Course!

Ever wonder how investigators identify unknown substances, analyze evidence, or help solve crimes? Forensic chemistry uses chemical knowledge and techniques to help investigators uncover the truth hidden in fingerprints, gun powder residues, drugs, trace evidence, fire debris, blood analysis and more.

In forensic chemistry courses, you'll:
✅ Analyze evidence using modern laboratory techniques
✅ Learn how chemistry supports criminal investigations
✅ Explore drug analysis, gun powder residue, fire debris, DNA, and trace evidence
✅ Build valuable observational, analytical, and science literacy skills
✅ Learn legal aspects of forensics including chain of custody, laws, and court testimony
✅ Prepare for careers in law enforcement and public safety

Whether you're fascinated by crime-solving techniques or interested in applying science to real-world problems, forensic chemistry offers a unique and exciting path.

Discover the science behind the evidence. Enroll in CHEM 104 – Forensic Chemistry today! Here is how to enroll: www.registrar.wsu.edu/add-classes/

07/10/2026

Chemistry is a gateway course. Whether you're pursuing nursing, pre-med, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, agriculture, environmental science, or engineering, chemistry provides essential knowledge and skills for success.

Take the next step toward your academic and professional goals and enroll today.

07/03/2026

Happy 4th of July from WSU Chemistry! 🇺🇸✨
May your day be as bright as strontium reds, barium greens, and sodium yellows.
Here’s to science, safety, and spectacular fireworks!

06/22/2026

🎉 Student Spotlight: John Hewitt 🎉

John Hewitt, a fourth-year Chemistry major with a math minor, earned the Gray Award at SURCA for his research on REE separation and REE fluoride formation in hydrothermal solutions! 👏

Mentored by Dr. Xiaofeng Guo and Dr. Natalie Yaw, John learned how to turn complex science into an engaging story—transforming presentations that once “put his roommates to sleep” into ones that sparked real interest and understanding.

Up next, John is heading to Los Alamos National Laboratory to continue his research—an exciting opportunity at the nation’s highest-funded national lab! 🧪

Way to go, John! 👏

06/15/2026

🎉 Student Spotlight: Claire Johahnson 🎉

Claire Johahnson, a Spring 2026 chemistry undergraduate, recently presented at her first SURCA and earned the Gray Award—sharing her research on “Synthesis Optimization of FPO42 – a Next-Generation Targeting Molecule for Prostate Cancer Therapeutics.” 👏

Mentored by Dr. Cliff Berkman, Claire took on the challenge of creating and presenting her very first poster, learning how to communicate complex OChem concepts to an audience without a chemistry background.

Originally from Seattle, Claire’s passion for chemistry began with her high school teacher, Dr. V, and continues to grow as she prepares for her next step—a Chemistry PhD at Oregon State University focused on drug development. 🧪

Claire says SURCA was a valuable experience that helped prepare her for the expectations of graduate school. Way to go, Claire! 👏