USF Department of Chemistry

10/07/2026

Welcome to our new faculty member, Dr. Zois Syrgiannis featured here: https://www.usf.edu/arts-sciences/news/2026/sept-26/new-cas-faculty-are-poised-to-advance-strategic-university-priorities.aspx An assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry, Zois Syrgiannis develops advanced nanomaterials and nanomedicine technologies in his lab to improve how therapeutics are delivered and targeted in the body.

"I've always loved working in an academic environment and interacting with the next generation of scientists,” Syrgiannis said. “USF has been very welcoming and a place where I can work on translational research that makes the world better.”

Drawn to USF due to its commitment to interdisciplinary research, innovation and collaboration, Syrgiannis will also explore organic–inorganic hybrid systems such as peptide–polyoxometalate assemblies, fullerene-based materials and metal–organic frameworks to develop next-generation materials for medical and energy applications.

09/15/2026

🌎🧪 From USF Chemistry to Antarctica! ❄️

What happens when cutting-edge chemistry meets one of the most remote environments on Earth? Potentially, new possibilities for cancer treatment.

USF Chemistry Professor Bill Baker and the Baker Lab are studying an Antarctic marine organism containing a bacterium with promising anti-melanoma properties. A recent six-week expedition is helping researchers better understand these compounds and their potential for future medical applications. 🧬🔬

We’re proud to see USF Chemistry research making an impact far beyond the classroom! 🦬

Read the full story:

A remote Antarctic expedition has brought USF researchers back to a decades-old discovery: A tiny marine organism containing a compound that kills melanoma cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. Now, scientists backed by a $2.5 million NIH grant, are racing to unlock its potential for future ca...

05/01/2026

We are saddened to announce the passing of Dr. Dean Martin, a highly respected member of the USF Department of Chemistry for over 60 years. A Funeral Service will be held at 11am on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the Garden of Memories Cemetery, 4207 E Lake Ave., Tampa, FL 33610. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/tampa-fl/dean-martin-12836375

09/30/2025

Congratulations, Dr Baker!

Help us congratulate Dr. Bill Baker from the USF Department of Chemistry! He was recently awarded the "Best Contribution Award" from the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)!

Congrats, Dr. Baker! Thank you for representing so well. 🤘

08/27/2025

🔬✨ USF Chemistry is pleased to WELCHEM our newest graduate students. This talented group begins their journey in research and scholarship, continuing our department’s tradition of excellence in advancing knowledge and innovation.💚🐂⚗️

08/18/2025

WelChem to our new USF Department of Chemistry faculty, Dr. Wang and Dr Ja!

08/15/2025

08/12/2025

Join us in Congratulating our Department Chair, Dr Leahy.

Help us celebrate Dr. James Leahy from our Department of Chemistry! 🎉 Dr. Leahy has been inducted into the prestigious American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE)'s College of Fellows. 🏅

He was selected for his groundbreaking work in drug discovery for cancer, cardiovascular, and infectious diseases, and his innovations in small-molecule leads and synthetic methodologies. AIMBE Fellows are known to be among the brightest medical and biological engineers worldwide! 🌎

Congrats Dr. Leahy, you make proud!

04/23/2025

Congratulations to Department one of our Department of Chemistry faculty members: Ioannis Spanopoulos, PhD for being recognized with the Outstanding Research Achievement Award! Dr. Spanopoulos has distinguished achievements in Materials Chemistry, particularly advancements in the development of Next-generation Multifunctional Semiconductors for Medical, Energy and Environment-Related Applications.

Read the full article linked below

https://www.usf.edu/research-innovation/news/2025/eleven-usf-faculty-being-recognized-with-research-achievement-and-innovation-excellence-awards.aspx?

University of South Florida

04/15/2025

Thank you to all who attended. It was an incredible evening celebrating our students.