Your  Account:
CSTEM College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

Events

Seminar Series

Leading chemistry and biochemistry researchers present their new discoveries in an hour-long seminar. These events are free to the public. Students from all disciplines are highly recommended to attend and participate.  

Spring 2024 Seminar Series
Mondays, 5:30-6:20PM PST
Zoom Meeting ID: 854 7212 1986
  • February 5: Dr. Bercem Dutagaci, UC Merced

    Title:  Computational studies of the structure, dynamics and function of RNA polymerase II

    Website: Dutagaci Lab

  • February 19: Dr. Jeffrey Raker, University of South Florida

    Title: Making Sense of Mechanisms: Studies on Learning Organic Chemistry

    Website:  Raker Reserach Group

  • March 4: De. Elias Picazo, University of Southern California

    Title: New Reactivity to Solve Chemical Challenges

    Abstract: Synthetic challenges inspire the development of new reactivity. Our group is focused on discovering new reactions that can be applied to solve long-standing chemical problems. In 2 short years, our philosophy has resulted in a new platform of iron catalysis and on the discovery of a new aromaticity-breaking rearrangement. These contributions have been applied in cross-electrophile coupling reactions and on the synthesis of new materials. In this talk, we will discuss the approach, optimization details, and synthetic applications.

    Website:  Picazo Laboratory

  • March 25: Dr. Ozcan Gulacar, University of California at Davis

    Title:  Contradicting a World Devoid of Chemistry and Science Courses Lacking Strong Real-World Connections

    Abstract:  The world faces numerous environmental and social challenges that demand new approaches and expectations for science education. It is only possible to overcome these challenges if every person, regardless of their socio-economic status, feels responsible for all the harm has been done to the nature and learns what needs to be done to protect the environment. Educators, particularly science educators, have a tremendous obligation to ensure that their students are well-equipped and determined to achieve these crucial objectives before it is too late. Despite the scientific community's recognition of the importance of this mission, many chemistry students have lost interest in attempting to fully comprehend the topics presented, as the classroom emphasis has shifted from investigating global and local socio-scientific issues to covering abstract principles and from investigating real-life mysteries to conducting cookbook-style experiments.

    This talk aims to shed light on the challenges of developing and implementing relevant, rich, and contextualized curricula by underlining the perspectives and efforts of chemistry educators primarily from North American universities. In addition, the talk will highlight the positive effects of incorporating socio-scientific issues such as phosphate sustainability into the General Chemistry curriculum on students’ self-efficacy and motivation. Finally, the talk strives to emphasize the important role that chemistry educators play in fostering social responsibility in students and empowering them to address the greatest global challenges facing humanity in order to build a brighter and more sustainable future.

    Bio: Ozcan Gulacar is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of California, Davis. He holds a master's degree in Physical Chemistry and a Ph.D. in Science Education. In his current position, he teaches primarily General Chemistry and first-year seminars to introduce undergraduates to chemistry education research and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. His primary research interests include investigating interactions between cognitive and affective domains in the context of socio-scientific issues, sustainability, problem-solving, and knowledge structures. In addition to teaching and conducting research, he has designed and organized workshops for high school teachers and professors on the implementation of social constructivist methods and the effective use of technological tools in science classrooms.

    Website:  UC Davis Department of Chemistry

  • April 15: Dr. Carlos D. Garcia, Clemson University

    Title & Abstract: TBA

    Website: Microanalytical Chemistry Lab

  • April 29: Dr. Anand Bala Subramaniam, University of California at Merced

    Title & Abstract: TBA

    Website: Subramaniam Lab


Student Research Showcase

Hosted in May, prior to Commencement, the Research Poster Showcase and Award Recognition Ceremony is an opportunity for the Chemistry & Biochemistry students showcase their research and celebrate the accomplishments of our graduating seniors.

SCCUR

Southern California Conferences for Undergraduate Research (SCCUR) is an organization of Southern California faculty, administrators, and interested members of the community who share the common goal of improving education for college and university students through hands-on experiences of undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative activity. SCCUR’s cornerstone program is a one-day conference held each November on the campus of a college or university in Southern California. Its purpose is to provide a forum for the presentation and discussion of the best research, scholarship, and creative work of undergraduates in the region, and thus to encourage excellence in undergraduate achievement.

 Super Stem Saturday

Get involved and volunteer at one of our booths!  Super STEM Saturday is held the second Saturday in the month of March and is part of the San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering.  This event is free and open to the public.