Professors Suzanne Blum & Kenneth J. Shea explain the science behind the Garden Grove chemical tank crack

As the threat of a chemical tank explosion in Garden Grove dragged into its third day, officials announced a potentially positive new development — a crack was seen on the tank. Interim Fire Chief TJ McGovern, in a video posted to Orange County Fire Authority’s X account, said a team inspected the tank at GKN Aerospace on Western Avenue on Saturday night and discovered the crack.

Chemistry professors welcome AP Chemistry students to campus

Several Department of Chemistry professors, including Professors Chris Vanderwal, Bill Evans, and Rachel Martin, welcomed AP Chemistry high school students for lab tours as part of the LEAPS program. The UC Irvine Physical Sciences’ Laboratory Experiments and Activities in the Physical Sciences (LEAPS) brings K-12 students to UC Irvine so they can see science in action. Students also went on a tour of the UC Irvine Nuclear Reactor Facility with Department of Chemistry Reactor Facility Manager John Keffer.

Chemistry postdoctoral scholar Cary Stennett receives ACS recognition

Department of Chemistry postdoctoral scholar Cary Stennett, a member of the Evans Lab, was selected as a recipient of the 2026 ACS Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Scholars Recognition Program. This program of the American Chemical Society recognizes talented graduate students and postdoctoral scholars in the chemical sciences who demonstrate leadership in mentoring, inclusion and belonging, research safety, science outreach and engagement, and science advocacy. 

Congratulations Cary! 

Research group co-led by Professor Shane Ardo develops first-of-its-kind ion pump

Department of Chemistry Professor Shane Ardo has led a team who, along with a team from Tel Aviv University, has developed a first-of-its-kind membrane through which charged molecules pass using nothing more than a rapidly switching low-voltage signal. This “ratchet-based ion pump” removes salt and other charged compounds from water efficiently and effectively.  Figure-1a-device-schematic

Ben Katz will ‘Mass Spec Everything’ to figure out what is in our food

The Department of Chemistry's Protein Mass Spectrometrist Ben Katz was recently featured in the American Chemical Society's Chemical & Engineering News. The article chronicles his work in the mass spec facility revealing a lack of transparency in fruit- and vegetable-based products, starting with his viral TikTok video analyzing the meat in his Taco Bell lunch.

Cholsoon Jang receives the 9th Hansung Science Award

Department of Chemistry joint appointee Associate Professor Cholsoon Jang was recently honored as one of three winners of the 9th Hansung Science Award, given by the Hansung Son Jae-han Scholarship Foundation. This award is given out to given to young scientists with outstanding future prospects. It honors those who carry out original research and have strong potential for future development, discovering and rewarding them each year.

Mel Nguyen leads successful 2026 STEM Summit for Chem Academy

Over three weeks in June and July 2026, Chem Academy Program Director Mel Nguyen led another successful STEM Summit for Chem Academy at UCI. 

This program brought science to life through laboratory investigations, interactive demonstrations, collaborative projects, and visits to UCI research facilities. Students strengthened their technical skills while discovering how chemistry connects with food, medicine, forensic investigation, cosmetics, human health, and Earth’s history.

Remembering Francois William Primeau

Earth System Science Professor Francois William Primeau, an integral member of the UCI School of Physical Sciences community for more than 25 years, passed away on Friday, June 19, 2026. Interim Dean of the School of Physical Sciences, Kieron Burke, shared the following message in honor of Francois' memory: 

 

Dear Physical Sciences community, 

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