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

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, 

Research article by Chemistry grad student and research scientist makes cover of APL Photonics

The research article "Video-rate mid-infrared imaging in the molecular fingerprint region via nanosecond non-degenerate two-photon absorption" has been selected as both a featured article and a cover story by APL Photonics. The work has been spearheaded by two members of the Fishman Lab, Evan Garcia (senior grad student) and Yryx Luna-Palacios (senior research scientist). Ryan Nguyen and Aleks Noskov of the Fishman Lab, as well as Professors Eric Potma and Dima Fishman, were also co-authors of the article. 

Congratulations to our retirees!

Congratulations to our retirees, Distinguished Professor Don Blake, Professor Ramesh Arasasingham, and Professor Greg Weiss! The Department of Chemistry celebrated Don and Ramesh with a retirement party. Although Greg could not make the party, he was there in spirit. We thank Don, Ramesh, and Greg for their many contributions to the department and to UCI over the years!

Professor Maxx Arguilla receives $200K grant from the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities to advance research into nanoscale crystalline materials

Congratulations to Professor Maxx Arguilla who received a $200,000 grant from Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities to support his further research into nanoscale crystalline materials!

Professor Maxx Arguilla of the UC Irvine Department of Chemistry recently received a $200,000 grant from the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities to advance his research into nanoscale crystalline materials.  

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