University of Wisconsin - Madison

Department of Chemistry Newsletter

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

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Congratulations go out to Professor Gilbert M. Nathanson, who has received the H. I. Romnes Faculty Fellowship award. This award covers a five year period from July 1, 1998 to June 30, 2003. With this Fellowship, the University recognizes proven potential and provides an opportunity for critical judgement by the Fellow on the best strategies for development of an outstanding research program. Congratulations Gil!

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Congratulations go out to Professor James C. Weisshaar, who has received the WARF Mid-Career Faculty Researcher Award. This award covers a five year period from July 1, 1998 to June 30, 2003. With this Fellowship, the University recognizes proven potential and provides an opportunity for critical judgement by the Fellow on the best strategies for development of an outstanding research program. The Research Committee feels these investments at such a critical stage in a researcher's career should have a major impact. Congratulations Jim!

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Congratulations go out to Professor Hyuk Yu. The Graduate Research Committee has voted to award a named professorship, of unrestricted research support from WARF funds to Professor Hyuk Yu. This award covers a five year period from July 1, 1998 to June 30, 2003. The name chosen for the chair is normally one that honors an outstanding leader in the field or in a broader aspect of education or research. The named professor title customarily remains with the professors until completion of their University of Wisconsin-Madison career or until they accept another professorship. Congratulations Hyuk!

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New Payroll Person Has Arrived!

We finally have a new permanent payroll person! His name is Mike Grenie (pronounced Green-ee) and he began officially last week on Monday. Stop in to meet and welcome him whenever you are in the area of the Payroll Office. He has also been set up with email and his address is "grenie@chem.wisc.edu". We are still working on the voice mail situation, so don't leave him messages that way yet.

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ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - CUMULATIVE EXAMINATION SCHEDULE

Room 1361, Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.

1998

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INORGANIC CUMULATIVE EXAMINATION SCHEDULE

Exams are held on Saturdays beginning at 9:00 a.m., in Room 2373, except for one date noted.

1998

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ATTENTION GRADUATE STUDENTS

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IMPORTANT DATES:

MINOR AGREEMENT FORMS: The Graduate School requires that the minor program be outlined in an agreement which is approved by the Department no later than halfway through completion of the sequence minor courses. The minor requirement must be completed by the end of the third year of graduate school. Minor agreement forms are available in Room 1315.

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University of Wisconsin-Madison Chemistry Department Departmental Colloquia

1997-1998

First Fridays of the Month

SEMINARS

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Monday, January 26^th, 1998 - Special Seminar, 1:20 p.m., Room 8335 Chemistry Building. Dr. Jennifer Griffiths, University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Understanding and Utilizng Microbial Self Assembly: From Energy Conversion to Novel Materials"

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Monday, January 26^th, 1998 - Macromolecules Seminar, 3:30 p.m., Room 8335 Chemistry Building. Sindee L. Simon, Dept. of Chemical Engineering University of Pittsburgh. "Structural Recovery in Glassy Polymers"

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Tuesday, January 27^th, 1998 - Physical Chemistry Seminar, 11:00 a.m., Room B371 Chemistry Building. Dr. Dieter Bingemann, UW-Madison, Department of Chemistry. "Time-Resolved Vibrationally Mediated Photodissociation of HNO₃: Watching Vibrational Energy Flow"

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Wednesday, January 28^th, 1998 - Genetics Colloquium Seminar, 3:30 p.m., Auditorium Genetics/Biotech Building. Professor Judith Kimble, Department of Biochemistry & Laboratories of Molecular Biology & Genetics, UW-Madison. "Regulation of Pattern Formation in the C. elegans Germ Line: Signal Transduction and 3'UTR Controls"

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Thursday, January 29^th, 1998 - Faculty Candidate Seminar, 11:00 a.m., Room 1361 Chemistry Bulding. Jeffery J. Rack, California Institute of Technology. "Inner-Sphere Oxidation of Alcohols by Oxoruthenium (IV)"

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Friday, January 30^th, 1998 - McElvain Analytical Seminar, 4:00 p.m., Room B371 Chemistry Building. Christopher H. Becker, Gene Trace Systems Inc., Menlo Park, CA ."Rapid Analysis of DNA by Mass Spectrometry: From Experiment to High Throughput"

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Wednesday, February 4^th, 1998 - Genetics Colloquium Seminar, 3:30 p.m., Auditorium Genetics/Biotech Building. Assistant Professor Daphne Preuss, Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Chicago. "Tetrad Analysis in Arabidopsis"

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Wednesday, February 11^th, 1998 - Genetics Colloquium Seminar, 3:30 p.m., Auditorium Genetics/Biotech Building. Johnathan Hodgkin, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK. "Sex Determination in C. elegans"

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Wednesday, February 18^th, 1998 - Genetics Colloquium Seminar, 3:30 p.m., Auditorium Genetics/Biotech Building. Robert Fisher, Department of Plant Pathology, UC-Berkeley. "Genetic Analysis of Reproduction in Arabidopsis"

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Wednesday, February 25^th, 1998 - Genetics Colloquium Seminar, 3:30 p.m., Auditorium Genetics/Biotech Building. Mary Mullins, Department of Cell & Development Biology, University of Pennsylvania."Zebra Fish Development Genetics"

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Chemistry Colloquium at the University of Iowa for the 1998 Spring Semester.

A complete list of the Chemistry Colloquium Seminars at the University of Iowa has been sent to us. If you would like to see this information stop by room 1380 Chemistry. Those seminars that are part of the Research Frontiers in Chemical Materials lectures are at 12:30 P.M. on the dates cited, and all of the other lectures are at 3:30 P.M. on Fridays. There is usually a reception following each of the Friday seminars, but if you would like to arrange to meet with a speaker prior to the seminar, please contact the host listed on the second page. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation in order to participate in this program, contact Hazel Kerr, Administrative Associate, Department of Chemistry at 319-335-1351. You and your guests are welcome to attend any of the seminars, and no advance notice is required unless you wish to meet with a speaker. If you have any questions concerning this Spring program, call 319-335-1367 or Fax 335-1270 for further information.

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SUMMER UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

Department of Chemistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242

The Department of Chemistry at The University of Iowa is again pleased to announce summer research opportunities in chemistry for undergraduate students. Your past help in recommending students to us is greatly appreciated. We would like to solicit your help again in making students aware of our 1998 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program. The format of the program this summer will be very similar to that used previously. We anticipate funding for a minimum of 8 students, with a list of 15 available graduate-level projects. The program will last from June 8 - July 31, coinciding with our summer sessions. A competitive stipend will be offered, plus room and board in University housing. An application form for this summer's REU program is available in Room 1380 Chemistry. We would like to have completed applications by February 15, 1998. We will then be able to announce the awards by late March.

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30th Central Regional Meeting - American Chemical Society

May 27 - 29, 1998 - Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland, Ohio is the site of this year's 30th ACS Central Regional Meeting, on May 27 - 29, 1998 at the downtown Cleveland Renaissance Hotel. As the enclosed Call for Papers describes, the Meeting features many first-rate symposia in all areas of chemistry, and offers opportunities to visit the Great Lakes Science Center, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Jacobs Field, and all the other great attractions Cleveland offers. We hope this year's Central Regional Meeting will be among the best-attended and scientifically strong of its kind. The Organizing Committee strongly encourages you and your colleagues to submit papers and posters for any of the symposia or general sessions. Complete details on this Call for Papers is located in room 1380 Chemistry. Please encourage your colleagues to participate actively in the 30th CRM. Abstracts, in standard ACS form, are due by the deadline date of January 26, 1998 to: David W. Ewing, General Chair, 30th Central Regional Meeting, c/o Department of Chemistry, John Carroll University, Cleveland, OH 44118, ewing@jcvaxajcu.edu. Abstract forms are available at the 30th CRM web site: http://www.csuohio.edu/cleveland_acs/crm. htm.

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Materials and Microsystems for Extreme Environments

Experimental and Computational Challenges - February 19-21, 1998

Mardi Gras Conference on "Materials and Microsystems for Extreme Environments: Experimental and Computational Challenges" February 19-21, 1998, Baton Rouge, Louisiana [http://www.cclms.lsu.edu/]

On behalf of the organizing committee, we would like to invite you to participate in the sixth Mardi Gras conference in February 1998. The aim of the Mardi Gras Conference is to provide a broad-based forum for experimental and computational scientists and engineers to discuss the latest developments and challenges involved in the study of physical and chemical phenomena and the design of materials, devices, and Microsystems under extreme operating conditions and hostile environments. Areas of focus are: i) Materials at high temperatures and pressures; ii) Materials for hazardous environments; iii) Micro-Elecro-Mechanical-Systems (MEMS); and iv) Grand Challenge Computations. The format of the conference will consist of morning and afternoon sessions featuring invited and contributed talks on each of the three days and poster presentations by the participants on Friday evening (February 20). Since the conference will be held during the Mardi Gras festival, arrangements will be made for conference participants to visit New Orleans. For complete information of the conference poster, registration form, and instructions for submitting an abstract, PLEASE stop by room 1380 Chemistry.

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FACULTY POSITIONS/TEMPORARY FACULTY/ACADEMIC POSITIONS

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Kansas State University, Full Professor Search. The Department of Chemistry invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the Full Professor level beginning August, 1998. We seek an outstanding faculty member with research interests in any area of chemistry. The successful applicant will have demonstrated internationally recognized distinction in research; excellence in teaching; leadership ability; and an ability to work effectively with his or her colleagues within the academic community. Applicants should submit a letter of application; a complete curriculum vita; a description of proposed research; a list of current and pending research support; the names of three references from whom letters of reference have been requested; and a listing of start-up funding needs. All materials should be sent to: Professor Peter M.A. Sherwood, Chair Full Professor Search Committee, Department of Chemistry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, 66506-3701 (Tel: (785)-532-6665; FAX:(785)532-6666). The Department Head, Professor Sherwood, welcomes inquiries about this position by phone, e-mail (escachem@ksu.edu), or letter. Screening will commerce March 1, 1998.

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The Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, anticipates filling two tenure earning Assistant Professor positions effective August 1998. We wish to strengthen our research and teaching commitment in Biochemistry and to expand our program in Materials Chemistry with emphasis on polymer synthesis. Required: Ph.D. and postdoctoral experience; interdisciplinary interest leading to research collaborations within the Department or the University; establish a vigorous, externally funded, research program; demonstrate a commitment to quality teaching at undergraduate/graduate levels; ability to teach courses other than those in area of primary expertise. Additional information, visit http://www.cas.usf.edu/chemistry/index.html. Send three letters of recommendation, c.v., description of proposed research, teaching goals and competence, and philosophy to: Jeff C. Davis, Chair, Department of Chemistry, USF, Tampa, FL 33620-5250 by March 16, 1998.

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POSTDOCTORAL POSITION AND/OR JOBS

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Assistant Professor Christopher B. Gorman of North Carolina State University has two postdoctoral positions available in his research group at North Carolina State University to study the design of late transition metal catalysts for stereoregular polymerization and to prepare and study novel electroactive dendrimers as models for nanoscale devices. I write to seek your help in identifying potential applicants for the position. Candidates should have experience in organic and/or organometallic synthesis and an interest in exploring structureproperty relationships in polymers and dendrimers. These new materials ultimately will be utilized in nanoscale scanning probe microscopy experiments in collaboration with other members of my research group. Interested candidates must send their CV, the names of three references and information regarding their availability to: Assistant Professor of Chemistry Christopher B. Gorman, Box 8204, Raleigh, NC 27695-8204 USA, Telephone: (919) 515 - 4252, Facsimile: (919) 515 - 8920, InterNet: Chris_Gorman @ ncsu.edu.

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Dr. Paul Ahlquist, Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Two fully funded postdoctoral positions are available in his laboratory and at least one additional position will become available in mid-1998. Our group studies the molecular mechanisms of RNA replication, gene expression, encapsidation and related processes in positive strand RNA viruses. Significant opportunities are available for molecular genetics, biochemistry and cell biology approaches. Our current experiments use two well-studied, highly tractable models for viral replication, the bromoviruses and nodaviruses, which share conserved RNA replication genes with a wide range of medically and economically important viruses. We have also shown that bromovirus and nodavirus RNAs replicate, express genes, and assemble infectious virions in yeast. This presently unique ability of bromoviruses and nodaviruses allows the use of powerful yeast genetics to greatly accelerate many experiments including identification of host factors involved in replication. Interested individuals should send their curriculum vitae, copies of any reprints and/or preprints, and names/addresses (including tel/FAX/email) of three references to: Dr. Paul Ahlquist, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 1525 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, Tel: (608) 263-5916 FAX: (608) 262-7414, E-mail: ahlquist@facstaff.wisc.edu.

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Professor Russell Schmehl of Tulane University has a postdoctoral position available for research involving the synthesis, characterization and photophysical investigation of polymetallic transition metal complex ensembles. The research will focus on the synthesis of nitrogen heterocyclic ligands, monometallic and polymetallic complexes of Ru(II), Os(II), Re(I) and possibly other metals. The complexes will be used in the development of light harvesting arrays and chemically modified electrodes (for possible sensor applications). Persons with experience in ligand and transition metal complex synthesis, electrochemistry and photophysical techniques are encouraged to apply. Persons interested in the position should send a vitae and arrange to have two letters of reference sent to: Professor Russell Schmehl, Department of Chemistry, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA , 70118. Responses may also be sent through the internet to: schmehl@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu. For inquiries regarding the position, contact Professor Schmehl at either of the above addresses or by phone at 504-862-3566.

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Edwin R. Chapman, Ph.D, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Physiology. Postdoctoral Position available to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that mediate neuronal exacytosis. Our goal is to define the molecular events that couple Ca2+ influx to the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic plasma membrane. We are addressing this problem using a wide range of modern molecular methods to discover, reconstitute, characterize, and disrupt protein-protein and protein-lipid interactions that operate in excitation-secretion coupling. These studies are focused on synaptotagmin, the Ca2+ -sensor which regulates release, and on components of the "SNARE-complex". The stimulating environment at the University of Wisconsin has also facilitated collaborative studies including the use of NMR to study the structures of synaptotagmin and syntaxin. Other collaborations involve the manipulation of synaptic proteins in Drosophila to study structure-function relationships. Applicants with experience in protein and lipid biochemistry, purification of membrane proteins, molecular biology, fluorescence spectroscopy, stopped-flow rapid kinetics analysis and/or Drosophila genetics are especially encouraged to apply. Please send curriculum vitae, the names and addresses of three references and a brief statement of research interests to: Edwin R. Chapman, Ph.D., Dept. of Physiology-SMI 129, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1300, University Ave., Madison, WI 53706. TEL: (608) 263-1762, FAX: (608) 265-5512, Email: erchapma@facstaff.wisc.edu.

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Dr. Urs Geiser, of Argonne National Laboratory is currently trying to identify candidates for a possible postdoctoral position that may become available in the near future. Our group maintains a strong interdisciplinary program in the synthesis and characterization of organic conducting materials, especially novel superconducting salts. The possible opening will be in the materials characterization aspects of these new compounds, especially by the methods of magnetic susceptibility, electrical conductivity, single crystal X-ray diffraction, electron spin resonance and solid-state Raman spectroscopies. The successful candidate will have a materials-related Ph.D. in chemistry, physics, or materials science, earned within the last three years, and experience in one or more of the above techniques. The postdoctoral appointee will be collaborating with a team of chemists within the group, as well as with physicists at laboratories worldwide. Interested candidates are encouraged to send their resumes to: Dr. Jack M. Williams, Chemistry and Materials Science Divisions, Building 200, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 South Cass Avenue, Argonne, IL 60439, Phone (630) 252 3509, Fax (630) 252 9151. E-mail geiser@anchx4.chm.anl.gov. A formal application procedure will be followed once the position is approved. Further inquiries may be addressed to Dr. Williams or myself.

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Yan Xu, Ph.D, of the University of Pittsburgh has Postdoctoral Fellows openings. (2 positions, possibly 3). Requirements: Ph.D. degree or equivalent, in health science related field, including but not limited tonMolecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Bioengineering. Research experiences in one of he following two areas preferred: (1) NMR study of protein structures and drug-protein interaction; or (2) cerebral ischemia and/or in vivo NMR. Must be able to work independently with excellent problem-solving skills; must have excellent verbal and written communication skills; must have extensive computer knowledge and familiar with state-of-the-art electronic apparatuses. Research Specialist (1 position) Requirements: Bachelor of Science degree or higher, preferably in Biology, Biophysics or Biochemistry, with 2 years of experience in research, computer data management and process, and use of electronic apparatus. Must be able to work independently; must have excellent verbal and written communication skills; must be willing to work with laboratory chemicals and animals. Send CV to: Yen Xu, PhD, W-1358 Biomedical Science Tower, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, e-mail: xu@smtp.anes.upmc.edu, Phone (412) 648-9922, Fax (412) 648-9587.

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Professor Ben Plummer, Department of Chemistry, Trinity University. A postdoctoral position is available for research involving the synthesis, characterization and photophysical investigation of distorted non-alternant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Persons with experience in synthesis, photophysical techniques, computational chemistry and NMR spectroscopy are encouraged to apply. Persons interested in the position should send a vitae and arrange to have two letters of reference sent to: Professor Ben Plummer, Department of Chemistry, Trinity University, San Antonio, TX, 78212. Responses may also be sent through the internet to: bplummer@trinity.edu. For inquiries regarding the position, contact Professor Plummer at either of the above addresses or by phone at 210-736-7384.

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DETAILS ARE AVAILABLE IN ROOM 1380.

NEXT NEWSLETTER IS ON FEBRUARY 2^nd, 1998.

There was no newsletter for the week of 1/20/98 due to the small amount of information submitted.