Chemistry Newsletter - 02/08/1999

University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Chemistry Newsletter

Finance Committee and Department Meeting Dates

Spring 1999

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Department Committee - Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. In Room 8335.

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Finance Committee - Tuesday at 1:20 p.m. - In Room 1301.

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Organic Chemistry Cumulative Exam Schedule, 1999.

Thursdays, 7:30 p.m., room B371 Chemistry Building.

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Analytical Cume Dates for 1999.

Room 2311 Chemistry Building.

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Inorganic Cume Dates for 1999.

9:00 a.m., Room 2373 Chemistry Building.

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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 of minor courses. The minor requirement is expected to be completed by the end of the third year of graduate school. Minor agreement forms are available in Room 7315.

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SEMINARS

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Thursday, February 11^th, 1999 - Organic Chemistry Seminar, 11:00 a.m., Room 1361 Chemistry Building. Professor Christopher T. Seto, Brown University.

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Thursday, February 11^th, 1999 - Analytical Sciences Seminar, 12:05 p.m., Room B371 Chemistry Building. Lucio Frydman, University of Illinois-Chicago. "Molecular Organization of Poly (p-phenylenetera phthalamide) in Sulfuric Acid: An NMR Study"

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Thursday, February 11^th, 1999 - Material Science Seminar, 4:00 p.m., Room 265 MS&E Building. Professor Y. Austin Chang, Materials Science & Engineering Department. "Highlights of Materials Science and Technology for the New Millennium"

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Sunday, February 14^th, 1999 - Sixteenth Annual presentation of The Wonders of Physics, 1 and 4 p.m., 1330 Sterling Hall, 475 North Charter Street. Professor Clint Sprott. For free tickets call: 608-262-2927 or e-mail to: feeley@juno.physics.wisc.edu during the month of January.

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WILLARD LECTURE SERIES FEBRUARY 15 AND 16

Monday, February 15, 1999 - Willard Lecture Series, 4:00 pm., Room B371 Chemistry Building. Professor Robin M. Hochstrasser, Regional Laser and Biomedical Research, University of Pennsylvania. "Two-Dimensional Infrared Spectroscopy as a Means of Probing the Structures of Peptides and Proteins," and

Tuesday, February 16, 1999 11:00 a.m., Room B371 Chemistry Building. "Vibrational Dynamics in Simple and Complex Systems Revisited with Femtosecond Infrared Pulses"

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Wednesday, February 17^th, 1999 - Learning Disability Services Seminar, 3:30 p.m., Room B371 Chemistry Building. "Providing Reasonable Accommodations While Maintaining Academic Integrity"

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Thursday, February 18^th, 1999 - Analytical Sciences Seminar, 12:05 p.m., Room B371 Chemistry Building. Jennifer Ropp, Graduate Student.

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Thursday, February 18^th, 1999 - Chemical Engineering Seminar, 3:55 p.m., Room 1227 Engineering Hall. Kathleen Vaeth, Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

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Thursday, February 18^th, 1999 - Organic Chemistry Seminar, 11:00 a.m., Room 1361 Chemistry Building. Steven Singer, Graduate Student UW-Madison.

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Friday, February 19^th, 1999 - University of Wisconsin System Women and Science Programs Presents... The Literate Person in the 21^st Century, A distance Education Discussion, presented by Dr. Phillip Certain. 1:00 p.m., Pyle Center, 702 Langdon Street. For more information contact: Inge Keith, Veterinary Medicine.

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Saturday, February 20^th, 1999 - Sixteenth Annual presentation of The Wonders of Physics, 1 and 4 p.m., 1330 Sterling Hall, 475 North Charter Street. Professor Clint Sprott. For free tickets call: 608-262-2927 or e-mail to: feeley@juno.physics.wisc.edu during the month of January.

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Sunday, February 21^st, 1999 - Sixteenth Annual presentation of The Wonders of Physics, 1 and 4 p.m., 1330 Sterling Hall, 475 North Charter Street. Professor Clint Sprott. For free tickets call: 608-262-2927 or e-mail to: feeley@juno.physics.wisc.edu during the month of January.

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Tuesday, February 23^rd, 1999 - Physical Chemistry Seminar, 11:00 a.m., Room B371 Chemistry Building. Stephen Klippenstein, Case Western Reserve University. "Transition States and Kinetic Modeling for Barrierless Reactions"

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Thursday, February 25^th, 1999 - Analytical Sciences Seminar, 12:05 p.m., Room B371 Chemistry Building. Jennifer Herzfeld, Brandeis University. "High Resolution Solid State NMR Studies of the Proton-Motive Photocycle of Bacteriorhodopsin"

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Thursday, February 25^th, 1999 - Organic Chemistry Seminar, 11:00 a.m., Room 1361 Chemistry Building. Paul LePlae, Graduate Student UW-Madison.

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Thursday, February 25^th, 1999 - Chemical Engineering Seminar, 3:55 p.m., Room 1227 Engineering Hall. John Aunins, University of Illinois-Urbana. "Viruses in Production: Can't Live With 'Em, Can't Live Without 'Em"

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What is the Graduate Student-Faculty Liaison Committee (GSFLC)?

The purpose of this committee is to enhance communication between graduate students and the chemistry department administration. It is often difficult for graduate students or a research group to convey ideas and concerns to the department because of its size. This committee offers an opportunity for a group of graduate students to discuss issues that are important to the future of the department with the department chairman and the executive director. These elected students also act as a conduit for the concerns of other students who may have suggestions or complaints about the department. It is important for all graduate students to know who the elected members are and communicate with them, so that our meetings are a true open forum of ideas Please also feel free to utilize the anonymous method of communication to the committee by placing concerns or complaints in the suggestion box located next to the mailboxes on the first floor.

Another responsibility of this committee is the Snout-Out. We would like to reinvigorate this departmental get-together by offering food and activities that will be fun for all members of the department and their families. We are continually open to ideas and criticisms about the Snout-Out and hope that everyone will join us this Fall.

Members:

Inorganic: Jeff Hirsch (Burstyn), Anne-Marie Jackelen (Ellis)

Organic: Steven Singer (Casey), Stefan Kraft (Casey)

Physical: Emily Reichert (Weisshaar), Brad Ringeisen (Nathanson)

Analytical: Sarah Coulter (Hamers), Dan Besemann (Wright)

First Years: Terry Granec (Weisshaar), Jeff Dougan (Treichel)

Administration: Chuck Casey, Matt Sanders

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GenChem Tutors for Spring 1999

If you want to be on the General Chemistry tutor list for the Spring 1999 semester, sign up by e-mailing dlduff@facstaff.wisc.edu , with your name, courses you will tutor (Chem 103, 104, 108) and if you are willing to tutor high school students, preferred method to be contacted.

DEADLINE IS FRIDAY, FEB.19.

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1999 Instructional Technology Grants

The Department of Learning Technology & Distance Education would like to remind you about the deadline for this year's Instructional Technology Grant Program. All submissions must be received by 4:30p.m. on Friday, March 5. The Instructional Technology Grant aims to assist UW-Madison departments and schools improve undergraduate instruction through the innovative use of technology. Each year a total of $150,000 is awarded to exceptional projects that incorporate technology into teaching and learning. We ask that you remind interested faculty/staff of the deadline, as well as the requirement that a dean's letter of support accompany any submitted proposals. Proposals will be reviewed by a faculty review committee, and followed by the announcement of selected proposals in mid-April. Typically, 5-7 projects are funded each year. We hope that the Call for Proposals and Guidelines we sent you in December were helpful. Please contact me at 265-8638 with any additional questions you have or e-mail lmcaire@doit.wisc.edu . Further information is also available via our website at http://www.wisc.edu/learntech/grants/itgrnts.html .

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The National Human Genome Research Institute is offering individual Fellowships

The National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, is offering individual fellowships to highly qualified students and scientists who are seeking training that will enable them to engage in research relevant to the Human Genome Project. Training of scholars in examining the Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications of human genome research is also encouraged, but is not available for pre-doctoral students. Three types of fellowships are offered:

• Post-doctoral fellowships for individuals who have received their doctoral degree within the last seven years. The application receipt dates are April 5, August 5, and December 5.
• Senior post-doctoral fellowships for individuals who received their doctoral degree more than seven years ago. The application receipt dates are April 5, August 5, and December 5.
• Pre-doctoral minority fellowships for graduate students with disabilities and underrepresented minority graduate students to pursue a doctoral degree. The application receipt dates are May 1 and November 15.

Fellowship support is provided through the National Research Service Award. Only U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States are eligible to apply. For additional information about fellowship opportunities available through the NHGRI, please visit our home page at: http://www.nhgri.nih.gov/Grant_info/Funding/Training . You may also contact the following staff. Individual and Senior Post-Doctoral Fellowships and Minority Pre-Doctoral, Fellowships in Genomic Analysis and Technology: Bettie J. Graham, Ph.D., TEL: (301) 496-7531, e-mail: bettie_graham@nih.gov , Individual and Senior Post-Doctoral Fellowships in ELSI Topics: Elizabeth Thomson, M.S., R.N., TEL: (301) 402-4997, e-mail: elizabeth_thomson@nih.gov . For information about PHS Grant Policy, applicants may contact: Ms. Jean Cahill, TEL: (301) 402-0733, e-mail: jean_cahill@nih.gov .

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Herfurth-Kubly Awards

For the Fellowships Committee, I am seeking nominations for an undergraduate award. "Since 1928, the Herfurth-Kubly Awards for Initiative and Efficiency have been the highest University-wide honor that a UW-Madison senior student can receive" To be eligible for the award, students must have senior standing and be within a year of graduation. Selection of recipients is based on academic achievement, degree of self-support, significant extracurricular activities, and the ability to verbally express oneself. All that is required for a nomination is name and address of the student. The deadline is February 15 to the selection committee. Please Submit any Nominations to John Harriman by February 12^th.

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For Industrial Positions, see the Chemistry Placement Newsletter at:

http://www.chem.wisc.edu/placement/7news.html

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FACULTY POSITIONS/TEMPORARY FACULTY/ACADEMIC POSITIONS

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Position open at Biogen (Cambridge, MA): Associate Scientist. In this newly created position you will be responsible for the synthesis of novel compounds using both solution and solid phase synthetic organic chemistry techniques. Demonstrated experience in multi-step preparation and purification of organic compounds and a BS/MS in organic or medicinal chemistry are required. The successful candidate should be familiar with modern analytical techniques for compound purification (TLC, column chromatography, HPLC) and characterization (NMR, IR, MS). Experience in the preparation of chemical libraries and/or solid phase organic synthesis a plus, but not essential. Individuals should possess strong communication skills and good problem solving abilities. Contact: Dr. Mary Beth Carter-Petillo, e-mail: MaryBeth_Carter@biogen.com .

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Tenure-Track Position, Department of Chemistry, East Carolina University. Applications are invited for a tenure-track position, Assistant Professor level, in Organic Chemistry, beginning August 16, 1999. A Ph.D. is required and post-doctoral experience is desirable. Research area is open. Successful candidates will offer promise for teaching excellence at the undergraduate and master's levels; develop an active, externally funded research program; and contribute to professional service. Candidates should submit a curriculum vita, graduate transcripts, research plans detailing facilities/instrumentation needs, and three letters of recommendation to: Organic Chemistry Faculty Search Committee, Department of Chemistry, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina 27858-4353. Screening will begin January 25, 1999; the position will remain open until filled. Visit our home page at http://www.ecu.edu/chem .

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POSTDOCTORAL POSITION AND/OR JOBS

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Two postdoctoral positions are available at the University of Kansas. One position involves the study of designed hemoproteins. The applicant should have experience with solid phase peptide synthesis and NMR structure determination of peptides. The other position involves synthesis and examination of new phototriggers (cages) for oligopeptides and related bioactive substrates. A solid background in synthesis, physical organic chemistry, analytical spectroscopy and separation techniques is required. Please send a CV and arrange for three letters of recommendation to: David R. Benson and Richard S. Givens, Department of Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045; FAX (785) 864-5396; E-mail: Dbenson@caco3.chem.ukans.edu or Rgivens@ukans.edu .

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Mark J. Fink of Tulane University is seeking qualified candidates for a postdoctoral position available in his group beginning April 1. The project will involve the application of homogeneous catalysis (late transition metal) to novel silicon-carbon bond forming reactions. Exploratory work will be conducted in catalyst synthesis, product studies, and mechanistic investigations. Qualified candidates should have expertise in one or more areas of organometallic chemistry (main group or transition metal), handling of air-sensitive compounds, NMR spectroscopy, and catalysis. Interested candidates should email their resume and arrange to send two letters of recommendation to: Mark Fink, Dept. of Chemistry, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118. Ph: 504-862-3568, FAX: 504-865-5596.

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Dr. Michael Sepaniak of the University of Tennessee has an Analytical Chemistry Postdoctoral Associate position that is anticipated to work on fundamental studies of molecular recognition of neutral species by supramolecular macrocyles and the practical utilization of these studies in two areas of analytical development, capillary electrophoretic separations (including aspects of detection) and micro optical sensors. Desirable experience includes areas of computational molecular modeling, microscale electrokinetic separations, optical sensor development, and simple synthetic procedures. Work will be performed largely at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville although some effort may involve facilities and collaborators at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Applications will be evaluated as received with the anticipation of filling the position as early as April 1, 1999. Prospective candidates should send a cover letter, CV, and arrange to have at least two letters of recommendation sent to: Dr. Michael Sepaniak, Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996-1600.

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University of Nevada, Reno, Postdoctoral Research Associate. Ph.D. in experimental physical chemistry, chemical physics, or related area. Experience in gas phase ion chemistry and reaction dynamics is desired. Perform research in experimental gas phase ion chemistry using guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometry methods and laser photodissociation methods. Potential projects, depending on experience and qualifications of the successful candidate, include (1) dynamics of SN2 reactions, (2) proton transfer and hydrogen atom transfer reactions of hydrocarbon anions, and (3) transition metal cluster reactivity and photodissociation dynamics. Independently analyze results and develop experimental protocols and theoretical modeling methods. Provide guidance and advice for graduate and undergraduate student researchers. Write scholarly papers in association with a faculty member. One year appointment, renewable for another year upon mutual agreement. To be sent to: Professor Kent M. Ervin, Department of Chemistry/216, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV 89557, Phone (775) 784-6676, FAX: (775) 784-6804, Email: ervin@chem.unr.edu . Applications, including a complete vita with publications list, a brief summary of dissertation research, and the names and addresses of three professional references should be received by Mar. 1, 1999 to assure full consideration.

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DETAILS ARE AVAILABLE IN ROOM 1380.

NEXT NEWSLETTER IS ON FEBRUARY 15^th, 1999.