UMSL - Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

09/02/2026

🧪 UMSL Chemistry students at the American Chemical Society National Meeting!

Earlier this month, our students and faculty presented their research, attended lectures, poster sessions, and workshops, and connected with chemists from across the country and around the world.

A great opportunity to learn, share, and build professional connections; and a great example of at work! 🧪

08/31/2026

Congratulations again, Lol Barton, for being honored by UMSL as one of the two Retirees of the Year. The award ceremony took place last Friday, and Lol's family came - here on the picture Daughter Hilary on the left, then on his right grandson Kyle and his fiancée Lexy and granddaughter Megan. Beautiful picture! 😊

08/11/2026

And another successful graduate of our Biochemistry and Biotechnology program. Congratulations, Sara!

The biochemistry and biotechnology major was part of the inaugural cohort of students from The Bahamas who made their way to UMSL through a partnership with the Ministry of Education.

08/07/2026

Chris was chemistry department chair and is now Interim Chancellor. He appeared as a guest on “The Frank and Jill Show” on KTRS Radio. Interesting insights!

Spilling joined hosts Frank Cusumano and Jill Farmer Monday morning on "The Frank and Jill Show."

07/21/2026

Three of our chemistry professors (Eike Bauer, Stephen Holmes, Mike Nichols) were proud to participate in the CLIMB program, providing local high school students with a paid, hands-on summer research experience. It is a fantastic program that inspires the next generation of scientists!

If you are a local high school student with an interest in science, we encourage you to apply for next year's CLIMB program and take the first step toward an exciting research experience!

Seven students from Hazelwood East and University City High Schools participated in the paid internship program as it marked its 12th year this summer.

07/09/2026

Celebrating another outstanding student! 🎉 Meet John Bender, one of this year's recipients of the Ceil DeGutis Award, shared with Cristina Sinobas (featured in an earlier post). Congratulations, John and Cristina, on this well-deserved honor!

07/03/2026

Our chemistry graduate students recently participated in the Midwest Retreat for Pathways in Chemistry! This program focuses on professional development, mentorship, and community building, helping support the next generation of chemists as they grow into future leaders in the field. We're proud to see our students taking advantage of this opportunity to build their careers, expand their networks, and develop as scientists!

07/02/2026

Ayush performed research in Dr. Stine's lab - he won four awards when he entered his work in the 76th annual Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in May. Great achievement!

Marquette senior won four awards when he entered his work in the 76th annual Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in May.

06/02/2026

Please join us in congratulating Lol Barton on receiving a 2026 Chancellor’s Faculty Retiree of the Year Award!

This prestigious award honors retirees who remain actively engaged in service to the University of Missouri–St. Louis, their profession, and their community. Lol’s continued dedication and impact make him a truly deserving recipient.

Congratulations on this well-earned honor, Lol!

06/01/2026

It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Sanford A. Asher on January 16. Sanford earned his BA degree from UMSL in 1971 before going on to receive his PhD in Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, and completing a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard University. He later served as a Distinguished Professor of Chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh.

In recognition of his outstanding accomplishments and contributions to science, Sanford gave the inaugural Distinguished Alumni Lecture of our department in 1988 and received a UMSL Distinguished Alumni Award in 2004. He will be remembered with great admiration and fondness by the many students, colleagues, and friends whose lives he touched.