Enhancing Education and Research Through Generous Donations
Below are several recent examples of how the Department of Chemistry utilizes donations collected on NC State's Day of Giving and beyond.
Helping Students Travel to National Conferences
In October 2024, the Department of Chemistry helped four graduate students travel to attend the NOBCChE 2024 conference and present their research posters. Ph.D. candidate Chiamaka Uzoewulu was awarded the Pfizer poster presentation award for the organic chemistry division.
Chiamaka shared her thoughts about the experience:
“The NOBCChE 2024 conference was an enriching experience. It allowed me to present my research to a vibrant scientific community while networking with professionals from diverse backgrounds and fields. One of my highlights was attending the Winifred Burks-Houck and Percy Julian luncheons, where accomplished scientists shared their journeys—their challenges, triumphs, and invaluable insights.
After the conference, I feel even more inspired and driven to push the boundaries of medicinal organic chemistry with renewed passion and commitment.”
The poster’s title is Chemoselective isotopic labeling strategies for biomolecules in ionic liquid and hexafluoroisopropanol.
The work explored atypical solvents (ionic liquid and hexafluoroisopropanol) to achieve fast bioconjugation. While Ionic liquids served as a medium for a phosphine-mediated coupling reaction of alkyl azide and sugar alkyl amines in the presence of carbon dioxide, ultra-fast tryptophan selective radiofluorination was accomplished through Friedel- Crafts alkylation in hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP).
The NOBCChE conference occurred in Orlando, Florida, from September 30 to October 3, 2024.
Expanding NC State’s Reputation
Ph.D. Candidate
Department of Chemistry
In November 2024, the Department of Chemistry contributed to the travel expenses of Ph.D. candidate Jamie Breunig, who was invited to visit her alma mater, Longwood University, in Farmville, Virginia.
Breunig traveled to Longwood, where she toured the campus to refresh her fond memories. After the tour, she presented to the chemistry majors about NC State University in general and the graduate school in particular.
During her presentation, Breunig shared her experiences applying to NC State, discussed student life, and provided an overview of the research conducted in her lab, the Pierce Lab. She also talked about the Integrative Science Initiative and shared information about living in Raleigh.
More than 30 students and several professors attended the presentation, which was supported by a slide deck. Breunig hopes her initiative will benefit Longwood University’s chemistry students and expose them to numerous advancement opportunities.
Introducing Research to Undergraduate Students
The main goal of the Undergraduate Annual Poster Session is to showcase the research being conducted within the department to freshmen and sophomore undergraduate students. Sponsored by the Department of Chemistry and organized by Ana Ison, the event aims to help these students develop essential personal and career skills.
Last Reviewed On: 5/21/2025