Chemistry & Biochemistry
Dia De Los Muertos Celebration
Our Día de los Muertos event was a wonderful success! We’re so grateful to everyone who came out to celebrate, honor traditions, and share in the vibrant spirit of the day! Your presence made it truly special. Thank you for coming and honoring your loved ones!
Exciting CBC Spotlights
2025 Chemistry Nobel Prize
The 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry has been awarded to Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar M. Yaghi for their work in the development of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). These MOFs have revolutionized the field of chemistry by enabling efficient carbon capture, clean energy storage, and water harvesting from air. Their breakthrough offers promising solutions for climate change mitigation and sustainable technologies, marking a significant step toward a cleaner planet.
"Top 3 Things I Learned as GRC Chair" - Professor Mattson
As Chair of the Gordon Research Conference, Professor Anita Mattson brought her passion for chemistry and collaboration to the forefront of scientific leadership. In her reflection, "Top 3 Things I Learned as GRC Chair" she shares her insights from organizing a high-impact conference, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue, and navigating the challenges of scientific community building. Her experience highlights the importance of mentorship, adaptability, and vision in advancing both research and professional growth. Read the full piece at the link below!
Please join us in welcoming our new assistant professor, Dr. Aya Narunsky-Landa! Dr. Narunsky is a computational biochemist focusing on the molecular evolution of proteins and RNA. She completed her PhD at Tel Aviv University under the mentorship of Prof. Nir Ben-Tal, where she became fascinated with origin-of-life research through her studies on the evolution of protein-ligand interactions. She then joined the lab of Prof. Ronald Breaker at Yale University as a postdoctoral researcher, where she led the computational discovery and characterization of novel noncoding RNAs in bacteria. Her work revealed that some of these ancient RNAs may also control essential biological processes in animals, including mammals and humans. Research in the Narunsky Lab will continue to integrate deep expertise in both proteins and RNA to explore how these molecules—each with its own unique 'language'—emerged and coevolved into the sophisticated machineries we see today. The lab will develop and utilize advanced ML and AI tools to uncover the molecular motifs and evolutionary patterns that shape these essential interfaces. This research not only aims to uncover the evolutionary history of these molecular interactions but also seeks to illuminate their roles in health and disease, ultimately paving the way for innovative therapeutics and transformative molecular tools.
Welcome! New Chemistry Adjunct Faculty!
WPI’s Graduate & Professional Studies is excited to welcome new adjunct faculty members, bringing their expertise and industry experience to our online chemistry graduate program. These accomplished faculty members will be leading courses that blend rigorous academics with real-world applications, ensuring our students gain the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their careers. With their leadership, our students will gain invaluable insights into drug safety, regulatory science, medicinal chemistry, and emerging fields like cannabis chemistry. We’re thrilled to have them on board and look forward to the impact they’ll make in our program!
Prof. Raúl Orduña Picón and Prof. Ceren Yilmaz Akkaya facilitated a hands-on activity, “Sea the Change: CO2’s Effects on Our Planet”
CBC Faculty Bring Hands-On STEM Activities to Family STEM Night
Prof. Raúl Orduña Picón and Prof. Ceren Yilmaz Akkaya facilitated a hands-on activity, “Sea the Change: CO2’s Effects on Our Planet” to about 100 learners of all ages and backgrounds at Worcester Boys and Girl's Club. Goal of the workshop was to boost interest and awareness on climate change and its impact on both the oceans and atmosphere, and demonstrating chemists’ work is not isolated but it is related to our society, environment, economics, and people’s lives.
Dr. Rong Wang
Rong Wang Named John C. Metzger Jr. Professor and Department Head in Chemistry and Biochemistry
Rong Wang, a distinguished researcher focused on the intersection of materials science, biochemistry, bioengineering, and nanotechnology, has joined WPI as the John C. Metzger Jr. Professor and Department Head in Chemistry and Biochemistry.
Accreditation
The American Chemical Society (ACS) has accredited the Chemistry & Biochemistry department for a major in chemistry. The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) has accredited the Chemistry & Biochemistry department for a major in biochemistry.
Undergraduate Research Projects Showcase
The 2025 Undergraduate Research Project Showcase was a celebration of research, design, and creative theses—a requirement of every graduating senior through the Major Qualifying Project (MQP)—takes place each spring on campus. Student teams representing all academic departments present their work to their faculty advisors, external sponsors, and the community-at-large, and the public is invited. The chemistry and biochemistry department had extraordinary projects with thorough research from each participating student, as well as two exemplary MQP students who were awarded the Major Qualifying Project Awards. You can see all award winners in the exciting spotlight section below!
Dr. Ed Kleinman's Impact
Dr. Edward “Ed” Kleinman BS’72 is a distinguished Principal Research Investigator and retiree from Pfizer, well-known for his prolific contributions to pharmaceutical research and organic synthesis. Over his career, he was credited on more than 20 patents, pioneering work in aspartic proteinase inhibitors, phosphodiesterase IV inhibitors, TNF-inhibitors, antiviral agents, and compounds targeting Alzheimer’s disease. His innovations include notable patents on naphthyridinones, isoxazoline compounds, and glucocorticoid receptor modulators. A proud alumnus of WPI and UC Berkeley, Ed earned his BS in Chemistry in 1972 and his PhD in 1980. Beyond his scientific achievements, he has an avid interest in chemical education and is a dedicated supporter of WPI, having established the Edward F. Kleinman Fund in 2022 to advance faculty-led undergraduate research in Chemistry and Biochemistry. His recent visit to campus exemplified his enduring connection to the Department and WPI, and his commitment to fostering interdisciplinary scientific growth. During Dr. Kleinman's time as a student at WPI, he was heavily influenced by Professor Weininger, the emeritus professor of the CBC department. Professor Weininger had an immense impact on shaping the CBC department through his multitude of skills and disciplines he possessed to teach and put forth the future of WPI and CBC students. Dr. Kleinman shared an incredible piece on the back story of Professor Weininger, click the link below to read!
E7: Organic Chemistry, Illustrated Podcast Episode
Infamous for being a “weed-out” course in college, organic chemistry is so hard it can scare off students from pursuing careers in medicine, biology, materials science, and dentistry. In this episode of The WPI Podcast, Anita Mattson, professor of chemistry and biochemistry, talks about a new series of graphic novels she created with United Kingdom-based illustrator Anton Brand to help students navigate the chemistry of carbon. As Mattson puts it, whether you’re a struggling student, a curious nerd, or just someone who enjoys a good acid-base joke, this could be for you. This episode aims to describe complex concepts through storytelling and visuals, making the subject more accessible and even enjoyable. By blending humor, art, and science, Mattson hopes to reshape how students experience organic chemistry—and maybe even inspire a few future chemists along the way. Click the link below for the full podcast episode to learn more!
Exemplary Honor for Professor Carissa Olsen
With great honor we acknowledge one of our own CBC professors, Carissa Olsen, who has won the Chair's Exemplary Faculty Prize at this year's Faculty Honors Convocation. This prize honors a WPI faculty member who demonstrates sustained excellence in all areas of faculty performance, including teaching, research and scholarship, and advising. This award is honored by the Chair of the University Board of Trustees. The tradition of awarding the prize was established in 2007 through the personal philanthropy of Donald K. Peterson '71, then chairman of the WPI Board of Trustees; it was continued by current board chairman Philip B. Ryan ’65. This prize stands as one of WPI's most significant faculty honors. Congratulations to Professor Olsen, thank you for all you do!
Student Life at WPI
My name is Abigail Poole and I am a junior biochemistry major at WPI! I’ve been conducting research for Professor Mattson in organic synthetic chemistry, where I plan to continue my MQP work next year in collaboration with Professor Suzanne Scarlata's lab. I also work in Professor Inna Nechipurenko's biology lab working with C.elegans. I worked in her lab through last summer and am hoping to get published for my work there in the coming months! I have enjoyed my time in various labs and am thankful for the valuable practical knowledge I have learned through my research. I am the current BCB president of WPIs chapter of the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. I have also previously TAed general chemistry labs, was a member of the WPI Women's rowing team and was the former president of the Hillel club. I love attending fun and relaxing events hosted by my sorority, Phi Sigma Sigma. Through getting involved in the larger scientific community through extracurriculars, I have built relationships with teachers and my peers and learned more about the scientific community. With these connections, I have been exposed to more opportunities to supplement my education. WPI has been a wonderful place to learn for the past three years and offers so many ways to get further involved in your major, and any other social and cultural activities you might be interested in.
American Chemical Society Club Spotlight
Welcome to the ACS club! We’re a professional and academic organization dedicated to fostering a love for chemistry and supporting students in their scientific journeys. Our chapter hosts a variety of events including study nights, guest lectures, outreach activities, and collaborative socials with other STEM groups. We aim to build community, promote career development, and encourage scientific curiosity. All students with an interest in chemistry are welcome to join us!
Check out our website to become a member:
American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Club
Hi! We are the ASBMB (Amer. Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology) student run chapter. We are a professional and community building club. We host a variety of events from resume reviews to mixers with faculty. We are open to all students. Here are some of our upcoming events:
Pipetting Demo and Art- Monday, Sept. 8th, 4-5pm in Goddard Hall room 205
Study and Scheduling Night-Wednesday, Sept.17th, 5-7pm in Salisbury Labs 407
Bonding over Board Games, Monday, Sept. 29th 3-5pm in CC Hagglund Room
We hope to see you there!
Check out our website to become a member:
From the WPI Journal
Taking the Scary Out of Organic Chemistry
Professor Anita Mattson, a synthetic organic chemist, is working to help her students find a positive, emotional connection to organic chemistry by developing a series of six colorful, educational comic books.
Breaking New Ground for Women's Health
With Opal Therapeutics, Morgan Stanton, PhD ’14, accelerates the development of new treatments for gynecological diseases and disorders.
Student Project: Living With Fracking in Albania
This student team won first place in the President's IQP Awards for their project highlighting fracking's impact on women in Albania
Meet Our Students
Advance with the BS/MS Dual Degree Program
Fast-track your education and career with the BS/MS program by earning a dual degree―an accelerated academic pathway to both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. Saving both time and money while building advanced knowledge and skills could help you stand out in today’s competitive job market. Discover more about the BS/MS program and your options to earn a BS/MS dual degree at the links below.
Media Coverage
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Spreading the Word
Suzanne Scarlata, the inaugural Richard T. Whitcomb Professor of Biochemistry and an elected fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), is a recent president of the Biophysical Society, with over 9,000 global members. The Scarlata lab uses advanced fluorescence microscopy techniques to study membrane signaling events involving G-protein coupled receptors. FRET images of PC12 cells over-expressing eCFP-Gqα and eCYP-Phospholipase Cβ1. The high FRET intensity at the membrane (yellow/red color) indicates that Gqα/PLCβ1β dimer formation at the plasma membrane.