Melanie Sanford, of the University of Michigan, was the inaugural speaker at the Schneller Frontiers Lecture held on March 4 in the Sciences Center Auditorium. At the event, Sanford gave the talk, "Recent Developments in Transition Metal Catalyzed C-H Functionalization." Her research involves developing new chemical reactions that enable the production of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and fuels in a more efficient and environmentally friendly manner. She received her B.S. and M.S. degrees at Yale University, and pursued graduate studies at the California Institute of Technology working with Nobel Laureate Professor, Robert Grubbs. Following postdoctoral work at Princeton University, Sanford joined the faculty at the University of Michigan in summer 2003 as an assistant professor of chemistry. She was promoted to associate professor in 2007 and to full professor in 2010. She was named the Arthur F. Thurnau Professor of Chemistry in 2011, and in 2012, was named the Moses Gomberg Collegiate Professor of Chemistry.

The Schneller Frontiers Lectureship is endowed by Stewart Schneller, of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and his wife. The event recognizes international pioneers in chemistry and biochemistry. Schneller served as dean of the College of Sciences and Mathematics from 1994 to 2010. He continues to teach, along with directing his ongoing research program. 

For more information on how you can provide a COSAM lectureship, contact the COSAM Office of Alumni and Development at 334.844.2931 or cosam.development@auburn.edu.

(Pictured: Stewart Schneller, left, with Melanie Sanford)