Chen receives $1.87M NIH grant to research new chemical reactivities of organoboron compounds

Ming Chen, assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, is the sole primary investigator of a highly competitive $1,876,283 award from the National Institutes of General Medical Sciences, or NIGMS, part of the National Institutes of Health, or NIH.

“I am excited to research novel reactivities of organoboron compounds to explore the new chemical space and study their potential applications,” said Chen.

This Maximizing Investigators' Research Award, or MIRA, provides Chen, an early stage investigator, with more stability and flexibility through this NIH funding, so he can concentrate on cutting-edge research over the next five years.

Chen’s research program focuses on synthetic organic chemistry, specifically on asymmetric catalysis with organoboron compounds.

“This grant from the NIH for early-stage investigators will help us to pursue exciting research projects to decipher novel reaction pathways of organoboron compounds and investigate their medical applications,” Chen said.  

“This NIH award gives us the opportunities to make an impact on human health,” he added.

25th Anniversary Summer Bridge Program Alumni Spotlight: Kristalyn Scott Lee drew inspiration from Jenda’s mentorship to pursue career in higher education and establish Montevallo’s M.A.D.E. program

A Birmingham native and Homewood High School graduate, Kristalyn Scott Lee’s journey as an Auburn University student began in 1999 as a participant in the College of Sciences and Mathematics, or COSAM, Summer Bridge Program.

Through Summer Bridge, Lee found impactful academic and social support early on as an Auburn student and formed enduring bonds with fellow students.

“What was most helpful to me during my time in Bridge was the opportunity to experience college coursework before classes began, as well as the opportunity to establish a community with the other students which has led to life-long friendships,” said Lee.

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry meets with students at SERMACS 2022 in Puerto Rico

At the 73^rd Southeastern Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society, or SERMACS, the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry met with potential students in San Juan, Puerto Rico at the graduate school fair. Held from Oct. 19-22, Paul Ohno, assistant professor, and Chelsea Rand, graduate student, attended this year’s SERMACS event.

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