Auburn chemist is computational chemist lead on research featured in 'Science'

Evangelos Miliordos, associate professor and a computational chemist at Auburn University whose research focuses on the electronic properties of metal ammonia complexes, is part of an international collaboration with six experimental chemists from ETH Zurich, University of Freiburg and Synchrotron SOLEIL in France that was published in the prestigious journal Science on May 25, 2023.

“I am extremely proud that research from faculty in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry directly contributed to a publication in ‘Science,’ a journal that has immense impact,” said Doug Goodwin, chair of the department. “Because they publish only six percent of the manuscripts they receive each year, Evangelos has marked a significant career achievement to see his work emerge in this journal.” 

As the lead computational chemist on the research project, Solvated dielectrons from optical excitation: An effective source of low-energy electrons, Miliordos was able to use theory to explain why electrons were emitted at a much slower speed than anticipated from the process creating the first dielectron shown in a gas phase.

“Theory can explain experiments that have been conducted and guide future experimental studies,” said Miliordos. “Our research used photoelectron spectroscopy to shine light in sodium-ammonia coordination complexes where the first thing that happens during the experiment is ionization of the complex and ejection of an electron.”

FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT: Assistant professor investigating cancer-altering Reovirus

Almost 20 million new cancer cases were detected in 2020, and about 10 million people died globally from this disease that year, according to the National Institutes of Health. In the Department of Physics at Auburn, a team of scientists are working to make breakthroughs in understanding more about the Reovirus, which offers promising therapy options to destroy cancer cells.

New mathematics conference held at Auburn University

Auburn University hosted the first Joint Alabama-Florida Conference on Differential Equations, Dynamical Systems and Applications on May 13 and 14. The conference was held in the university’s new Academic Classroom and Laboratory Complex.

“We are excited to be the first to present this new conference to bring people working in similar mathematical fields together to advance the discipline,” said Ash Abebe, chair of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at Auburn University. “We have a distinguished list of speakers to make this conference a memorable and productive experience for all attendees.”

Forbes magazine recognizes Auburn University as one of Best Employers for New Graduates

For the second consecutive year, Forbes magazine recognized Auburn University as one of the Best Employers for New Graduates.

Forbes reports that the top-ranked companies on their list not only offer competitive pay, but also provide benefits that are important to Gen Z and Millennials – “a reputation of trust, opportunities to learn and a chance to do meaningful work.”

“This recognition is meaningful because it demonstrates that our dedication to excellence and innovation really matters,” President Christopher B. Roberts said. “Our community culture and shared vision of excellence is rooted in the Auburn Creed. The Creed is a real differentiator for our university. Auburn is a remarkable university with tremendous potential for greatness and our faculty and staff know they will be supported in aspirations to be leaders in their fields while educating the next generation of brilliant scholars and citizens who will serve the needs of our communities.”

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