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Findlater lab
Organometallic chemistry empowers the understanding of chemical reactions and the synthesis of new functional molecules
The Organic and Organometallic division at UC Merced has a strong background in physical organic chemistry, materials chemistry, and synthetic organometallic chemistry and catalysis that empowers the discovery and understanding of chemical reactions and the synthesis of new functional molecules combining organic and inorganic techniques.
Professor Ryan Baxter
Advancing Organic Chemistry Education
Chemistry Professor Ryan Baxter received a CAREER award from NSF to help advance his lab’s work developing new strategies for initiating radical chemical reactions to engineer mild experimental protocols.
Chemistry Professor Patti LiWang
Innovative Delivery System
Patti LiWang's research group had figured out how to make some of the most potent HIV inhibitors even more powerful.
Chemistry Professors Christine Isborn, Liang Shi, Mike Colvin and Hrant Hratchian
Theoretical and Computational Chemistry
Christine Isborn, Liang Shi, Mike Colvin and Hrant Hratchian model structure, properties, reactivity, and spectroscopy of molecules and complex systems using computational quantum chemistry, molecular dynamics, and statistical mechanics. 

Welcome

Our research programs range from studying how HIV targets cells and the chemical origins of life to visualizing chemical reactions and improving solar cell efficiencies. Our faculty members are committed to excellence in research and instruction, and have won a variety of awards at regional, national and international levels. 

 

Featured News

Professor Henrik Larsson
November 5, 2025

Chemistry Professor Henrik Larsson has received a prestigious Early Career Award from the U.S. Department of Energy, becoming the first faculty member from UC Merced’s School of Natural Sciences to...

An example showing a chiral molecule and 'handedness.'
October 27, 2025

A team of scientists led by UC Merced is embarking on a project to understand how the twisted shapes of specific molecules can influence the spin of electrons — a phenomenon that could revolutionize...

Image with blue and gold on either side, female wearing red dress holding a plaque
October 6, 2025

Chemistry and Biochemistry Ph.D. student Abigail Gyamfi was recognized by the California Section of the American Chemical Society Summer Experiences for the Economically Disadvantaged (SEED) Program...

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Seminars

Chemistry seminars are held on Fridays. See the seminar page for a list of past and upcoming seminars.