Department of Chemistry

The University of Washingtonâs graduate and professional degree programs were widely recognized as among the best in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Reportâs 2025 Best Graduate Schools rankings released late Monday.

A team working on prolonging the lifespan of transplant organs took home the top prize in the 9th annual Hollomon Health Innovation Challenge at the UW. BioLegacy, made up of Seattle University and UW finance, mechanical engineering, and chemistry students, was awarded the $15,000 WRF Capital Grand Prize for its organ cryopreservation and rewarming innovation. The team was one of 22 that competed in this year’s final round of competition at the UW Foster School’s Buerk Center for Entrepreneurship. Other UW projects are mentioned.

Admitted students and families can engage with the College of Arts and Sciences through several department and program specific events over the next few weeks.

An international team of scientists has blazed a new trail for studying how atoms respond to radiation, by tracking the energetic movement of electrons when a sample of liquid water is blasted with X-rays. Xiaosong Li, professor of chemistry at the UW, is quoted.

In an experiment akin to stop-motion photography, an international team co-led by University of Washington scientists has isolated the energetic movement of an electron in a sample of liquid water â while âfreezingâ the motion of the much larger atom it orbits.

Ashleigh Theberge's UW lab creates bioanalytical chemistry tools. Some are transforming how clinical studies can be conducted. 

"I believe that the journey should be as much fun, and as fulfilling, as reaching the goalpost, which may shift and thereby make life more challenging and interesting. Use the philosophy in this famous quote that 'nothing great is ever achieved without enthusiasm because enthusiasm urges you to do your best.'"- Usha Varanasi (Ph.D., Chemistry, 1968) , UW College of Arts & Sciences Chemistry Professor

"As a faculty member, my experience as a first-gen student ensures that I know how much potential is inside every student – even those that have not yet had their opportunity to shine. It helps me talk candidly to students when I see them struggling and helps me be more empathetic and effective as a mentor. I really believe and try to instill that hard work, curiosity, and passion can lead to success in academics." – Brandi Cossairt, College of Arts & Sciences Chemistry Faculty Member

"My first-gen experience has primarily impacted the development of my scientific communication skills. Due to prominent feelings of 'I am too dumb to be here' and "I don't have the background to understand this" throughout my undergraduate experience, I find it intuitive to explain problems from different angles (e.g., less abstract or mathematical) and be sensitive to students who do not have a strong math background. Basically, I am not afraid to be super 'handwavy' 😎." - Chad Hoyer, College of Arts & Sciences Chemistry Research Scientist

In the College of Arts & Sciences, we are proud to celebrate our first-generation community through a collection of stories! We honor our faculty and staff, and their many contributions to our university community and beyond.

Kick off the Autumn quarter and celebrate a return to campus with these can’t-miss recommendations from the College of Arts & Sciences.

The Husky 100 recognizes 100 UW undergraduate and graduate students who are making the most of their time at the UW.

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Dianne Xiao, a University of Washington assistant professor of chemistry, has been awarded a 2022 Packard Fellowship for Science and Engineering for her research on creating new materials to make chemical reactions that are compatible with renewable energy sources and raw materials.

The grant is led by principal investigator Joshua Vaughan, associate professor in the Department of Chemistry.