Two doctoral students receive 2012 Overend Award

Two Department of Chemistry doctoral students—Alireza Shokri and Bess Vlaisavljevich—have received the 2012 Overend Award for Graduate Research in Physical Chemistry. The award honors outstanding physical chemistry graduate student researchers.

Alireza is a third-year graduate student. His current research interests encompass hydrogen bonded arrays: the power of multiple hydrogen bonds. Alireza future plans include postdoctoral research and becoming a professor. Professor Steven Kass is Alireza's adviser.

Bess is a fifth-year graduate student. Her research interests encompass the theoretical studies of actinides and lanthanides. Bess' future plans include postdoctoral research and ultimately working in academia. Professor Laura Gagliardi is Bess' adviser.

The Overend Award is named after Professor John Overend who was a physical chemist in the department from 1960 to 1984. The award was created in 1991 through the efforts of Professor Paul Barbara.

The 2012 Overend Award for Graduate Research in Physical Chemistry recipients are Alireza Shokre and Bess Vlaisavljevich.