Graduate Seminar
Join the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department Seminar Series on Tuesdays at 12:00PM in Biological Sciences 334 to learn more about advances in research within the molecular sciences.
Seminars are presented by graduate students and guest speakers who share their research within the chemistry and biochemistry fields such as analytical, biochemical, educational, inorganic, organic and physical. Below is the schedule of seminars for Spring 2026. For more information, please contact Dr. Hayes at [email protected]. We hope to see you there!
SPRING 2026 GRADUATE SEMINAR SCHEDULE
Speaker: Oscar Ulloa
Date and Time: January 27, 2026 at 12 pm
Location: Biological Sciences 334
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Speaker: Cesar Carrasco
Date and Time: February 10, 2026 at 12 pm
Location: Biological Sciences 334
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Speaker: Andrea S. Carlini from USCB
Date and Time: February 17, 2026 at 12 pm
Location: Biological Sciences 334
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Speaker: Jonathan Avina
Date and Time: February 24, 2026 at 12pm
Location: Biological Sciences 334
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Speaker: Armin Garcia
Date and Time: March 3, 2026 at 12pm
Location: Biological Sciences 334
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Speaker: Chris Cardona
Date and Time: March 10, 2026 at 12pm
Location: Biological Sciences 334
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Speaker: Takeshi Kobayashi from Ames National Lab
Date and Time: March 17, 2026 at 12pm
Location: Biological Sciences 334
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Speaker: Kevin Kou from UCR
Date and Time: March 24, 2026 at 12pm
Location: Biological Sciences 334
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Speaker: Remi Buisson from UCI
Date and Time: April 21, 2026 at 12pm
Location: Biological Sciences 334
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Join the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department Seminar Series on Tuesdays at 12:00PM at Salazar Hall 135 to learn more about advances in research within the molecular sciences.
Seminars are presented by graduate students and guest speakers who share their research within the chemistry and biochemistry fields such as analytical, biochemical, educational, inorganic, organic and physical. Below is the schedule of seminars for FALL 2025. For more information, please contact Dr. Hayes at [email protected]. We hope to see you there!
FALL 2025 GRADUATE SEMINAR SCHEDULE
Seminar Title: Perfluoro Alkyl Substance (PFAS) Sensing
Speaker: Luis Cruz
Date and Time: August 26, 2025 at 12 pm
Location: Salazar Hall 135
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Seminar Title: From Spores to Structures: The Chemistry Behind Mushroom Bioblocks
Speaker: Naomi Samarasinghe
Date and Time: September 2, 2025 at 12 pm
Location: Salazar Hall 135
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Seminar Title: Visible Light Driven Water Splitting by Photoelectrochemical and Photocatalysts
Speaker: Dominique Dang
Date and Time: September 9, 2025 at 12 pm
Location: Salazar Hall 135
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Seminar Title: Unusual Dehalogenation Reactions Catalyzed by Cytochrome P450 Modeled Complexes
Speaker: Chastity Ruiz
Date and Time: September 16, 2025 at 12 pm
Location: Salazar Hall 135
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Seminar Title: Development of Photosensitizers to Use as Catalysts for Targeting Cancer Cells
Speaker: Christopher Cardona
Date and Time: September 30, 2025 at 12pm
Location: Salazar Hall 135
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Seminar Title: TBD
Speaker: Dr. Angela Brooks
Date and Time: October 7, 2025 at 12 pm
Location: Salazar Hall 135
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Seminar Title: Unraveling the Mechanism of Methane Monooxygenase
Speaker: Samantha Teves
Date and Time: October 14, 2025 at 12 pm
Location: Salazar Hall 135
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Seminar Title: Recent Research in Photosystem II Intermediates
Speaker: Andy Ruiz
Date and Time: October 21, 2025 at 12 pm
Location: Salazar Hall 135
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Seminar Title: Applications of Siderophores in Drug Targetting
Speaker: Roberto Centeno
Date and Time: October 28, 2025 at 12 pm
Location: Salazar Hall 135
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Seminar Title: Plasma-driven Approaches for CO? Reduction, Fuel Formation, and Valuable Chemical Production
Speaker: Oscar Ulloa
Date and Time: November 4, 2025 at 12 pm
Location: Salazar Hall 135
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Seminar Title: Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Degrating Enzymes
Speaker: Julia Abrego
Date and Time: November 18, 2025 at 12 pm
Location: Salazar Hall 135
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Seminar Title: Ferulic Acid and its Applications that People can Benefit From
Speaker: Gaby Soto
Date and Time: December 2, 2025 at 12 pm
Location: Salazar Hall 135
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Seminar Title: Advancements in Pinacol Rearrangements
Speaker: Jonathan Avina
Date and Time: December 9, 2025 at 12 pm
Location: Salazar Hall 135
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Department Celebrations
Lloyd N. Ferguson (1918-2011) was a Cal State LA Emeritus and Professor of Chemistry. Dr. Ferguson received a bachelor's degree with honors and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from University of California, Berkeley. He dedicated 21 years with the Department of Chemistry at Cal State LA after a distinguished 20-year career in the Chemistry Department at Howard University, where his achievements included the establishment of the first Ph.D. program in Chemistry at a Historically Black College or University.
Dr. Ferguson has a world-wide reputation as a scientist and educator. He authored more than 50 journal articles and seven textbooks. His research spanned the areas of cancer chemotherapy, the relationship between structure and biological activity, and the functioning of our sense of taste.
Dr. Ferguson was chairman of the American Chemical Society's Division of Chemical Education and served as Director of Cal State LA's MBRS program from its inception in 1973 through 1984. He was the program director for many NSF teaching and research participation programs. He received many honors including a number of honorary doctorates, the California State University Statewide Outstanding Professor Award, the Chemical Manufacturers Association Award in Chemical Education, and the American Chemical Society Award in Chemical Education.
Dr. Ferguson served as a role model for hundreds of minority students who have gone on to careers in science and technology. He was a good friend and mentor to his Cal State LA colleagues and helped put the university on the map. His greatest legacy is the generations of students that benefited from his teaching and participation in the MBRS program. He inspired hundreds of our students to initiate careers such as college professors, research scientists, and health professionals. MBRS became part of the MORE Programs at Cal State LA that continue his work today.
Dr. Ferguson's legacy is celebrated annually at Cal State LA. This year's distinguished keynote speaker is Dr. Krishna Foster, Professor and current Department Chair of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Cal State LA. Dr. Foster's research interests include determining the role of polycyclic aromatic compounds on the oxidizing capacity of the lower atmosphere, identifying reduced phosphorous materials in natural environments, and chemical education. She also actively explores innovative pedagogical techniques to develop inquisitive students with refined problem-solving skills who will become leaders in their chosen professions, as extended in her distinguished lecture entitled "Community-Centered Science."
Dr. Krishna Foster is presenting the keynote seminar:
Dr. James Rosser, former Cal State LA President, has joined us in celebration of Dr. Ferguson's legacy.
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry students:
Dr. Costello Brown, former Cal State LA Chemistry and Biochemistry Professor, presented with an award of excellence:
Dr. James Rosser is presented with an award of excellence:
Dr. Caitlin Scott, Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry:
NSS Dean, Dr. Rene Vellanoweth:
Dr. Robert Vellanoweth introducing Dr. Krishna Foster:
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry faculty, staff, and Emeriti faculty:
Every year we are joined by the Ferguson family:
On December 13, 2024, the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry celebrated Dr. Harold Goldwhite, who has dedicated over 60 years of his professional career at Cal State LA's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. He taught general and inorganic chemistry and chemical history, and has authored and co-authored several books, and countless articles. During his tenure at Cal State LA, Dr. Goldwhite was department chair, chair at the Academic Senate at Cal State LA and the CSU system, and a Faculty Trustee. He is also recognized as Outstanding Professor at Cal State LA and as Trustees' Outstanding Professor in the Cal State University System.
Dr. Harold Goldwhite is presented the California State University Distinguished Emeritus Professor for his service at Cal State LA:
Dr. Goldwhite photographed with former student, Dr. Millhauser:
Dr. Goldwhite with department faculty:
Dr. Goldwhite with department faculty:
Dr. Goldwhite with Dr. Liu:
Dr. Goldwhite with Dr. Momand:
Dr. Goldwhite with Dr. Aruoma:
Dr. Goldwhite with department staff Mary and Maribel:
Dr. Goldwhite with Bill Wimberly:
Dr. Goldwhite with Dr. McCurdy:
Dr. Goldwhite joined by his family:
Lloyd N. Ferguson (1918-2011) was a Cal State LA Emeritus and Professor of Chemistry. Dr. Ferguson received a bachelor's degree with honors and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from University of California, Berkeley. He dedicated 21 years with the Department of Chemistry at Cal State LA after a distinguished 20-year career in the Chemistry Department at Howard University, where his achievements included the establishment of the first Ph.D. program in Chemistry at a Historically Black College or University.
Dr. Ferguson has a world-wide reputation as a scientist and educator. He authored more than 50 journal articles and seven textbooks. His research spanned the areas of cancer chemotherapy, the relationship between structure and biological activity, and the functioning of our sense of taste.
Dr. Ferguson was chairman of the American Chemical Society's Division of Chemical Education and served as Director of Cal State LA's MBRS program from its inception in 1973 through 1984. He was the program director for many NSF teaching and research participation programs. He received many honors including a number of honorary doctorates, the California State University Statewide Outstanding Professor Award, the Chemical Manufacturers Association Award in Chemical Education, and the American Chemical Society Award in Chemical Education.
Dr. Ferguson served as a role model for hundreds of minority students who have gone on to careers in science and technology. He was a good friend and mentor to his Cal State LA colleagues and helped put the university on the map. His greatest legacy is the generations of students that benefited from his teaching and participation in the MBRS Program. He inspired hundreds of our students to initiate careers such as college professors, research scientists, and health professionals. MBRS became part of the MORE Programs at Cal State LA that continue his work today.
Dr. Ferguson's legacy is celebrated annually at Cal State LA. This year's distinguished keynote speaker is Dr. Darryl Boyd, a Research Chemist at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, whose primary research focuses on the development of novel sulfur-based polymers that have unique optical properties, including unprecendented infrared transmission capabilities. His seminar to Cal State LA students, entitiled "Comonomer Isomers Result in Varied Optical Properties Within ORMOCHALC Polymers," was followed by his distinguished lecture entitled "Be Stellar, Keep Striving."
Dr. Darryl Boyd presenting the keynote seminar:
Dr. Costello Brown is giving a talk about Dr. Ferguson's legacy:
Dr. Krishna Foster:
Dr. Boyd is engaging with the audience:
Dr. Carlos Gutierrez is speaking to an audience:
Dr. Jamil Momand is speaking to an audience:
Dr. Darryl Boyd with Cal State LA student and faculty:
Dr. Darryl Boyd with Dr. Krishna Foster:
Ferguson Lecture March 18, 2022
Bill Wimberley's Retirement April 16, 2021
Ferguson Lecture March 26, 2021
Chemistry and Biochemistry Awards Ceremony October 20, 2020
Special Seminar: Andreoli-Woods Lecture
May 7th 12:00pm
Anthony Andreoli-Geraldine Woods Symposium
Our guest speaker will be Professor Joseph S. Francisco from the University of Pennsylvania School of Arts & Sciences
Chemistry and Biochemistry Graduation Celebration May 15, 2020