Newsletter
Awards & Honors
Staff vs. Faculty Softball Game Recap!
What a game! The 3rd Annual Staff vs. Faculty Softball Game was a hit, with both teams bringing their A-game to Hurst Stadium. In an action-packed match, the Faculty team edged out a thrilling 24-18 victory over the Staff!
A special shoutout to our very own Jennifer Meyer for stepping up to the plate and helping secure the win for the faculty team. Their skill and sportsmanship were on full display—way to represent!
Thanks to everyone who came out to support, to Fusion for a stunning National Anthem performance, and to ROTC for presenting the colors. Concessions and the Bookstore Trailer were open, adding to the fun atmosphere!
Until next year—let’s keep the tradition alive!
Madison Bulloch October 2024 UT Research in a Minute Contest Winner
Congratulations to Madison Bulloch for winning the UT Research in a Minute Contest with her research on the “Optimization of Cannabinoid Permeation Agents for Transdermal Delivery Applications” Madison’s exceptional ability to present complex research in a creative and impactful way truly set her apart. Her dedication to innovation and excellence is evident in this well-deserved recognition. We couldn’t be prouder of her for representing UT with such brilliance! Wishing Madison continued success as she makes strides in her field and continues to inspire us all. Keep shining, Madison!
Jenna Olivier at the 2024 Student of the Semester Banquet December 2nd, 2024
The Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at Utah Tech is proud to recognize Jenna Olivier as the Student of the Semester. Jenna has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, excelling in her rigorous coursework and contributing significantly to departmental initiatives.
Stacey Haendiges at the 2024 Trailblazer Awards Ceremony April 11th 2024
Stacey Haendiges was awarded Part-Time Staff of the Year; she has exhibited outstanding excellence and extraordinary dedication in her role, significantly enhancing the campus environment, particularly for students.
Faculty Award Ceremony April 5th 2024
Rico Del Sesto has been approved for advancement in rank from Associate Professor to Professor.
Megan Liljenquist at the 2024 Faculty Award Ceremony April 5th 2024
Megan Liljenquist was awarded Distinguished Instructor; she has consistently showcased excellence in her teaching endeavors.
Rico Del Sesto and Jennifer Meyer at the 2023 Faculty Award Ceremony March 31st 2023
Rico Del Sesto was awarded Distinguished Professor. Rico has demonstrated sustained excellence across all three categories of achievement: teaching, service, and research.
Jennifer Meyer was awarded Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentoring. Jennifer has demonstrated outstanding commitment as mentors of undergraduate students in research or creative activities.
Awarded Part-Time Faculty of the Year May 5th 2022
Sarah has contributed to academic excellence at UT through knowledge in her area of expertise. Alongside her expertise, exceptional teaching, dedication and service provided to students outside of the classroom are the traits that she possesses. We are very proud to have her as a part of our department.
Awarded Tenure March 24th 2022
Jennifer Meyer has demonstrated excellence in student learning and success, scholarly and creative activities, and services. She is valued by the institution, competent in her disciplines, and revered by her students. The Chemistry & Biochemistry department are honored to have her as a member of our faculty.
Nominee for Distinguished Service Award March 24th 2022
Wendy has demonstrated outstanding service to students, their department, college, profession, the University, and the community as a whole. She is involved in the improvement of student learning by use of new technologies. Her innovations in both the Chemistry department and the CTL made her an excellent candidate for this award.
What is happening in the Chemistry & Biochemistry Department?
 | Celebrating a Major Milestone: ACS Approval for Utah Tech’s Chemistry & Biochemistry DepartmentWe are thrilled to announce that the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at Utah Tech University has officially received ACS Approval from the American Chemical Society (ACS) Committee on Professional Training! This prestigious recognition reflects the department’s commitment to excellence in undergraduate chemistry education and ensures that our program meets the highest national standards.A special congratulations to Dr. Gabriela Chilom, Chair of the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, for her leadership in guiding the program through this rigorous approval process. Achieving ACS Approval is a testament to the dedication of our faculty, staff, and students in fostering a strong and innovative learning environment. Why ACS Approval Matters ACS-approved programs are known for their rigorous curriculum, high-quality faculty, and modern research infrastructure. This designation not only enhances the department’s reputation but also provides significant benefits for students and graduates, including: ✅ Strong Academic Foundation – Students receive a broad-based and challenging chemistry education that prepares them for diverse scientific careers. ✅ Enhanced Career Prospects – Employers recognize graduates from ACS-approved programs as well-trained and highly skilled professionals. ✅ Increased Research Opportunities – The approval process helps departments strengthen their programs and secure support for continued growth. We are proud to join the ranks of ACS-approved institutions and look forward to continuing our mission of excellence in chemical and biochemical education. This achievement marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our department, our students, and the future of scientific innovation at Utah Tech University. Congratulations to Dr. Chilom and the entire department for this well-earned recognition! |
 | ACS Student Communities Award 2023-2024 |
 | Graduation May 2024Congratulations Chemistry & Biochemistry Graduates 2024. Ashley Staten, Eli Bliss, Tyler Reed, Sanyah Diaz-Garcia |
 | Graduation Reception 2024Chemistry & Biochemistry Majors surround the student of the year, Wyatt Legas, celebrating the end of the semester and for some the end of their time here at Utah Tech. We are very proud of our students and cannot wait to see what they do. Pictured left to right: Reno Blackmore, Jordan Colmenero, Tyler Reed, Ashley Staten, Wyatt Legas, Jenna Olivier, Eli Bliss, Nya Black. |
 | A Utah Tech University student and her groundbreaking research on the structure of animal hair was one of four researchers highlighted by the American Chemical Society in March 2024Millett’s research focuses on the structure of animal hair and how it changes during the seasons. After studying pronghorn antelope, mule deer, and Rocky Mountain elk hair using a scanning electron microscope at Utah Tech, Millett found that the summer hair of the animals had air pockets that measured, on average, 13 micrometers in diameter, while the winter hair air pockets had around double the diameter. Millett’s research is continuing as she reaches out to zoos around the world for hair samples and to compare results. “What started as a small project has now become something I never imagined,” Millett said. “I’m deeply grateful for the guidance and support from my professors, Dr. Wendy Schatzberg and Dr. Samuel Tobler. Their mentorship has been instrumental in my growth as a researcher.” Millett will also be researching how to apply her findings, which could range from usage in new types of insulated clothing to benefitting housing insulation. |
 | Graduation Reception 2023Chemistry & Biochemistry Majors surround the student of the year, Eli Bliss, celebrating the end of the semester and for some the end of their time here at Utah Tech. We are very proud of our students and cannot wait to see what they do. Pictured left to right: Dallas Johnson, Jaxon George, Emily Flory, Eli Bliss, Tyler Reed, Connrey Miller. |
 | Trailblazer Expo Fall 2022August 2022 Chemistry & Biochemistry Booth |
 | Graduation May 2022May 2022 Graduates! Brianna, Jace, Freddy, Landon, and Riley |
 | End of the Semester Celebration April 27th 2022The end of the semester brought out a competitive streak amongst Chemistry & Biochemistry students and professors. They enjoyed the beautiful weather in Toniquint Park as the semester came to an end and competed against each other in cornhole, volleyball, and spike ball. Impressive talent was shown by both the students and professors! The ChemClub also put a little color in those white coats of theirs using tye-dye, they were serenaded by various karaoke singers while they worked. It was such a great way to end the semester together. Congratulations to the graduates Landon, Brianna, Riley, Jase, and Freddy, may your future shine brighter than the rays of the St George sun. |
Alumni Updates
Jaxon George - Utah Tech 2023 Graduate
“I’m excited to share that I’ve graduated with my Master’s in Physical Chemistry from Michigan State University! My time at MSU has been instrumental in shaping my career and personal growth. Special thanks to my research advisor for their guidance and support throughout this journey.”
Aron Hall-Terracciano - Utah Tech 2019 Graduate
It is with great excitement I am able to announce I have been officially white-coated into the Roseman College of PharmD Class of 2025!
Autumn Wyatt - Utah Tech 2019 Graduate
After graduating with a BS in Chemistry and a minor in Mathematics in May 2019, I pursued graduate school. I graduated in May 2022 from Colorado State University with an MS in Chemistry. I specialized in Physical Chemistry and Research in Dr. Amber Krummel’s group. I studied how water effects the vibrational structure and dynamics of room temperature ionic liquids as an application to electrolyte solutions utilizing linear and nonlinear spectroscopic techniques. I also was part of the implementation of 2D IR microscopy. I am passionate about laser instrumentation design and improvement, so I aspire to have a career in the optics community.
I am in the middle of an interview process to become Laser Engineer with KMLabs. It involves building KMs Ti: Staph oscillators from scratch, installing them worldwide, and servicing them. Plus some R&D.
Andrew Arslanian - Utah Tech 2017 Graduate
Andrew graduated from Utah Tech in 2017 and then pursued a Doctorate of Philosophy in Chemistry at BYU. He graduated with his PhD from BYU in April 2022. He specializes in Analytical Chemistry with an emphasis in Spectrometry. He accepted a Post-Doctorate Job at Ohio State University where he will continue his work in Spectrometry studying proteins and modifying mass spectrometers. He proudly proclaims starting grad school with 3 kids and finishing with 5.