Chemistry, Biochemistry Chair accepts ChemLuminary Award

Dr. Richa Chandra, professor and chair of Chemistry and Biochemistry at UST

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Dr. Richa Chandra accepts the ChemLuminary Award.

On October 17, Dr. Richa Chandra, chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, accepted a ChemLuminary Award on behalf of the American Chemical Society Greater Houston Section, which was recognized as an Outstanding Local Section in the large section category for its 2025 activities when Dr. Chandra served as Chair.

The ACS ChemLuminary Awards recognize exceptional volunteer efforts across its local sections. This award honors Honors section’s collective accomplishments in chemistry education, community outreach, and service to the profession.

"My dual roles as Professor and Chair from UST in leading the ACS-GHS section as Chair during its nationally recognized year brings visibility to our department and university within the broader chemistry community," Dr. Chandra said. "It highlights UST’s contribution to scientific leadership beyond campus and strengthens our reputation as an active participant in Houston’s scientific community."

The UST Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry allows students to have the opportunity to earn a ACS-certified degree through UST’s ACS-approved chemistry program. The department has invested more than $1.5 million to ensure students have cutting-edge instrumentation, including a Flow Cytometer, RT-PCR System, NMR, LC-MS, GC-MS, Raman Spectrometer, and more.

Visit the Chemistry and Biochemistry page for more.