Speaker: Evan Wegener, PhD, Research Chemical Engineer, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, USDA Agricultural Research Service
Date: November 12, 2026
Time: 5:00–6:00 PM
Location: Olin 245, 1501 W. Bradley Ave., Peoria, IL 61625 

Abstract
The development of integrated biorefineries that make a suite of products from multiple agricultural feedstocks will increase the availability of biobased materials and create new economic opportunities in rural communities. In these facilities, hybrid processes that couple microbial fermentations and chemocatalytic reactions are poised to play a central role in converting sugars from crops into fuels and platform chemicals.
Although there are several established pathways for chemically upgrading different classes of fermentation products (e.g., alcohols, carboxylic acids, microbial lipids), better catalysts are needed to increase efficiencies and make them cost competitive with traditional petroleum refining. The development of improved catalysts can be accelerated by connecting their performance (i.e., activity, selectivity, and durability) to their physical and chemical properties through structure-function relationships.
This presentation will highlight work from the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research (NCAUR) that focuses on developing new bifunctional catalyst systems for coupling fermentation-derived alcohols to precursors for aviation fuels, polymers, and flavorings and fragrances. Performance and characterization results related to metal oxides and metal alloys, which catalyze different steps within the desired reaction cascades, will be discussed. 

We hope you can join us for this technical discussion.

All are welcome!

Knox College invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Chemistry position beginning September 1, 2027. The position focuses on Physical Chemistry, with candidates in closely related areas also encouraged to apply.

The position emphasizes undergraduate teaching and research, with an expectation that the successful candidate will establish a research program involving undergraduate students.

Application review begins: October 30, 2026
Application deadline: Until the position is filled
Application: Interfolio

For complete details, qualifications, and application instructions, please visit https://www.knox.edu/employment-at-knox/faculty. 

ACS Illinois Heartland is organizing its first Industrial Fair, showcasing how chemistry drives manufacturing across our region.

We are currently seeking posters and talks aligned with the following themes:

• Economic Impacts

• Regional Industries

• Educational Outreach

• Scientific Exchange

This is a fantastic opportunity to highlight real-world applications of chemistry and collaborate with both industry and academic peers.

Stay tuned for upcoming details on event dates and registration.

Speaker: Daniel S. Brown, PhD, Neuropsychologist, OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center
Date: October 19, 2026
Time: 5:00–6:00 PM
Location: Olin 245, 1501 W. Bradley Ave., Peoria, IL 61625

Abstract: This seminar will describe and provide an overview of the field of neuropsychology, reviewing various roles of a neuropsychologist, and focusing in particular on the unique utility (and limitations) of neuropsychometric cognitive assessment, the core neuropsychological toolkit. After a brief walkthrough of the neurocognitive evaluation process, intended to offer a tangible “peek behind the curtain” for how brain function is measured, we will aim to not only highlight relevance at the biochemical level but also emphasize its importance in the context of a connected multidisciplinary (biomedical/biopsychosocial) approach in order to maintain an optimized, truly clinically meaningful perspective. We will use the quintessential neuroscience conundrum that (brain) structure does not equal (brain) function to underscore this concept. Finally, key takeaways/lessons learned from the recent rollout of the Illinois Neurological Institute/OSF Saint Francis Medical Center multidisciplinary dementia clinic, in conjunction with the development/FDA approval of modern serum/plasma neurofilament light chain assay biomarker testing and amyloid-clearing therapeutics for Alzheimer’s disease, will be explored as a prime illustrative case example.

We hope you can join us for this engaging seminar. All are welcome!