• Yan Zhao
    Nature, engineered  

    Nature creates the blueprint – Yan Zhao reengineers it. Zhao, a professor of chemistry at Iowa State University, is using micellar imprinting to design synthetic materials that mimic the functions of natural enzymes and antibodies. His lab’s cutting-edge techniques are driving innovation in areas related to disease and plastic recycling.

  • AAAS Fellow Paul Canfield removes a sample from a flux-growth furnace.
    Chemistry, physics faculty honored by AAAS

    The American Association for the Advancement of Science is honoring five Iowa State University researchers for “their scientifically or socially distinguished efforts to advance science."

  • Yan Zhao
    Chemists build synthetic catalysts to break down biomass

    Yan Zhao, professor of chemistry, and his research team have figured out how to break down plant fibers in biomass and turn it into useful fuels and chemicals.