New Antibiotics May End Chronic Infections, Slash Billions in Health Care Costs

Boyd Professor Emeritus Isiah Warner Inducted into LSU College of Science Hall of Distinction

March 28, 2025

Boyd Professor Emeritus Isiah Warner was honored as a 2025 inductee into the LSU College of Science Hall of Distinction. Prof. Warner’s remarkable career influenced the scientific community through his exceptional research, education, and mentorship contributions. His efforts helped expand access to science education and foster a culture of excellence, inspiring and guiding future leaders in STEM. | Learn more

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LSU Chemistry Welcomes Ashley Thibodeaux

March 17, 2025

LSU Chemistry is pleased to welcome Ashley Thibodeaux as the new Assistant to the Chair. Ashley brings over 20 years of LSU experience across departments such as Economics, English, and Entomology, as well as prior roles with the LA Division of Administration and LSU Hospitals. She earned her Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies in 2017 while working full-time, demonstrating her strong commitment and work ethic. Outside of work, Ashley enjoys baking, reading, and spending time with her family. We’re excited to have her on board, be sure to stop by and say hello!

LSU Researchers Harness Natural Compounds to Combat Louisiana’s High Cancer Rates

February 24, 2025

LSU Chemistry's Assistant Professor Fatima Rivas and graduate student Jake Barras are leading groundbreaking research exploring how natural products can be used to develop new treatments for metabolic syndrome and obesity—both of which increase cancer risk. | Learn more

LSU's Antibiotic Breakthrough

Bacterial biofilms make chronic infections hard to treat, protecting bacteria from antibiotics with a tough layer of proteins, sugars, and DNA. But there's good news! LSU Chemistry Professor Mario Rivera and his research team have discovered a new class of antibiotics that break through these defenses by blocking bacteria’s access to iron, a vital nutrient they need to survive. 

Prof. García-López Receives 2025 Thieme Chemistry Journals Award

February 17, 2025

LSU Chemistry Assistant Professor Víctor García-López has been named a 2025 recipient of the Thieme Chemistry Journals Award, an annual honor recognizing promising early-career researchers worldwide who have recently begun independent academic careers as assistant or junior professors. Awardees are selected by the editorial board members of SYNTHESIS, SYNLETT, and SYNFACTS, who seek out exceptional talent in chemical synthesis, catalysis, and related areas of organic chemistry. The award includes a one-year complimentary subscription to these journals and a certificate. 

Big Idea Award for Molecular Switches Research

January 29, 2025

Assistant Professor Víctor García-López received an LSU Provost’s Fund - Big Idea Phase I award for his work on light-activated, non-genetic molecular switches to control mechanosensitive channels in neurons. In collaboration with Professor Ryoichi Teruyama (LSU Biological Sciences) and researchers from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the project will utilize the molecular switches to understand mechanosensitive channels better and offer insights into treating certain neurological diseases. | Learn more