Prof. Dr. Ming-Der Su | Theoretical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Ming-Der Su | Theoretical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Ming-Der Su is a distinguished full professor affiliated with the Department of Applied Chemistry at National Chiayi University and the Department of Medicinal and Applied Chemistry at Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan. Renowned for his expertise in theoretical inorganic and organometallic chemistry, he has made significant contributions to advancing computational methods and molecular modeling in chemical research. His academic journey spans prestigious institutions in the United Kingdom, United States, and Taiwan, where he developed a deep understanding of reaction mechanisms and molecular electronic structures. Through teaching, mentoring, and pioneering research, he continues to influence and inspire the global chemistry community.

National Chiayi University, Department of Applied Chemistry | Taiwan

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Educational Background

Prof. Su earned his Ph.D. (1988–1991) in chemistry from the University of Cambridge (UK), under the supervision of Prof. Nicholas C. Handy. He then pursued multiple prestigious postdoctoral research appointments: with Prof. R. D. Bach and Prof. H. B. Schlegel at Wayne State University (USA) from 1991 to 1993, with Prof. Michael A. Robb at London University (UK) from 1994 to 1995, and with Nobel Laureate Prof. Roald Hoffmann at Cornell University (USA) in 1996. These experiences provided him with a strong international research foundation in computational and theoretical chemistry.

Research Focus

Prof. Su’s primary research interests lie in theoretical research in inorganic chemistry and organometallic chemistry. His work involves computational modeling, reaction mechanism studies, and molecular electronic structure analysis, contributing to a deeper understanding of chemical bonding and reactivity in metal-containing systems.

Notable Publications

Reactivity of Ammonia in 1,2-Addition to Group 13 Imine Analogues with G13–P–Ga Linkages: The Electronic Role of Group 13 Elements

Author: Zheng-Feng Zhang; Ming-Der Su

Journal: Molecules

Year: 2025

Insights into the Factors Controlling the Origin of Activation Barriers in the [2 + 2] Cycloaddition Reactions of Heavy Imine-like Molecules Featuring a Ge=Group 15 Double Bond with Heterocumulenes

Author: Zheng-Feng Zhang; Ming-Der Su

Journal: Molecules

Year: 2025

A theoretical study of the reactivity of ethene and benzophenone with a hyper-coordinated alkene containing a so-called E=E (E = C, Si, Ge, Sn, and Pb) unit

Author: Yang MC; Su MD

Journal: Dalton Transactions (Cambridge, England : 2003)

Year: 2020

Theoretical Study of the Photolysis Mechanisms of Methylpentaphenyldimetallanes (Ph₃MM′Ph₂Me; M, M′ = Si and Ge)

Author: Ming-Der Su

Journal: Molecules

Year: 2018

Conclusion

Prof. Ming-Der Su’s career embodies a commitment to advancing theoretical and computational chemistry while nurturing future generations of scientists. His cross-disciplinary collaborations, innovative research methodologies, and dedication to education have positioned him as a respected leader in inorganic and organometallic chemistry. Through his academic appointments, he continues to contribute to the development of cutting-edge chemical research in Taiwan and internationally. His work not only expands scientific knowledge but also provides a foundation for applications in catalysis, materials science, and molecular design. Prof. Su’s enduring contributions ensure his influence will be felt in the chemistry community for years to come.

Dr. Uttam Pokharel – Coordination Chemistry – Chemistry Education Award

Dr. Uttam Pokharel – Coordination Chemistry – Chemistry Education Award

University of Houston Clear Lake, United States

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🎓 Educational Background

Dr. Uttam Pokharel has pursued an extensive academic journey in chemistry, specializing in organic and organometallic chemistry. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY (2007 – 2012), where he conducted significant research in synthetic organic chemistry. Prior to that, he completed his Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Organic Chemistry from Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal (1996 – 1998). To further enhance his research expertise, he undertook a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA (2012 – 2015), focusing on organometallic catalysis and reaction mechanisms.

🏆 Awards and Recognitions

Dr. Pokharel has been honored with multiple awards for his excellence in teaching and research. In 2023, he received the Presidential Award for Teaching Excellence at Nicholls State University, a prestigious recognition of his dedication to education. He was also honored with the Academic Award for Teaching Excellence from the College of Science and Technology at Nicholls State University in 2020. His contributions to research were acknowledged with the Patent Investigator Award from Louisiana State University in 2019. Additionally, he was an Outstanding Faculty Nominee to the Faculty Senate at Nicholls State University in 2018, and earlier in his career, he received the Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award from the University of Kentucky in 2012.

🎓Teaching Experience 

Dr. Pokharel has an extensive teaching background, with experience at multiple prestigious institutions.

University of Houston – Clear Lake (2024 – Present)

As an Associate Professor, he teaches a wide range of chemistry courses, including Organic Chemistry I & II, General Chemistry Lab, Advanced Organic Chemistry, Synthetic Organic Chemistry, and Graduate Research courses.

Nicholls State University (2015 – 2024)

Dr. Pokharel served as an Associate Professor (2021–2024), Assistant Professor (2016–2021), and Visiting Assistant Professor (2015–2016). He taught various chemistry courses, such as General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry for Nursing, and Research Problems in Chemistry, among others.

University of Kentucky (2007 – 2012)

He began his teaching career as a Teaching Assistant in the Department of Chemistry, where he gained valuable experience instructing undergraduate students.

💰 Grants and Research Funding

Dr. Pokharel has been actively involved in securing research grants to advance his studies in organic and organometallic chemistry, catalysis, and ligand design. He has submitted a proposal to the American Chemical Society Petroleum Research Fund (ACS PRF) for research on Copper(II)-Mediated Oxidation of Nitrogen Heterocycles aimed at improving petroleum refining processes. He has also received a Faculty Research Support Fund from the University of Houston – Clear Lake (2025), amounting to $5,998, for studying ligand-centered redox reactions in ruthenium(II) complexes.

In addition, he secured $5,000 from the Louisiana Board of Regents (2023–2024) under the Supervised Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program for research on α-Ferrocenyl Ketones for Anion Sensing. His efforts to improve laboratory facilities led to a $12,660 grant from Nicholls State University Tech Fee (2022) for acquiring a Gas Chromatogram for Organic Chemistry Laboratory. Other notable grants include a $4,900 Research Council grant (2020–2021) at Nicholls State University for work on Redox-driven Single Molecular Rotors from Ferrocene-linked Tetradentate Ligands, and a $21,600 grant from the Louisiana Board of Regents (2017–2018) for research on Organometallic Polyacenes for Opto-electronic Applications.

Notable Publications📝


📝Structural Rearrangement in Cyclic Cu(II) Pyridyltriazole Complexes: Oxidation of Dabco to Oxalate and CO2 Conversion to Carbonate

Authors: Uttam R. Pokharel, Frank R. Fronczek, Andrew W. Maverick

Journal: Molecules

Year: 2025

📝Lactonization of α-Ferrocenyl Ketocarboxylic Acids via Nucleophilic Attack of Carbonyl Oxygen

Authors: Uttam R. Pokharel, Brennan J. Curole, Autumn M. Andras, Brandon P. LeBlanc, Frank R. Fronczek

Journal: Crystals

Year: 2024


📝Synthesis and crystal structure of 1,1′-bis{[4-(pyridin-2-yl)-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl]methyl}ferrocene, and its complexation with CuI

Authors: Uttam Pokharel

Journal: Acta Crystallographica Section E Crystallographic Communications

Year: 2020


📝Metallosupramolecular helices constructed from nickel(II) and multidentate “click” triazole ligands

Authors: Uttam Pokharel

Journal: Polyhedron

Year: 2020


📝Synthesis and crystal structures of 2-(ferrocenylcarbonyl)benzoic acid and 3-ferrocenylphthalide

Authors: Uttam Pokharel

Journal: Acta Crystallographica Section E Crystallographic Communications

Year: 2020