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On January 16, the 8th Annual Schneller Frontiers Lecture was held in the Sciences Center Auditorium (SCC) at Auburn University, bringing together students, faculty, and members of the College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM) to explore advancements in electrochemistry and sustainability.

This year’s guest speaker, Dr. Yogesh Surendranath, the Donner Professor in the College of Science at MIT, presented his research on “Using Electrochemistry to Understand and Control Sustainable Thermochemical Catalysis.” Hosted by Dr. Byron Farnum from COSAM’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, the event highlighted the challenges and progress in developing thermochemical catalysts that accelerate critical reactions essential for sustainability. Dr. Surendranath discussed the behavior of electric charges at the boundaries between solid and liquid materials, proposing new theories on how solid-gas interactions could enhance our understanding of these processes.

Dr. Byron Farnum of Auburn University opened the lecture by welcoming students and faculty from COSAM, who filled nearly every seat in the auditorium. He also honored the memory of the late Dr. Stewart Schneller, former COSAM Dean (1994–2010) and namesake of the lecture series, who continued to inspire academic excellence until his passing in 2024. Before introducing Dr. Surendranath, Farnum recognized Schneller’s legacy by presenting a commemorative plaque.

Dr. Surendranath, an energetic and engaging lecturer, holds dual bachelor’s degrees in chemistry and physics from the University of Virginia and a Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry from MIT. His research group focuses on addressing frontier challenges in energy conversion and sustainability, aligning with the mission of the Schneller Frontiers Lecture series to inspire Auburn students in their educational journey.

The annual event, hosted by COSAM, continues to foster a spirit of collaboration and innovation in honor of Dr. Schneller, encouraging attendees to engage in cutting-edge research shaping the future of science.