Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry Chris Graves has received a Henry Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award, earning a $75,000 research grant that will advance his research efforts with students.

Graves, who teaches synthetic inorganic chemistry and environmental studies at Swarthmore, is one of eight recipients this year. The award goes to young faculty in the chemical sciences who are accomplished researchers and committed educators, based on nominations submitted by undergraduate institutions across the U.S.

“I’m humbled to be honored with this award, which recognizes the great work my students have done in lab and my commitment to teaching,” says Graves, who also received a research grant from the National Science Foundation in 2017.

The Graves Group explores the development of novel aluminum complexes for application as catalysts. “We have a specific interest in the synthesis of aluminum complexes of redox active ligands across various oxidation states,” Graves writes on the research lab’s site. “The catalytic application of the aluminum complexes we prepare are guided by an understanding of the electronic structure and fundamental reactivity patterns of the compounds, as well as theory.”

With the research grant from the Dreyfus Foundation, Graves can boost those efforts as well as the experiences of the group.

“It will also help us travel to conferences to talk about the results of that work,” he says. “It’s a great opportunity for both myself and the students working with me.”

Swarthmore is investing in its vibrant intellectual culture. Learn how at lifechanging.swarthmore.edu.