Chatham professor awarded research grants
Chatham University assistant professor, William Pfalzgraff, has been awarded an Integrated Research-Education Grant from the Charles E. Kaufman Foundation for research that seeks to develop new approaches to optimize catalysts by providing a theoretical framework that explains how one can precisely control what is produced in a chemical reaction using externally applied electric fields. Dr. Pfalzgraff’s work will also engage a diverse group of undergraduates in research and provide training in theory, simulation and experiment-theory collaboration. In addition, he is among 25 outstanding teacher-scholars in chemistry, physics, and astronomy named recipients of Research Corporation for Science Advancement’s 2023 Cottrell Scholar Awards. Cottrell Scholars are chosen through a rigorous peer-review process of applications incorporate both research and science education. Each award is $100,000.
About the IREG Grant Program
Integrated Research-Education (IREG) grants support research that directly engages undergraduate students alongside innovative scientists engaged in basic, fundamental, hands-on research that could lead to new discoveries and peer-reviewed publications. These Grants are awarded in the amount of $100,000 over two years ($50,000 per year). The scientific advisory board reviewed 128 inquiries from scientists at 39 colleges and universities. More on the IREG can be found here.
About the Charles E. Kaufman Foundation
The fund was established in 2005 through a $43 million bequest from Charles E. Kaufman, who followed his long career as a chemical engineer as an entrepreneur and investor. Upon his death in 2010, he left his fortune to the Foundation, of which $33 million was endowed to support fundamental scientific research in chemistry, biology, and physics at Pennsylvania institutions. Including this year’s grantmaking, the Foundation has awarded 91 grants totaling $18.6 million since 2013. More information on the Charles E. Kaufman Foundation can be found at https://kaufman.pittsburghfoundation.org.