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Chemistry Students Take Center Stage During Kohn-Damrauer Endowed Lectureship at CU Denver
On April 22–23, the CU Denver Department of Chemistry welcomed Prof. Todd Martinez to campus for the Kohn-Damrauer Endowed Chemistry Lectureship. The visit was built around what makes CU Denver stand out: students learning alongside working scientists, asking real questions, and sharing research with real-world relevance.
This annual lectureship, established by Dr. Bob Damrauer (Professor Emeritus of Chemistry) and his late wife, Lennie Damrauer, brings internationally recognized scientists, Nobel laureates, and STEM leaders to CU Denver. The goal is simple and powerful: create accessible, high-impact opportunities for students, faculty, and the Denver community through free lectures and seminars.
About Prof. Todd Martinez
Prof. Todd Martinez is the David Mulvane Ehrsam and Edward Curtis Franklin Professor of Chemistry at Stanford University and a Professor of Photon Science at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory.
A renowned theoretical chemist, Martinez develops first-principles approaches to chemical reaction dynamics. His recognitions include election to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences and the National Academy of Sciences.
A Two-Day Experience Designed Around Students
From the first conversation to the final Q&A, CU Denver students helped shape the visit's energy.
Lunch and Career Conversations
The visit began with a student lunch, where about 30 students joined Prof. Martinez for an informal discussion about science, research, and career paths. It was a chance to connect person-to-person and ask the kinds of questions that matter as you build your future in STEM.
Student Poster Session Showcases Research in Action
That afternoon, about 15 students presented their work during a student poster session on the first floor of the Science Building. Prof. Martinez engaged directly with presenters, asking questions and talking through ideas alongside faculty and fellow students.
These posters were later shared at EUReCA that week, extending the impact of the experience and giving students another opportunity to present their work to a broader audience.
Student Volunteers Made It Happen
Hands-on learning also looked like leadership. About 10 student volunteers helped the afternoon run smoothly, supporting set-up, welcoming guests, and keeping the event on track. Their work created a supportive environment for presenters and attendees alike.
Public Lecture and Research Seminar Bring Campus and Community Together
The day concluded with Prof. Martinez’s public lecture, drawing an audience of roughly 30–50 students, faculty, and community members. A research seminar followed the next day, offering additional depth for those who wanted to explore the science further.
The Kohn-Damrauer Endowed Chemistry Lectureship continues to reflect CU Denver’s commitment to an inclusive, accessible academic experience where students learn by doing and connect with leaders shaping the future of science.
Thank You to the Team Behind the Lectureship
This event is possible because of the people who invest time, care, and coordination into student-centered learning experiences.
- Dr. Haobin Wang, for organizing the lectureship
- Dr. Jeff Knight and Ms. Elizabeth Evans, for promotion and poster printing support
- Dr. Kyoung Nan Kim, for coordinating student participation
- Every faculty member and student who presented, volunteered, and attended
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