The BASF Corporation Catalysis Division is pleased to offer an academic collegiate scholarship that reflects their strong commitment to chemistry education at Rutgers University. The intent of the BASF Fellowship is to support high performing students exhibiting diversity in experience, leadership, special skills, and talent. It is, therefore, limited to third/fourth year Ph.D. students in the Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology with a minimum GPA of 3.5, who have completed coursework and successfully joined a lab.
At the conclusion of the award period, the successful applicant will prepare and present their work to the BASF research community in a 60-minute seminar.
Eligibility:
- Full-time CCB graduate student nominated by PI
- Minimum GPA of 3.5
- Catalysis focus is preferred, but will consider materials science or surface science
- Demonstrates diversity in experience, leadership, skills, and talents
The Graduate Office will notify faculty when nominations open. This usually occurs during the first week of December. To nominate, please provide the student’s CV along with a nomination letter. In the nomination letter, please specify which award or fellowship the student is being nominated for. If nominating more than one student for the same type of award/fellowship, rank them. All nominations will be kept strictly confidential, including the rankings.
2023-2024 Awardee:
Souvik Mandal was born and raised in a small township located in the suburbs of Howrah district, West Bengal, India. In 2014, he moved to the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore for his undergraduate studies, where he completed both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees and developed a strong interest in the field of organometallics and catalysis. In 2019, he joined the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Rutgers University for his PhD.
Currently, Souvik is working in Prof. Alan Goldman’s research group, which focuses on small molecule activation using homogeneous pincer metal complexes. He is working with pincer molybdenum complex for dinitrogen activation, which can eventually lead to sustainable ammonia synthesis. Alongside his research, Souvik has a strong passion for teaching and mentoring undergraduate and fellow graduate students.
In recognition of his teaching excellence, Souvik was honored with the Rieman TA Award in 2022 at Rutgers. He actively participates in various volunteering and outreach events, contributing his time and efforts as a valued member of the CCB Graduate Student Organization. Beyond the laboratory, he enjoys traveling, hiking, and cooking.
2022-2023 Awardee:
Daniel (Dan) Rothschild completed the first half of his bachelor’s degree at Syracuse University before transferring to Rutgers University. In his senior year, Dan joined the lab of Dr. Mark Lipke where he worked on synthesizing organometallic nanocages and remained to pursue a PhD. While in the graduate program, Dan’s work has resulted in several publications, media coverage, and international collaborations. He has also earned the Krishnamurthy Award for his work on covalent molecular cages.
The Lipke group focuses on fundamental reactivity within nanoporous environments, and Dan eventually hopes to use his knowledge of functional nano-structures to create new materials for commercial and industrial use.
