Rachel Narehood Austin, the Diana T. and P. Roy Vagelos Professor of Chemistry from Barnard College/Columbia University, will present a talk focused on her research in chemistry for a more sustainable future.

Abstract: The transformation of alkanes to terminal alcohols using molecular oxygen as the sole oxidant and a catalyst utilizing earth-abundant metal ions exemplifies the kind of chemistry required for a sustainable future.  We are focused on understanding how the structure of alkane monooxygenase (AlkB), the metalloenzyme that catalyzes the selective oxidation of most liquid alkanes in the environment, facilitates its function.  In this talk, we will share our knowledge of how AlkB works, its significance in the global carbon cycle, and the lessons it offers us as we develop chemistry for a sustainable future.