Each year the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers recognizes minorities who make outstanding contributions to science, technology and/or engineering research. This year, NOBCChE recognized Dr. Farai Kwaramba, assistant professor of chemistry at Sterling College, for his research on hydrosilylation catalysis technology by awarding him with the Advancing Science Grant. The competitive grant allowed Kwaramba to present two lectures on his research to a variety of conference attendees, including employees and students from federal, private and academic institutions.

“We are very happy for Farai and the attention his research is receiving. He is extremely knowledgeable in his field and we are excited to have him share his expertise with our students,” said Dr. Gregory P. Kerr, vice president for academic affairs.

Part of Kwaramba’s research focuses on transition metal catalyzed hydrosilylation of carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom unsaturated bonds which has proven to be an important reaction/tool in organic synthesis. Additionally, silicon tethers have been utilized in complex natural product synthesis as a way to increase reaction rates, regio-, and stereoselectivity. Kwaramba developed procedures to prepare tethered silyl alkynes through iridium catalyzed hydrosilylation methodology that produces a unique motif of alkene and alkyne tethers.  The advantage of this approach is the ability to access highly functionalized silyl alkyne tethered building blocks that have potential applications in natural product synthesis, small molecule library development, improve adhesives, silicone rubbers, oils, polymers for toys, elastomers and plastics. The compound class resulting from this technological advancement provides stable isolable adducts that are useful for a variety of technical applications.

Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kansas, with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. For more information, visit www.sterling.edu.