We’re excited to share that members of the Kienzler Lab—Emmanuel, Samuel, Theo, and Himanshu—recently attended and presented at the 2025 GRS/GRC Conference on Artificial Molecular Switches and Motors, held in New London, New Hampshire, contributing to lively discussions on light-responsive systems, dynamic molecular tools, and next-generation switches for a wide array of applications. Each member showcased ongoing work from the lab, representing our latest innovations in photopharmacology, photoswitch design, and photoswitch applications.

It was a fantastic week of science, collaboration, and community at the forefront of molecular motion!

While part of our lab traveled to New London, NH, for the Gordon Research Conference on Artificial Molecular Switches and Motors, the rest of the team stayed closer to home and attended the ACS Connecticut Valley Section Organic Chemistry Symposium at Connecticut College in New London, CT.

At the symposium, Claire presented a poster on her latest research, sharing results and engaging with the broader organic chemistry community. It was a great opportunity to showcase the diversity of our projects and represent the lab at two important meetings happening at the same time!

The Kienzler lab took a break from the bench for a day of science, history, and good food in New Haven. We spent the afternoon exploring the recently renovated Yale Peabody Museum, where we took in fascinating exhibits ranging from ancient fossils to Indigenous artifacts and biodiversity displays.

After soaking in the natural history, we made our way to the legendary Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana to share laughs and classic New Haven-style pizza. It was a great day to connect outside the lab and appreciate both the scientific and culinary heritage of the area.

We are pleased to have two visiting scholars join us this summer: graduate student Sam Attard from UNSW in Australia and NSF REU student Dylan Levesque from just down the road at St. Joseph’s. Here’s to a productive summer of research!