Nascimento Research Group News

Strengthening UNCG Air-Sensitive Research with a New Double-Glovebox

June 03 2026

We recently received a new Vigor double-glovebox, which will be housed in our second laboratory space to support air- and moisture-sensitive research activities. The installation process also provided an excellent training opportunity for our students and postdoctoral researcher, who gained valuable hands-on experience assembling, setting up, and familiarizing themselves with the operation of this important piece of equipment. This experience helped strengthen their understanding of laboratory instrumentation while preparing them to safely and effectively use the glovebox in future research projects.

Vigor double-glovebox

Undergraduate Awards Ceremony

April 22 2026


Congratulations to Nora and Wes on receiving the ACS Inorganic Chemistry Award and the Lilian Nile Award, respectively. These honors reflect their independence, dedication, and outstanding contributions in the lab.

people seated at the awards ceremony

2026 Undergraduate Expo

April 07 2026


Congratulations to Nora and Reina for participating, for the first time, in a scientific exposition and sharing insights into the exciting work they have been conducting in the Nascimento Lab. Students in the group are always encouraged to attend scientific meetings to develop their communication skills, explore diverse areas of chemistry, and expand their professional networks.

Nora and Reina at the 2026 Undergraduate Expo

GC–FID/MS Installed

Feb 05 2026


Our newly acquired gas chromatograph has been successfully installed and is now fully operational. This instrument will enable high-throughput analysis of our reactions, allowing us to quickly and accurately quantify reaction products and monitor reaction progress. Its capabilities will significantly enhance the efficiency and precision of our experimental workflows, supporting both ongoing projects and future studies in our research group.

gas chromatograph

Nascimento Group End-of-Year Gathering & Celebration

Dec 05 2025

As we wrap up our first semester at UNCG, we are excited to come together for our end-of-year celebration. This gathering is a chance for us to pause and appreciate the collective achievements, resilience, and growth that each of you has contributed to throughout the year. It’s also a moment to enjoy good company, share a few laughs, and recharge as we look ahead to another year of discovery and progress. I’m grateful for the dedication and creativity each of you brings to the group, and I look forward to celebrating with all of you!

the Nacimento group seated at a dining table together in December 2025

Welcome Our Postdoctoral Researcher Austin!

Nov 21 2025

We are delighted to welcome Dr. Austin Pyrch as the newest postdoctoral researcher in the Nascimento Group. Austin joins us from NC State University, where he completed his PhD in the Castellano group, developing a strong foundation in photochemistry and excited-state processes. His expertise and enthusiasm for collaborative research make him a wonderful addition to our team, and we look forward to the energy, creativity, and insight he will bring to our ongoing projects.

Dr. Austin Pyrch

Congratulations to Nora and Reina!

Nov 20 2025

We are pleased to announce that the Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creativity Office at UNC Greensboro has selected two of our undergraduate students, Nora and Reina, as recipients of the Undergraduate Research and Creativity Award (URCA). Their proposal was recognized for its strong scientific merit and potential for meaningful scholarly contributions. Congratulations to both!

Nora and Reina

Welcome Our First Ph.D. Student, Nelson!

Nov 12 2025

The Nascimento Group is excited to welcome Nelson as our first Ph.D. student! Nelson joins the lab with a strong enthusiasm for research in catalysis, and we are thrilled to have him begin his graduate journey with us. We look forward to supporting his development as a scientist and celebrating the contributions he will bring to our research program. Welcome to the team, Nelson!

Nelson

Research Shadow Night

Nov 04 2025

The Nascimento Group participated in “Research Shadow Night,” an event hosted by the Skeptical Chemists aimed at showcasing the Chemistry Department’s research labs and encouraging undergraduate involvement.

a nighttime view of a chemistry lab

UNCG Chemistry Showcased at the Southeastern ACS Meeting

Oct 24–29, 2025

Dr. Nascimento has represented the UNCG Chemistry and Biochemistry Department at the 2025 Southeastern Meeting of the American Chemical Society (SERMACS) in Orlando – FL. There, he
had the opportunity to engage with numerous prospective students, share information about UNCG’s graduate programs, and highlight the department’s research strengths and welcoming community. It was a great chance to showcase what makes UNCG an excellent place to pursue graduate studies in chemistry and biochemistry and to encourage talented students to consider joining us in 2026.

Dr. Nascimento behind the UNCG Chemistry Department table

Congratulations to Kavion!

Oct 02, 2025

Congratulations to Kavion for being awarded the Dorothy Munroe Student Research Fund in support of her project on the methane oxidation reaction! This recognition highlights her dedication, creativity, and growing expertise in research. I look forward to seeing her work continue to develop and to the contributions she will make to advancing our understanding of this important chemical transformation.

Kavion dressed in PPE and smiling in the lab

First Group Meeting!

Sept 05, 2025

Today marks a special milestone for our new research group at UNCG as we held our very first group meeting! It was exciting to bring everyone together, share ideas, and set the stage for the work and discoveries ahead. I am grateful for the enthusiasm, curiosity, and energy each member brings to the table, and I look forward to building a collaborative and supportive environment where we can learn and grow together. Here’s to many more meetings, new insights, and exciting science in the future!

four research students and Dr. Nascimento posing around a table
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