MSI PI Laura Gagliardi (Chemistry; Director, Chemical Theory Center; Director, Inorganometallic Catalyst Design Center; Nanoporous Materials Genome Center) been named a McKnight Presidential Endowed Chair. This is one of the highest awards that can be given to a faculty member at the University of Minnesota. It is based on academic and research accomplishments and contributions to the University.
Professor Gagliardi uses quantum chemical methods to study chemical systems and materials containing transition metals and heavier atoms such as lanthanides and actinides. The Gagliardi group uses various software packages available through MSI. Their work was featured on the MSI website in October 2016: A New Method for Creating a Catalyst on a Metal-Organic Framework.