Most people learn about Nobel Prize winners from their publications or through the news. At Lehman, students, faculty, alumni, and community members had an in-person encounter with Louis E. Brus, a Nobel Laureate in chemistry, when he delivered the 40th  Arthur Sweeny Jr. Memorial Lecture, “Nanoscience in Chemistry.” It was a packed house.

Brus is  a faculty member at Columbia University and among numerous high honors was awarded the 2023 Nobel Prize for his pioneering work on quantum dots, sharing the prize with two colleagues in the field.

The April 25 event was the first Sweeny Lecture held after a five-year pause initiated by the COVID pandemic.

“This year’s lecture was really special,” said Chemistry department chair and event organizer Andrei Jitianu. “After five years we felt the energy and enthusiasm again. Professor Brus was amazing, and our students really enjoyed talking with him, asking questions and even getting autographs. They were excited to meet a Nobel Prize winner and also see that he is a regular person.”

“From my perspective he impressed me with his kindness and grace, and the sharpness of his mind.” Jitianu added.

By tradition, the lecture is also where departmental awards are presented to high-achieving chemistry majors. This year, Ashly Quezada, Andrea Mendez Locklear, Dorian Gavilanes, Fadel Ismail, Nidhi Noble, Gabriella Ravin, and Habib Girgis had the honor of receiving their awards directly from Brus.

“Bringing an important name in science, such as a Nobel Prize laureate, exposes students to the highest level of scientific achievement, and this can be a real inspiration to them, “ Jitianu said. “When our students interact directly with a distinguished member of the scientific community, they are motivated to keep working toward their goals.”