With the support of the Chemical Catalysis program in the Division of Chemistry and the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR), Professor Andrew Wilson of the University of Louisville is studying the electrochemical reduction of oxygen. The reduction of oxygen is an important reaction in the storage and conversion of energy as well as in the synthesis of organic chemicals. Limitations of the electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction include high energy costs and transport of oxygen to the reaction site. Professor Wilson and his team of researchers will address these limitations by studying how the properties of nonaqueous solvents influence the ability of metal nanoparticle catalysts to convert visible light into electrical energy and heat to improve the oxygen reduction reaction. Understanding how solvent can impact the conversion of visible light into electrical or chemical energy on metal electrodes will have broad impacts including new approaches in the synthesis of sustainable fuels and organic molecules and new strategies to improve the efficiency and capacity of metal-oxygen batteries, driving forward the pursuit of energy security. The research will be complemented with an educational plan to recruit and retain a diverse population of students in chemistry by engaging underrepresented minority and first-generation students in research at the beginning of college and pre-college time periods. Engagement will be accomplished through the developme