Prof. Cassandra L. Fraser is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry. In research, teaching, and service activities, she is especially keen on building bridges between disciplines, cultures, and sectors of society. She earned her undergraduate degree at Kalamazoo College (1984) where she first studied chemistry and art, and later devised her own major, crossing theology, political philosophy and women’s studies. After college she pursued a Master of Theological Studies degree in religion and culture at Harvard Divinity School (1988) and later resumed her studies in chemistry, earning a Ph.D. at The University of Chicago (1993), followed by postdoctoral research at Caltech (1993-95). She began her academic career at the University of Virginia in 1995.
Research in the Fraser Group is concerned with the design and synthesis of new materials, with particular focus on the biological-synthetic interface. The preparation of polymeric metal complexes and investigation of their responsive, nanoscale assembly properties are explored in her laboratory and through collaboration. Other themes of interest include bio-inspired design, materials for biomedicine, and ways in which cultural perspectives shape our understanding as stewards (or exploiters) of resources, from molecular to global scales.
Devising new learning experiences for students, challenging them to explore the world in new ways, and encouraging them to develop a greater appreciation of the importance of their role, rank among Prof. Fraser’s most rewarding activities. Courses she has taught include Chem 281: Introduction to Chemical Reactivity II, the third semester of the undergraduate honors series at UVA (1996-present), and graduate transition metal chemistry (1996-8). Interdisciplinary educational projects include the Science, Careers and Society Forum (1998-present), the Echols seminar “Color: Across the Spectrum” (2000), and the Dean’s Office supported Biomaterials Workshop, featuring many prominent speakers and participants from Arts and Sciences, Engineering and the Medical School (2001-3).
In addition to research and teaching, Professor Fraser serves the university community in a variety of ways. Envisioning new ways to achieve excellence in research and education and helping to devise creative plans for implementation are of particular interest to her. She is a member of the Morphogenesis and Regenerative Medicine 2020 scientific planning committee, the “Arts, Sciences and Humanities” working group convened by the Vice President for Research, and she was elected to serve on the Steering Committee for the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. She is an academic advisor to first and second year Echols Scholars, and is also engaged in various Jefferson Scholars Foundation initiatives.
