Michelle Brann
@michellebrann.bsky.social
Astrochemistry, Postdoctoral Fellow at the Harvard & Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics | University of Chicago Chemistry PhD | Wellesley College Alumna
she/her
MichelleBrann.com
she/her
MichelleBrann.com
My first paper with the Öberg astrochemistry group! In laboratory ice experiments, we find that oxygen atoms react with methyl cyanide to form methyl isocyanate. This work sheds light on chemical evolution in space & the origins of life’s building blocks.
doi.org/10.3847/1538...
doi.org/10.3847/1538...
Methyl Isocyanate Formation from Oxygen Insertion in Methyl Cyanide Ices - IOPscience
Methyl Isocyanate Formation from Oxygen Insertion in Methyl Cyanide Ices, Brann, Michelle R., Rajappan, Mahesh, Öberg, Karin I.
doi.org
September 22, 2025 at 2:14 PM
My first paper with the Öberg astrochemistry group! In laboratory ice experiments, we find that oxygen atoms react with methyl cyanide to form methyl isocyanate. This work sheds light on chemical evolution in space & the origins of life’s building blocks.
doi.org/10.3847/1538...
doi.org/10.3847/1538...
Reposted by Michelle Brann
"When we design tools that welcome different ways of sensing and thinking, we open new reaction pathways for discovery. Inclusive design doesn’t just widen participation; it expands the very structure-function relationship of science itself."
cen.acs.org/careers/dive...
cen.acs.org/careers/dive...
The tools we build become the questions we ask
Why inclusive design is good for more than access—it expands the boundaries of discovery
cen.acs.org
September 15, 2025 at 6:16 PM
"When we design tools that welcome different ways of sensing and thinking, we open new reaction pathways for discovery. Inclusive design doesn’t just widen participation; it expands the very structure-function relationship of science itself."
cen.acs.org/careers/dive...
cen.acs.org/careers/dive...
Reposted by Michelle Brann
Are you an early career chemical scientist ready to kickstart or hone your leadership skills? Apply to PROF's Leadership Development Award! held in Altanta GA, January 31 - February 2, 2026
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Learn more and apply at tinyurl.com/ACS-PROF-LDI. Questions can be directed to awards@acsprof.org.
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Learn more and apply at tinyurl.com/ACS-PROF-LDI. Questions can be directed to awards@acsprof.org.
September 13, 2025 at 9:38 PM
Are you an early career chemical scientist ready to kickstart or hone your leadership skills? Apply to PROF's Leadership Development Award! held in Altanta GA, January 31 - February 2, 2026
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Learn more and apply at tinyurl.com/ACS-PROF-LDI. Questions can be directed to awards@acsprof.org.
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Learn more and apply at tinyurl.com/ACS-PROF-LDI. Questions can be directed to awards@acsprof.org.
Huge thank you to @rescorp.org and @jenheemstra.bsky.social for the signed copy of Labwork to Leadership! Perfect timing as I head into the chemistry faculty job market this year. 👀 #chemsky
September 9, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Huge thank you to @rescorp.org and @jenheemstra.bsky.social for the signed copy of Labwork to Leadership! Perfect timing as I head into the chemistry faculty job market this year. 👀 #chemsky
Reposted by Michelle Brann
The American Chemical Society announced that the ACS Board of Directors has approved $2.5 million to be granted to graduate students who have been impacted by the termination or cancellation of their adviser’s research grant(s) cen.acs.org/acs-news/acs... #chemsky
ACS announces millions in funding for students affected by terminated grants
The grants will help students within 1 year of completion of their degree
cen.acs.org
August 19, 2025 at 6:50 PM
The American Chemical Society announced that the ACS Board of Directors has approved $2.5 million to be granted to graduate students who have been impacted by the termination or cancellation of their adviser’s research grant(s) cen.acs.org/acs-news/acs... #chemsky
For those at #ACSFall2025, stop by the Committee Row at Sci-Mix tonight from 8-10 PM to learn more about how the ACS Economic and Professional Affairs Committee (CEPA) oversees initiatives that improve members’ economic opportunity and professional growth www.acs.org/about/govern...
August 18, 2025 at 3:41 PM
For those at #ACSFall2025, stop by the Committee Row at Sci-Mix tonight from 8-10 PM to learn more about how the ACS Economic and Professional Affairs Committee (CEPA) oversees initiatives that improve members’ economic opportunity and professional growth www.acs.org/about/govern...
Reposted by Michelle Brann
My advisor, Karin Öberg, says you’re ready to graduate once you start dressing like your advisor. It’s therefore fitting that yesterday we matched (unplanned) during my dissertation talk :)
Excited to share I defended my PhD & will be going to @mpe-garching.bsky.social to work with Paola Caselli!
Excited to share I defended my PhD & will be going to @mpe-garching.bsky.social to work with Paola Caselli!
August 14, 2025 at 4:05 AM
My advisor, Karin Öberg, says you’re ready to graduate once you start dressing like your advisor. It’s therefore fitting that yesterday we matched (unplanned) during my dissertation talk :)
Excited to share I defended my PhD & will be going to @mpe-garching.bsky.social to work with Paola Caselli!
Excited to share I defended my PhD & will be going to @mpe-garching.bsky.social to work with Paola Caselli!
At #LINO25 I shared my research, got thoughtful advice from Nobel Laureates, and joined Frances Arnold for a science walk. I’m feeling inspired, energized, and excited to stay connected with this international community. Thank you
@tamu.bsky.social and @nationalacademies.org for sponsoring!
@tamu.bsky.social and @nationalacademies.org for sponsoring!
July 24, 2025 at 11:08 PM
At #LINO25 I shared my research, got thoughtful advice from Nobel Laureates, and joined Frances Arnold for a science walk. I’m feeling inspired, energized, and excited to stay connected with this international community. Thank you
@tamu.bsky.social and @nationalacademies.org for sponsoring!
@tamu.bsky.social and @nationalacademies.org for sponsoring!
Reposted by Michelle Brann
Attention, #CottrellScholar, #Scialog & #RCSAFellows communities! RCSA is now accepting nominations for the 2026 class of RCSA Fellows, as well as applications to volunteer as host institution for their mock interviews. Details here: bit.ly/4m9iKus
RCSA Fellows
The RCSA Fellows initiative is building building an engaged community of faculty who bring a variety of perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds to teaching and research in the physical scie…
bit.ly
July 24, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Attention, #CottrellScholar, #Scialog & #RCSAFellows communities! RCSA is now accepting nominations for the 2026 class of RCSA Fellows, as well as applications to volunteer as host institution for their mock interviews. Details here: bit.ly/4m9iKus
Reposted by Michelle Brann
Huge congratulations to graduate student Joshua Wagner who has won this year's Hoffman Award from the American Vacuum Society (AVS) for his groundbreaking research on 2D moiré materials and nitrogen reactions on ruthenium. chemistry.uchicago.edu/news/joshua-...
Joshua Wagner Honored with Prestigious Dorothy M. and Earl S. Hoffman Award
Graduate Researcher Recognized for Innovative Work in 2D Materials and Catalysis
chemistry.uchicago.edu
June 30, 2025 at 9:36 PM
Huge congratulations to graduate student Joshua Wagner who has won this year's Hoffman Award from the American Vacuum Society (AVS) for his groundbreaking research on 2D moiré materials and nitrogen reactions on ruthenium. chemistry.uchicago.edu/news/joshua-...
Reposted by Michelle Brann
Want to teach chemistry at @wellesley.edu ? Apply for our visitor position. Join our community as you contribute to our orgo and/or intro curriculum:
wd1.myworkdaysite.com/recruiting/w...
wd1.myworkdaysite.com/recruiting/w...
Visiting Lecturer in Chemistry
Please review the details for the position before applying. Ensure that you have the required documents ready to upload in either PDF (.pdf) or Word document (.doc) format. On the second page, enter y...
wd1.myworkdaysite.com
June 24, 2025 at 11:27 AM
Want to teach chemistry at @wellesley.edu ? Apply for our visitor position. Join our community as you contribute to our orgo and/or intro curriculum:
wd1.myworkdaysite.com/recruiting/w...
wd1.myworkdaysite.com/recruiting/w...
Grateful to have taken part in the 2nd Annual #RCSAFellows Conference as a 2024 Fellow. Thank you to all the fantastic speakers, mentors, and other fellows for your insights and support!
2nd Annual #RCSAFellows Conference is underway in Tucson! Congrats to 2024 & 2025 Fellows, and thanks to our speakers, Facilitators & advisors for giving their time and advice so generously to help prepare these outstanding postdoctoral scholars for the faculty search process and the professoriate.
June 8, 2025 at 6:13 PM
Grateful to have taken part in the 2nd Annual #RCSAFellows Conference as a 2024 Fellow. Thank you to all the fantastic speakers, mentors, and other fellows for your insights and support!
Honored to receive the 2025 American Chemical Society Astrochemistry Outstanding Dissertation Award! 🌌 @uchichemistry.bsky.social
astro.phys-acs.org/news.html#20...
astro.phys-acs.org/news.html#20...
The Astrochemistry Subdivision of the American Chemical Society
Astrochemistry news, student opportunities, national meeting symposia, and officers related to the ACS Astrochemistry Subdivision are all found here.
astro.phys-acs.org
May 29, 2025 at 12:12 AM
Honored to receive the 2025 American Chemical Society Astrochemistry Outstanding Dissertation Award! 🌌 @uchichemistry.bsky.social
astro.phys-acs.org/news.html#20...
astro.phys-acs.org/news.html#20...
Just came back from the Lindau Spring Meeting at @tamu.bsky.social and am excited for the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in July! Thank you to @nationalacademies.org for the nomination ☺️ #LINO25
April 27, 2025 at 9:15 PM
Just came back from the Lindau Spring Meeting at @tamu.bsky.social and am excited for the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in July! Thank you to @nationalacademies.org for the nomination ☺️ #LINO25
Huge congratulations and looking forward to meeting the new #RCSAFellows at the RCSA conference in June! 🥳
RCSA has selected a new class of outstanding postdoctoral scholars in the second year of the #RCSAFellows Initiative, which aims to increase faculty excellence in the physical sciences through a multiyear program of job search preparation, professional development, and community building.
RCSA Fellows Initiative Selects 2025 Cohort
rescorp.org
April 11, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Huge congratulations and looking forward to meeting the new #RCSAFellows at the RCSA conference in June! 🥳
Reposted by Michelle Brann
Today on the #arXiv:
Narayanan et al. 2025, "Thermal Desorption Kinetics, Binding Energies, and Entrapment of Methyl Mercaptan Ices" - arxiv.org/abs/2504.01102
If you were wondering what a protoplanetary disc might be said to smell like.
Narayanan et al. 2025, "Thermal Desorption Kinetics, Binding Energies, and Entrapment of Methyl Mercaptan Ices" - arxiv.org/abs/2504.01102
If you were wondering what a protoplanetary disc might be said to smell like.
Thermal Desorption Kinetics, Binding Energies, and Entrapment of Methyl Mercaptan Ices
Organosulfur species are potential major carriers of sulfur in the interstellar medium, as well as interesting ingredients in prebiotic chemistry. The most fundamental question regarding these species...
arxiv.org
April 3, 2025 at 4:41 AM
Today on the #arXiv:
Narayanan et al. 2025, "Thermal Desorption Kinetics, Binding Energies, and Entrapment of Methyl Mercaptan Ices" - arxiv.org/abs/2504.01102
If you were wondering what a protoplanetary disc might be said to smell like.
Narayanan et al. 2025, "Thermal Desorption Kinetics, Binding Energies, and Entrapment of Methyl Mercaptan Ices" - arxiv.org/abs/2504.01102
If you were wondering what a protoplanetary disc might be said to smell like.
Reposted by Michelle Brann
A few photos from my week at #ACSSpring2025. Reconnecting with members of our #CASFutureLeaders community is always so inspiring. Thanks to all who tracked me down (and made me laugh) in San Diego!
March 28, 2025 at 8:50 PM
A few photos from my week at #ACSSpring2025. Reconnecting with members of our #CASFutureLeaders community is always so inspiring. Thanks to all who tracked me down (and made me laugh) in San Diego!
En route to San Diego for #ACSSpring2025. I’m looking forward to attending my first Committee on Economic and Professional Affairs (CEPA) meeting tomorrow. I’m also giving a presentation in the Astrochemistry Symposium in honor of Eric Herbst on Tuesday at 11 AM ☺️
March 21, 2025 at 11:41 PM
En route to San Diego for #ACSSpring2025. I’m looking forward to attending my first Committee on Economic and Professional Affairs (CEPA) meeting tomorrow. I’m also giving a presentation in the Astrochemistry Symposium in honor of Eric Herbst on Tuesday at 11 AM ☺️
One highlight of 2023! Thanks for capturing @miquai.bsky.social 🙃
A few of my favorite pics from @michellebrann.bsky.social's wedding 💍
January 10, 2025 at 8:49 PM
One highlight of 2023! Thanks for capturing @miquai.bsky.social 🙃
Reposted by Michelle Brann
Probably the saddest #MeetTheYCC I've posted. @michellebrann.bsky.social is about to rotate off @yccacs.bsky.social 💔 Thank you, Michelle, for all you've done for YCC!! We will miss you at YCC but look forward to seeing what you do next within @amerchemsociety.bsky.social!
Meet Dr. Michelle Brann, a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian and Chair of YCC's Communications (COM) subcommittee. Read about what Michelle does on the committee in our most recent #MeetTheYCC. acsycc.org/meet-the-...
December 12, 2024 at 4:52 PM
Probably the saddest #MeetTheYCC I've posted. @michellebrann.bsky.social is about to rotate off @yccacs.bsky.social 💔 Thank you, Michelle, for all you've done for YCC!! We will miss you at YCC but look forward to seeing what you do next within @amerchemsociety.bsky.social!
If anyone has questions about the application, don't hesitate to reach out! I can endorse the program even though I got Covid and ended up missing #ACSFall2024 and instead had a lengthier stay in Columbus, Ohio 🙃 #CASFutureLeaders
Are you a Ph.D. student or postdoctoral scholar? Apply for the 2025 #CASFutureLeaders program to take the next steps in your leadership journey. Applications are due by Sunday, January 26, 2025. www.cas.org/about/future...
December 3, 2024 at 3:58 PM
If anyone has questions about the application, don't hesitate to reach out! I can endorse the program even though I got Covid and ended up missing #ACSFall2024 and instead had a lengthier stay in Columbus, Ohio 🙃 #CASFutureLeaders
Reposted by Michelle Brann
🔷 3 current YCC members share their experiences in getting involved, what supporting younger chemists might look like in the next 50 years, and great nuggets of advice and insight to younger chemists who might be deciding what they want to do with their careers; cen.acs.org/acs-news/You...
Younger Chemists Committee celebrates 50 years: Member perspectives
The committee helps younger chemists navigate an ever-evolving workforce and advocates for their interests within the American Chemical Society
cen.acs.org
November 26, 2024 at 4:25 PM
🔷 3 current YCC members share their experiences in getting involved, what supporting younger chemists might look like in the next 50 years, and great nuggets of advice and insight to younger chemists who might be deciding what they want to do with their careers; cen.acs.org/acs-news/You...
Reposted by Michelle Brann
Thanks to @monicaohnsorg.bsky.social for helping me spin up this #CASFutureLeaders Starter Pack! go.bsky.app/7Vep1QD
November 21, 2024 at 6:54 PM
Thanks to @monicaohnsorg.bsky.social for helping me spin up this #CASFutureLeaders Starter Pack! go.bsky.app/7Vep1QD
It was fun to see the new science building and meet with some of my college professors at @wellesleycollege.bsky.social yesterday! Can't believe it will be my ten year reunion next year. #chemsky
November 19, 2024 at 2:38 PM
It was fun to see the new science building and meet with some of my college professors at @wellesleycollege.bsky.social yesterday! Can't believe it will be my ten year reunion next year. #chemsky