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Zhou Lin, assistant professor of chemistry in the College of Natural Sciences, is one of 24 outstanding teacher-scholars in chemistry, physics and astronomy recently named as recipients of the Research Corporation for Science Advancement (RCSA)’s 2026 Cottrell Scholar Awards.

Cottrell Scholars are chosen through a rigorous peer-review process of applications from public and private research universities, and primarily undergraduate institutions in the United States and Canada. Applicants’ award proposals incorporate both research and science education and those selected are awarded $120,000. 

“The Cottrell Scholar Award, a prestigious recognition from Research Corporation for Science Advancement, highlights the importance of early-career research and education leadership,” Lin says. “I’m honored to be named a Cottrell Scholar for 2026 to recognize my contributions in computational spectroscopy, heterogeneous catalysis, and artificial intelligence (AI). My research plan focuses on spectroscopic understanding of Fischer–Tropsch–type catalysis in space, leading to the formation of organic molecules as possible origins of life, using state-of-the-art generative AI methods. My education plan focuses on enhancing the mathematical and AI skills of chemistry students through hands‑on, in-class workshops, course‑based research experiences (CURE) labs, and summer college-preparation programs.” 

To accomplish these goals, Lin is planning collaborations that will be conducted with computer scientists to optimize generative AI algorithms, experimental chemists and chemical engineers to collect surface spectroscopic data, as well as chemical educators to improve CURE curricular development.

Through her lab, the Zhou Lin Group in Quantum Chemistry, Lin has focused on the development and application of AI-accelerated quantum chemistry techniques that allow scientists to realize forward structure-to-spectrum prediction and inverse spectrum-to-structure inference. She has also participated as a fellow in two of RCSA's Scialog initiatives, “Automating Chemical Laboratories” and “Negative Emissions Science.”

More information about the 2026 Cottrell Awards can be found on the RCSA website.