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The Graduate School

The Science of “Breaking Bad”: A Look Behind the Hollywood Screen

Wed. Jan. 10, 2018      7:30 p.m.

Kane Hall 120

Donna J. Nelson

Donna J. Nelson, Professor of Chemistry, University of Oklahoma

Nelson, science advisor for the hit TV series “Breaking Bad,” speaks about her experiences in Hollywood and how the worlds of science and film intersect. Learn how the science behind the show was crafted to support the actors and engage the public.

Admission is free. Advance registration is required.

This lecture has reached capacity. As a courtesy, the Graduate School will offer standby seating on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 6:45 pm in Kane Hall. Any reserved seats not taken by 7:15 pm will be offered to our guests in the standby line.

Part of the Mary Ann and John D. Mangels Endowed Lecture Series. Produced in partnership with the University of Washington Graduate School.


Donna J. Nelson is professor of chemistry at the University of Oklahoma. Nelson specializes in organic chemistry, which she both researches and teaches. Nelson’s career has focused on five primary topics of research generally categorized in two areas, scientific research and America’s scientific readiness. Within scientific research, Nelson’s topics have been on mechanistic patterns in alkene addition reactions and on single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) functionalization and analysis. Under America’s scientific readiness, she focuses on science education, which includes classroom innovations and correcting organic chemistry textbook inaccuracies; ethnic and gender diversity among highly ranked science departments of research universities; and improving the image and presentation of science and scientists to the public. Nelson has also served as a science advisor to the AMC television show “Breaking Bad.” She is the 2016 President of the American Chemical Society (ACS).