Where Chemistry Meets Impact: Hill Prize Backs Texas A&M Innovation

Dr. Karen Wooley, a Distinguished Professor and the W.T. Doherty-Welch Chair in Chemistry in Texas A&M University’s College of Arts and Sciences, is the co-recipient of the 2026 Hill Prize for Physical Sciences, which is awarded by the Texas Academy of Medicine, Engineering, Science & Technology (TAMEST). On behalf of the full team, which includes Dr. Senthil Kumar Boopathi and Dr. Ashlee Jahnke, Wooley and co-recipient Matthew Stone of Teysha Technologies will receive the prestigious award during the opening reception of the 2026 TAMEST Annual Conference in San Antonio. 

Funded by Lyda Hill Philanthropies, the Hill Prize recognizes and advances Texas innovators and researchers whose work has the potential to significantly impact science and society and lead to paradigm shifts in research. The prizes are given in seven categories: artificial intelligence, biological sciences, engineering, medicine, physical sciences, public health and technology. 

 “It is with great pride that I congratulate this year’s Hill Prizes recipients,” said Lyda Hill, founder of Lyda Hill Philanthropies. “Their pioneering spirit and unwavering dedication to innovation are addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time – from climate resilience and energy sustainability to medical breakthroughs and the future of artificial intelligence.” 

Wooley, who is director of Texas A&M’s Laboratory for Synthetic-Biologic Interactions, and Stone, founder of Teysha Technologies, are part of a team that was selected for their innovative research that transforms agricultural waste into safe, degradable plastics and chemicals. Their work directly addresses the global challenge of replacing toxic, petroleum-derived materials – such as bisphenol A (BPA)—with sustainable alternatives. 

Wooley is the first Texas A&M faculty member to receive the Hill Prize, which was first awarded in 2024. “We are excited that Professor Wooley’s scholarship and student training have been recognized by TAMEST and proud of her accomplishments,” said Dr. Lane Baker, head of Texas A&M’s Department of Chemistry. “The Wooley Research Group’s studies into conversion of agricultural biomass waste to new sources for plastic production is a quintessential example of cutting-edge research with immediate pathways for translation to the real world.” 

Wooley always knew she wanted to be a scientist, but her specific interest in chemistry traces back to elementary school when she glimpsed a high school chemistry textbook and did rudimentary classroom chemistry experiments on sugar and salt. Intrigued, she continued exploring different facets of science, including taking two high school chemistry courses, before enrolling in Oregon State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. 

Later, she enrolled in Cornell University’s doctoral program, where she focused her studies on polymers and organic chemistry. “I really want to do chemistry that can impact society,” she said. “Polymers are critical to our everyday lives, whether it's life itself or whether it's the way that we use matter in our lives.” 

While her graduate work delved into polymer properties and architecture, Wooley’s research agenda at Texas A&M focuses on the source and sustainability of artificial polymers. Her work has potential applications in numerous industries, including energy, manufacturing and medicine.

The Hill Prize recognizes Wooley and her team’s research converting sugars and natural phenolic compounds into patent-pending BPA substitutes designed to safely degrade after use. Wooley credits senior scientist Senthil K. Boopathi, who had the initial idea, and Dr. Ashlee A. Jahnke for their assistance in developing these new materials, which match or exceed the performance of traditional plastics while also eliminating long-term environmental and health risks.  

This work is important because of the human health issues linked to BPA, an industrial chemical that has been used since the 1950s. BPA is often found in food and beverage containers, water supply lines and some dental sealants. According to the Mayo Clinic, BPA exposure may lead to possible effects on the brain and prostate gland of fetuses, infants and children. Research also suggests a link between BPA and increased blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. 

Wooley’s team, working with Stone and Teysha Technologies, will use the Hill Prize’s funding to scale production, optimize chemical processes and purchase critical equipment to accelerate translation from lab to market. “The Hill Prize is a competitive and unique opportunity,” Wooley said. “We have so much great research going on in universities, but it’s difficult to find money to support these kinds of translational activities. As researchers, we want to find ways to get our work out so it can really impact society—and the Hill Prize will help us do that.”