Jon Rienstra-Kiracofe earns prestigious Charles B. Murphy Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award

2026-04-15

Jon Rienstra-Kiracofe, professor of practice in the James Tarpo Jr. and Margaret Tarpo Department of Chemistry at Purdue University and associate dean for the College of Science in Indianapolis, has been named a 2026 recipient of the Charles B. Murphy Award, Purdue's highest recognition for undergraduate teaching. Rienstra-Kiracofe was surprised with the honor Thursday, March 26, during a chemistry faculty meeting.

From left, Scott McLuckey, interim head of the Department of Chemistry; Haley Oliver-Jischke, senior vice provost for Academic and Student Success; Lucy Flesch, Frederick L. Hovde Dean of the College of Science; Jon Rienstra-Kiracofe; son, Caleb Rienstra-Kiracofe; and wife, Christine Rienstra-Kiracofe pose following the surprise announcement of Jon Rienstra-Kiracofe's Charles B. Murphy Award during a chemistry faculty meeting Thursday, March 26, 2026, in West Lafayette, Ind. (Purdue University photo/Kelsey Lefever)

The Charles B. Murphy Award is considered one of the most prestigious teaching honors at Purdue, recognizing faculty members who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to undergraduate education. Rienstra-Kiracofe, who joined Purdue in 2018, has served as a professor of practice in the chemistry department while also taking on the role of associate dean for the College of Science in Indianapolis since 2024. "I am humbled to have won the Murphy Award," he said. "Purdue has a long history of many excellent teachers. It's an honor to be acknowledged alongside them."

Rienstra-Kiracofe credits his own academic mentors with sparking the passion he now works to pass on to his students. "I am inspired by the many excellent instructors in my life who nurtured a love of learning chemistry within me," he explained. "To be a small part of helping students learn and succeed is very rewarding."

That impact is evident in the students he has taught and mentored. Olivia Raab, who graduated in December with a degree in interdisciplinary science with a chemistry concentration and is currently earning her master's degree in chemistry education, took his general chemistry course her freshman year. "I had him my freshman year for general chemistry and immediately first day, I knew I was really going to like him," Raab stated. "His mentorship as my undergrad research professor has really inspired me to keep going with chemistry education and to be a future teacher myself."

Olivia Raab, wearing a red floral dress, addresses chemistry faculty members while standing on crutches during the Murphy Award reveal at the chemistry faculty meeting Thursday, March 26, 2026. Raab spoke about her positive mentorship experience with faculty member Jon Rienstra-Kiracofe. Gold star-shaped balloons mark the celebratory occasion as colleagues photograph the moment. (Purdue University photo/Kelsey Lefever)

Rienstra-Kiracofe said Purdue's culture of teaching excellence has made him a better educator. "From supportive faculty colleagues, to programs that encourage innovation and excellence in teaching, and, most importantly, to excellent students who are eager to learn, I know that I am a better teacher because of all that is Purdue," he said. He added that his goal remains the same as it has always been, to inspire in his students the same love of learning that his own teachers once sparked in him.

About Purdue Chemistry

The James Tarpo Jr. and Margaret Tarpo Department of Chemistry is internationally acclaimed for its excellence in chemical education and innovation, boasting two Nobel laureates in organic chemistry, the #1 ranked analytical chemistry program, and a highly successful drug discovery initiative that has generated hundreds of millions of dollars in royalties. Learn more about chem.purdue.edu.

Written by: Alison Harmeson, senior communications specialist for the Purdue University College of Science

Contributors: Jon Rienstra-Kiracofe, professor of practice in the Department of Chemistry and associate dean for the College of Science in Indianapolis, Olivia Raab, graduate student in Department of Chemistry

Photos by: Kelsey Lefever