Shoujun Xu, professor of chemistry, has been appointed chair of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Houston College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, effective July 1, 2026.
Xu will succeed David Hoffman, who has led the department through years of remarkable growth and increasing national visibility. Xu and Hoffman will work closely in the coming months to ensure a thoughtful and seamless transition.
“Chemistry has long been central to the intellectual and research strength of NSM and to UH’s broader scientific enterprise,” Dudley said. “I have great confidence in Shoujun’s leadership and commitment to building on the department’s strengths. I am grateful for his willingness to serve and lead Chemistry into its next chapter.”
Xu joined the University of Houston faculty after completing postdoctoral appointments at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the California Institute of Technology. He earned a Ph.D. in physical chemistry from Johns Hopkins University in 2002 and a Bachelor of Science from Nanjing University in 1993.
His research focuses on developing quantum sensing techniques for biophysics and low-field magnetic resonance imaging. Xu’s laboratory has pioneered innovative approaches based on quantum magnetometry, including Force-Induced Remnant Magnetization Spectroscopy, two techniques that introduced spectroscopic characteristics into magnetic detection to resolve noncovalent bonds, reveal biomolecular motion, and gauge protein mechanical forces.
Xu’s priorities for departmental leadership align closely with the University of Houston’s strategic direction, and include:
- Strengthening student success across undergraduate and graduate programs, with attention to gateway courses, enrollment growth, degree completion, and graduate recruitment.
- Maintaining and expanding the department’s research strengths while positioning Chemistry to participate more visibly and effectively in college- and campus-wide research initiatives.
- Enhancing communication, shared governance, and a culture of respect and shared purpose among faculty, staff, and students.