Navigate your own path to discovery

The department of Chemistry and Biochemistry provides a personal, attentive environment where students can develop and pursue a flexible program of study designed to fulfill individual interests and needs. We are a community of faculty, staff, students and alumni dedicated to excellence in chemical education. Through cutting-edge education, research and community impact- you will attain a solid foundation of theoretical knowledge and laboratory skills necessary for careers in industry, forensics, academia, as well as graduate education in chemistry, biochemistry, medicine, veterinary medicine and dentistry. 

Summer Undergraduate Research Programs

The Summer Undergraduate Research Program (URP) offers paid summer opportunities for students to gain vital research experience in STEM fields. The program spans ten weeks, running from May 20 to July 26, 2024, and encompasses research, community engagement, seminars, ethics education, and concludes with a research symposium.

Faculty and Staff

Mihaela Rita Mihailescu, Ph.D.

Mihaela Rita Mihailescu, Ph.D.

Chair and Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Jennifer Aitken, Ph.D.

Jennifer Aitken, Ph.D.

Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Bruce Beaver, Ph.D.

Bruce Beaver, Ph.D.

Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Scott Boesch

Scott Boesch

Chemistry and Biochemistry

Michael Cascio, Ph.D.

Michael Cascio, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Jeffrey Evanseck, Ph.D.

Jeffrey Evanseck, Ph.D.

Professor, Lambert F. Minucci Endowed Chair in Engineering and Computational Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Timothy Evans, Ph.D.

Timothy Evans, Ph.D.

Co-Coordinator of the Organic Chemistry Laboratories, Co-Advisor of the American Chemical Society Student Affiliates, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Ellen Gawalt, Ph.D.

Ellen Gawalt, Ph.D.

Dean, Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Sciences Hillman Distinguished Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Paul Lummis, Ph.D.

Paul Lummis, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Thomas Montgomery, Ph.D.

Thomas Montgomery, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Alicia Paterno, Ph.D.

Alicia Paterno, Ph.D.

Teaching Associate Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry

David Seybert, Ph.D.

David Seybert, Ph.D.

Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Emily Sylvester, Ph.D.

Emily Sylvester, Ph.D.

Teaching Assistant Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Stephanie J. Wetzel, Ph.D.

Stephanie J. Wetzel, Ph.D.

Teaching Assistant Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Nithya Vaidyanathan, Ph.D.

Nithya Vaidyanathan, Ph.D.

Stockroom Manager, Co-coordinator of the General Chemistry Laboratories and Co-advisor of the ACS student affiliates, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Tina Vowcheck

Tina Vowcheck

Financial Coordinator, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Jingyun Ye, Ph.D.

Jingyun Ye, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Michael Van Stipdonk, Ph.D.

Michael Van Stipdonk, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry

David Heisler, Ph.D.

David Heisler, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Explore our degrees and programs

Undergraduate Programs

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS

The undergraduate programs in Chemistry and Biochemistry are designed around a foundational set of courses. This serves as the intellectual groundwork for the five main facets of chemistry, placing a strong focus on honing research skills.

Explore Further
Alex Ciscko

4+1 DUAL DEGREE PROGRAM

Discover your love for chemistry and elevate your competitive advantage through our BS/MS in Chemistry dual degree. This all-encompassing program integrates coursework, specialized training, and research prospects across analytical, organic, inorganic, physical, and biochemistry.

B.S./M.S. in Chemistry
dani beres

GRADUATE PROGRAMS

Within our MS and PhD degree programs, a broad spectrum of fields is encompassed. This includes analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic, polymer, physical chemistry, and chemical physics.

Students working in chemistry lab

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Apply for undergraduate research positions in chemistry and biochemistry.

Undergraduate students doing research in the lab

Top-ranked Ph.D. program

Our Ph.D. program is nationally ranked, #6 in "Student Support and Outcomes" and #35 in "Program Diversity."

Prehealth professions track

Pre-Health Professions Track

The Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry-Health Professions Track prepares students for careers in the health sciences.

ACS student member organization

ACS Student Organization

The ACS Student Organization organizes outreach projects on-and-off campus and acts as an active support network for its members. All members receive a free National ACS Membership.

dual degree

4+1 B.S./M.S. in Chemistry

The accelerated 4+1 program allows students to earn an undergraduate and graduate degree in five years.

research facilities

Research Facilities

Our state-of-the-art research facilities house a variety of modern chemical instrumentation that is available for use by all trained graduate and undergraduate students.

Hear from an alumna

a picture of Kezie

"I am very impressed with how emphatic many of the professors are about the courses they teach – the excitement can be contagious and it gets you motivated to learn."

Kezia Jemison BS Biochemistry, '22

Questions? Contact Us!

Rita Mihailescu, Ph.D.

Chair and Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Mihaela Rita Mihailescu