Chemistry and Biochemistry

Chairperson: William R. Lammela, Ph.D. Professors: Lammela, Ph.D., and O’Brien, Ph.D.; Associate Professors: Bopp, Ph.D. and Hartmann, Ph.D.; Assistant Professor: Beecher, Ph.D.; Visiting Professors: Carroll, Ph.D. and Root, M.S.; Lecturers: Crane, M.S., Hanlon Freeman, M.S., Korth, Ph.D., Mendel, M.S., Nathan, M.S., Schallhorn, Ph.D., and H. Smith, Ph.D.

A study of chemistry prepares students for numerous career opportunities in modern society; not just as a research scientist, but also as a problem solver for real world problems. Developing new drugs, solving crimes, inventing new materials for a space-age application, or understanding the chemistry of life are all potential areas that need chemists.

There is also a need for well-trained teachers who can not only convey the material of a subject but can excite students to investigate deeper into a problem in order to find a solution. Although a variety of choices exist for the student in designing his/her career path, all the programs offered through the chemistry department include coursework and practical laboratory training that prepare the student for graduate study, industrial careers, and research, as well as for professional programs in medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry. Students also complete internships with local companies or summer research programs at national research centers. In addition, students receive training in safety, hands-on use of modern instrumentation, and skills in communicating scientific information using oral and written means. The department offers a chemistry major approved by the American Chemical Society, a biochemistry major approved by the American Chemical Society, and a chemistry major combined with New York State certification in adolescence education (grades 7-12). The chemistry major option affords students the flexibility to combine their major with a minor in pre-med, biology, mathematics, or even business to enhance their marketability in a 21st-century workplace.