Student Work
Elliott Hinds was a sophomore chemistry major when he decided to double his degrees by joining the physics department. “I wanted to know how everything works down to the molecule,” he says of his chemistry studies, “but when you get down to it, you go into physics.”
But his original interest was in chemistry, and he started his research as a freshman. “I was trained in the research lab,” Hinds says. “I have a solid year and a half of research making new molecules.”
Hinds recently added math to his list of majors, but isn’t sure what he’ll do after graduation. “I feel I definitely have a lot of doors open,” he says.
“I have been interested in chemistry for as long as I can remember, but it wasn’t until I began college and took organic chemistry that I decided to major in it,” says Jenna Jeffrey of her chosen field.
Jeffrey has conducted research in professor Michael Haley’s lab, where she works side-by-side with Haley, delving into his ongoing cyclizations project. In the lab she gets to conduct research on imine systems, which has helped her further fuel her fascination with chemistry.
“My college professors have played an integral role in influencing me,” she says. Their enthusiasm along with her desire to understand how life works has helped her transform her interest in chemistry into a lifelong pursuit.
Selected Faculty Work
Professor Geraldine Richmond specializes in physical chemistry, environmental chemistry, surface spectroscopy, and materials science.
Associate Professor Catherine Page’s research focuses on creating new materials that could allow manufacturers to create transistors far smaller than those on semiconductor chips today.
Professor Ken Doxsee and Associate Professor Jim Hutchison, along with a strong team of graduate students, have developed the green organic chemistry lab.
Associate Professor Andy Marcus and his research group study the dynamics of complex systems. These include the motions of biological and synthetic macromolecules in polymer melts, blends, and living biological cells.
Career Prospects
Chemistry can provide the foundation for interesting careers in medicine and medical laboratory work. It can lead to a career in pharmaceutical design and innovation as well as in genetic research. Chemistry provides the strong background needed to research and develop discoveries in countless real-world materials—from plastics to foodstuffs to modern materials used in housing, transportation, and computer technology.
Students in chemistry may also choose a path which leads them into academics—the combination of teaching and research which keeps them on the leading edge.