The Department of Chemistry is housed in the integrated Science Center. Chemistry students benefit from access to state-of-the-art instrumentation and computers in our teaching and research laboratories.
RNA-protein interactions are critical for gene regulation and the adaptation to stress in all organisms. Katie Berry and her team are researching the molecular mechanisms of how small (s)RNAs in bacteria collaborate with proteins such as Hfq to regulate messenger RNA translation and stability.
In Kyle Broaders research group, students use techniques from organic, polymer, and materials chemistry to make polymeric materials that respond to or influence the behavior of biological entities. Applications of their work include immunotherapy, drug delivery, biosensors, and the study of cellular adhesion.
Wei Chen's research interests focus on three main areas: 1) chemical immobilization of hydrophilic molecules on surfaces for improved biocompatibility; 2) preparation and applications of molecular gradient surfaces; and 3) a new reaction matrix - poly(vinyl alcohol) gels.
The Gomez research group works to understand how charged defects alter ionic conduction pathways in materials. Currently, we have focused on two key materials: doped perovskite oxides with technological applications to proton conduction in fuel cells and lithium/lanthanum/zirconium oxides with applications to lithium-ion conduction in batteries. The team uses ab initio tools to generate data sets of minima and transition states to create maps or graphs for ionic conduction in the presence of charged defects. The large graphs are then searched by both traditional graph theory tools and team developed extensions.
Students in Himali Jayathilake’s lab have worked on independent research projects involving optimizing experimental conditions to create large arrays of two dimensional assemblies of nanoparticles and using surfactants as spacers in two dimensional assemblies of nanospheres or nanorods.
Modern teaching and research laboratories and a large collection of state-of-the-art and portable instrumentation and molecular modeling facilities provide the backdrop to an energetic and diverse department.
Campus Voices
Sommer Huntress ’22
she/her/hers
Laura E. Fernandez ’08 Ph.D., Managing editor, ACS Nano and Nano Letters
The Department of Chemistry is among the best-funded small college science departments in the nation, with a correspondingly high output of top-quality publications and students prepared to enter graduate and other professional schools.
