Individual Research
There are many opportunities for discovery. We invite nearly 50 undergraduate students to conduct research every year.
Incredible Community, Independent Research
Department of Chemistry
About the Department of Chemistry
The Department of Chemistry is focused on providing students with an outstanding education and experiences. We have talented and creative faculty who excel inside and outside of the classroom. Our undergraduate research program is one of the most robust in the region.
Nearly all of our students are involved in independent research with a faculty mentor. Students have opportunities to publish, present at national conferences, and interact with corporate research partners before they even graduate. We have a culture that encourages learning through questions, creative study, and open doors both before and after graduation. Come be a part of our community.
A Chemistry Degree to Match Your Goals
The Department of Chemistry has several degree offerings that match your passion for chemistry with your future path.
Possibilities for your Passion
Chemistry pairs well with a number of other programs at the university. Whether you plan to pursue a health profession or focus on a career in environmental sustainability, you will have the support you need to succeed in the next chapter of your life.
Experiences Inside and Outside the Laboratory
Our department is the place to truly experience science. Whether you conduct research, study organic chemistry in Rome, or become part of our award-winning chemistry club, you will find your opportunity here.
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Real World Difference
Through the Rome Empower program, students can stay on course with their science majors while taking organic chemistry abroad taught by our faculty.
Real Support
We give each student individualized attention. We also support students with scholarships directed specifically to chemistry and science majors.
Prepared for What's Next
Chemistry students at St. Thomas are prepared for the next chapter because of individualized attention inside and outside of the classroom, as well as opportunities for collaborative research with faculty.
Faculty
Our faculty work side-by-side with students in the classroom and the laboratory. This partnership has produced dozens of publications and hundreds of scholarly presentations with and by students in recent years.
Dr. Tom Ippoliti
Working with industry and academic colleagues, Dr. Ippoliti's research projects include materials for fuel storage as well as new antibiotics.
Dr. Kris Wammer
Dr. Kris Wammer is interested in the chemical and microbiological processes affecting contaminants in the environment. Students in her lab are involved with many projects that explore impacts of biologically-active molecules.
Dr. Eric Fort
Dr. Fort focuses on the synthesis and reactivity of molecules. His group designs structures with new and interesting properties by combining computational chemistry with organic synthesis, including the creation of bio-sourced polymers and ionic materials. He directs the Aquinas Scholars Honors program as well.
Alumni
A degree from our program is very versatile. Chemistry graduates are currently working in medicine, pharmaceutical chemistry, forensics, medical technology, academia, environmental science, and food science.
Wendy Niemens ‘13
Dr. Wendy Niemens earned her chemistry degree from St. Thomas in 2013. She attended the University of Utah focusing on crystal design for solar cells. She is now at Intel Corporation working as a LTD Lithography Engineer.
Cecelia Kinane ‘19
Cecelia Kinane is a recent graduate from the Department of Chemistry. Her undergraduate research focused on degradable plastics. She took her passion for chemistry and materials to the University of Michigan where she now conducts tissue engineering for future medical breakthroughs.
Adam Garske ‘03
Dr. Adam Garske earned his degree in chemistry from St. Thomas in 2003. He completed his graduate degree at the University of Wisconsin and now serves as a Senior Scientist at DuPont Industrial Biosciences developing industrial enzymes. He recently delivered a TED talk on his work.
Department of Chemistry
Tel: 651-962-5575
Email: kmgoodwin@stthomas.edu
Mailing Address
OSS 402
University of St. Thomas
2115 Summit Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55105
Campus Location
We are located on the 4th floor of Owens Science Hall (building #65 on the campus map).