Its 18 full-time faculty actively conduct research in the areas of analytical, inorganic, organic, physical, and polymer chemistry and, in cooperation with the Department of Physics, chemical physics. The faculty have had training and experience at leading universities, industrial laboratories, and national research laboratories. Their excellent and diverse backgrounds ensure a graduate program of quality and balance, one that can meet the varied needs of future professionals. An important and distinctive feature of the department is close interaction between faculty and students. This interaction, in an active and friendly environment, is designed to promote scholarship, develop experimental ability, and stimulate creative thought.
Students work side by side with faculty members in small research groups.
They are encouraged to present the results of their research at regional and national meetings of the American Chemical Society and other professional organizations. A weekly seminar program brings distinguished speakers to the department from academia and industry. Arrangements are made for the speakers to meet with students to discuss research and other topics. The program results in graduates well-prepared for careers in industry, academics, and national research laboratories. In addition to the regular seminar program, the annual Mary E. Kapp Lecture in Chemistry brings a chemist of international reputation to the department for a two-day visit.