Chemistry is a foundational study of the exciting properties, interactions, and transformations of matter. At the University of Dubuque, your studies will take you into the "central science" through the exploration of analytical, environmental, physical, organic, and biochemistry. You will leave ready to pursue a career in research, industry, forensics, and in the medical field (e.g. medicine, dentistry, ophthalmology).

Making a Difference Through the Study of the Composition of the World Around You
Students and faculty at UD are active in a wide range of applied and theoretical research areas. Their work contributes to our understanding of protein function, novel organic synthetic methods, and the toxicology of compounds on the surface of microplastics. They have identified enzymes with unusual temperature dependent activities, facilitated the use of engineering design techniques into the classroom, developed new chemical reactions to aid in assessing pharmaceutical compounds, and contributed to our overall understanding of chemical phenomenon that impacts our everyday lives.

Degree Distinctive

 

  • Students have the opportunity to pursue their own research project under the supervision of a faculty member. All chemistry courses include a significant laboratory component to provide students with experience using multiple instruments and performing multiple analyses.
  • Student-faculty research is strongly encouraged, and opportunities for such are available across a wide variety of chemistry topics in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, environmental chemistry, organic chemistry, and physical chemistry.
  • A major theme in the program is chemical and laboratory safety, as well as the consideration of the impact on the environment that chemical use entails.

 

Career Opportunities

Examples of specific careers often held by bachelor of science chemists are laboratory technician or chemist in quality control or assurance, chemical and process development research, synthesis research, or clinical laboratories; laboratory manager in quality laboratories; chemical or pharmaceutical sales representative; and high school chemistry teacher.

Examples of specific careers often held by chemists with a post-graduate degree are lead scientist in product or analytical development, principal researcher in primary research projects, group leader or manager in the chemical or pharmaceutical industries, project director at contract research organizations, and university professor.

Wolter Woods and Prairies

One opportunity students have to study the world around them is to perform research at the University's Wolter Woods and Prairies Environmental Stewardship and Retreat Center. Located near Sherrill, Iowa, about 20 miles from the University of Dubuque's main campus, Wolter Woods and Prairies is 121 acres of unglaciated land. The property was purchase by UD in 2020 and is home to a variety of mammals including fox, otters, and minks, over 90 species of birds like the yellow-billed cuckoo, owls, and pileated woodpeckers, three orchid species, and the threatened and endangered amethyst shooting star. Through fellowships, research projects include bat, bumblebee, flying squirrel, insect, orchid, small rodent, snake, and soil research. The property was also the site for class projects like GPS or water testing and service projects conducted by UD Web of Life and UD Fishing Club.

Chlapaty and Butler Fellowship Programs

The Joseph and Linda Chlapaty Summer Research Fellowship and John and Alice Butler Summer Research Fellowship are competitive fellowships that help prepare talented undergraduate students across all disciplines for graduate or professional school. Prior summer research has included topics such as: Nature Versus Nurture of Behavior Health, Biodiversity and Ecological Assessment of Fruiting Fungi in Dubuque County, Analyzing Health Effects of Lead in Tap Water, Coinfection Rates of Two Tick-born Pathogens in Eastern Iowa, and Analysis of Macro and Microplastics Present in Sri Lankan Elephant Feces. Student will work with their advisors in determining the project and path of study.

"The Joseph and Linda Chlapaty Summer Research Fellowship provide students with the opportunity to engage in one-on-one research with University of Dubuque faculty members to enhance their professional competence through post-graduate school examination preparation, communication skill-building, and professional networking so as to position themselves for success in their post-graduate studies and careers," said Mark Sinton, PhD, director of the Joseph and Linda Chlapaty Summer Research Fellowship.

"The John and Alice Butler Summer Research Fellowship program provides students with the opportunity to do research with University faculty or to partake in an internship within their intended profession. The program also helps fellows build professional relationships through mock interviews, networking, resume and cover letter design, and communication skill-building in order to enhance their post-graduate employment," said Mark Sinton, PhD, director of the John and Alice Butler Summer Research Fellowship.

Fellows will commit 400 hours of work on their research over a 10-week period during the summer. They will each receive a stipend of $4,500 and an additional $500 for research-associated supplies or travel costs. Fellows are required to present the results of their research or internship during the following academic year at a local, regional, or national conference.

2022 Chlapaty Fellows to Conduct Research
2022 Butler Fellows to Conduct Research

Resources

Natural and Applied Sciences Faculty/Staff

Amandeep AroraAssistant Professor of Chemistry

Phone: 563.589.3498 Fax: 563.589.3688 Department: Natural and Applied Sciences Office: 104E University Science Center

Credentials

PhD, Oklahoma State University; MS, Guru Nanak Dev University; BSed, Panjab University; BS, Panjab University.

Dale Easley

Dale EasleyProfessor of Geology

Phone: 563.589.3639 Fax: 563.589.3688 Department: Natural and Applied Sciences Office: 104B University Science Center

Credentials

PhD, University of Wyoming; MS, University of Wyoming; BS, Guilford College.

Kelly Grussendorf

Kelly GrussendorfAssociate Professor of Biology

Phone: 563.589.3149 Fax: 563.589.3688 Department: Natural and Applied Sciences Office: 230B University Science Center

Credentials

PhD, University of Kansas; BA, Minnesota State University - Moorhead.

Adam Hoffman

Adam HoffmanDepartment of Natural and Applied Sciences Head; Professor of Environmental Chemistry.

Phone: 563.589.3746 Fax: 563.589.3688 Department: Natural and Applied Sciences Office: 204E University Science Center

Credentials

PhD, University of Wisconsin - Madison; BA, University of Minnesota - Morris.

Lalith Jayawickrama

Lalith JayawickramaAssistant Professor - Department of Natural and Applied Sciences

Phone: 563.589.3148 Fax: 563.589.3688 Department: Natural and Applied Sciences Office: 317 University Science Center

Credentials

MS, University of Delaware; BS, Ramapo College of New Jersey.

Adam Kleinschmit

Adam KleinschmitAssociate Professor of Biology

Phone: 563.589.3142 Fax: 563.589.3688 Department: Natural and Applied Sciences Office: 204A University Science Center

Credentials

PhD, University of Minnesota; BS, University of Wisconsin - Madison.

David Koch

David KochAssociate Professor of Environmental Science

Phone: 563.589.3598 Fax: 563.589.3688 Department: Natural and Applied Sciences Office: 204B University Science Center

Credentials

PhD, Kansas State University; MS, Kansas State University; BS, University of Wisconsin - Madison.

Rasika Mudalige-Jayawickrama

Rasika Mudalige-JayawickramaProfessor of Plant Biology; Science Student Research Coordinator

Phone: 563.589.3144 Fax: 563.589.3688 Department: Natural and Applied Sciences Office: 104C University Science Center

Credentials

PhD, University of Hawaii; MS, Louisiana State University; BS, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Paige PetersonConservation Technician

Department: Natural and Applied Sciences

Mark Sinton

Mark SintonAssociate Professor of Chemistry

Phone: 563.589.3153 Fax: 563.589.3688 Department: Natural and Applied Sciences Office: 204C University Science Center

Credentials

PhD, Michigan State University; MS, University of Denver; BA, University of Denver.

Richard SmithAssistant Professor of Physics

Phone: 563.589.3146 Fax: 563.589.3688 Department: Natural and Applied Sciences Office: 230C University Science Center

Credentials

MA, Mankato State University; BS, University of Dubuque.

Gerald Zuercher

Gerald ZuercherDirector of Wolter Woods and Prairies Environmental Stewardship and Retreat Center

Phone: 563.589.3147 Fax: 563.589.3688 Department: Natural and Applied Sciences Office: 309A University Science Center

Credentials

PhD, Kansas State University; MS, University of Alaska - Fairbanks; BS, Mississippi State University.

Michele Zuercher

Michele ZuercherTeaching Specialist, Department of Natural and Applied Sciences

Phone: 563.589.3151 Fax: 563.589.3688 Department: Natural and Applied Sciences Office: 230A University Science Center

Credentials

MS, Mississippi State University; BS, Mississippi State University.