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Chemistry & Biochemistry

Department

Elements that Help You Stand Out

Chemistry is often referred to as the “central science” because of its role in connecting the physical and applied sciences. This area of study opens doors careers in forensic science, food science, pharmaceutical development, chemical engineering, and more.

By challenging our students through rigorous classes, from computational chemistry to biochemistry, we prepare our Chemistry majors for the next step toward graduate school, pre-health profession school, or any chemistry career. The breadth and flexibility of the Chemistry program allows all Chemistry and Biochemistry students to finely tune their degrees to best reach their goals.

Taylor’s Chemistry & Biochemistry department has a phenomenal success rate: a 95% placement rate into medical and pre-healthcare schools, a near-100% placement rate into graduate schools, and a 99% placement rate for direct entry into a chemistry career. Taylor’s chemistry program is one of twelve Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) members certified by the American Chemical Society and the only CCCU university in Indiana with ACS certification.

Separating Taylor Students from the Rest

Taylor Chemistry students work in a state-of-the-art environment that encourages collaboration and scientific research and exploration. Unlike many large undergraduate chemistry programs, Taylor’s Chemistry classes allow students to work through the entire lab process, from initial tests to reaction and data analysis, rather than handing off work for graduate students to analyze. Our students work directly with our equipment and receive a full hands-on lab experience that sets them apart from other undergraduate students.

Taylor’s Chemistry and Biochemistry program also integrates Christian discipleship into all facets of learning. It is especially evident in the purposeful intent our faculty have in getting to know you and help you connect your faith to the Chemistry curriculum. Because we are a small department in a small school, you will have classes with each of our faculty members, all who have different specialties and are willing to mentor you one-on-one.

Bonding Outside the Classroom

Students studying chemistry have numerous opportunities to grow in and out of the classroom. These include:

  • Research
    Opportunities for research are available in biochemistry, analytical chemistry, synthetic chemistry, and organic chemistry, as well as teacher or research assistance. Taylor also provides opportunities for summer research with the Faculty Mentored Undergraduate Scholarship and the Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program.
  • Cuenca, Ecuador—Chemistry Pre-Med Program
    Complete classes, work as an intern, help a global health outreach program, assist in an operating room, complete clinical labs, and visit medical schools as a Chemistry major in Cuenca, Ecuador.
  • American Chemical Society
    Join Taylor’s chapter of the American Chemical Society and use your talents to volunteer in the Grant County community.
  • Women in Chemistry
    Dr. Tricia Stan hosts a club for women in the Chemistry major. Create intentional relationships and discuss what it means to be a female in a male-dominated discipline.
  • Department Dinners
    Enjoy fellowship and thought-provoking conversation with your classmates and professors over a delicious meal.
  • Guest Presentations
    Listen to chemists and other scientific professionals share new developments in chemistry and talk about their experiences in the chemistry industry.

Chemistry Facilities

The dedicated laboratory spaces in Euler Science Complex for chemistry provide an excellent learning environment, with open-concept labs rich with technology. The project-oriented lab exercises and research projects provide students with hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology used to investigate real-world problems.

Additionally, the 1,064 square foot chemical instrumentation laboratory houses an impressive selection of American Chemistry Society (ACS) standard analytical tools which are dedicated solely for undergraduate use.

Department News

Pre-Med Student Attends DeBakey Summer Surgery Program Thumbnail

Pre-Med Student Attends DeBakey Summer Surgery Program

Mar 07, 2024

This past summer, Nehemiah Rao ‘23, a recent Biochemistry graduate, had the opportunity to intern in the DeBakey Summer Surgery Program through Baylor College of Medicine.

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Taylor Student Magnifies Joy

Feb 12, 2024

Brayden Gogis '26, a Mechanical Engineering and Biochemistry double-major in his second year at Taylor, has set out to help others better evaluate areas of joy in their lives.

Summer Research Projects Grow Depth of Knowledge Thumbnail

Summer Research Projects Grow Depth of Knowledge

Oct 26, 2023

Most classes may have been out for the summer, but faculty-mentored research projects in music, biology, biochemistry, engineering, and more were in full swing across campus.

Faculty & Staff

Profile image of Daniel King

Department Chair

Daniel King

Department Chair and Professor of Chemistry

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Leonard Arbogast

Chemistry Lab Manager & Chemical Hygiene Officer

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Michael Bowman

Assistant Professor of Chemistry

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Allison Hunt

Assistant to the Dean, School of Natural & Applied Sciences

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Daniel Kaluka

Associate Professor of Chemistry

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Vincent Sichula

Professor of Chemistry

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Patricia Stan

Associate Professor of Chemistry

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Timothy Troyer

Visiting Assistant Professor of Chemistry

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Stuart Walker

Health Professions Coordinator