Department of Chemistry

Who’s Who in the Department of Chemistry

Chair:

David M. Hoffman

Professors:
Rigoberto Advincula, John L. Bear, Eric R. Bittner, Don Elthon, R. A. Geanangel, Xiaolian Gao, Scott Gilbertson, Arnold M. Guloy, P. Shiv Halasyamani, David M. Hoffman, Alex Ignatiev, Allan J. Jacobson, Karl M. Kadish, Donald J. Kouri, T. Randall Lee, Mamie W. Moy, B. Montgomery Pettitt, Randolph P. Thummel, Shiao-Chun Tu

Associate Professors:
Steven Baldelli, Chengzhi Cai, Edwin Carrasquillo, Roman S. Czernuszewicz, Olafs Daugulis

Assistant Professors:
Vassiliy Lubchenko, Jeremy May, Ognjen Š. Miljanic, Angela Möller, Shoujun Xu

Director:
Simon G. Bott

Overview

Chemistry is the branch of the natural sciences dealing with the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter. Students majoring in chemistry pursue either a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in chemistry.

Students may also choose a B.S. in environmental science with an option in atmospheric chemistry.

Students planning to continue into graduate work are encouraged to take the B.S. option. The American Chemical Society has accredited the B.S. program at UH since 1954.

Students considering a major in chemistry should have a strong mathematics background and excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Graduates with a chemistry degree typically find employment in the chemical, pharmaceutical, oil, and petrochemical industries. In addition, there are opportunities for chemists in law, library and information science, and publishing. Chemistry is also a well-regarded major for those wishing to pursue further education in the medical and related fields.

Teaching and research in the Department of Chemistry include theoretical, structural, and synthetic studies of biomolecules; theoretical, structural, surface and synthetic studies of materials and nanostructures; geochemistry; and the traditional fields of organic, inorganic, analytical, and physical chemistry.

As preparation for joining the workforce or entering graduate school, chemistry majors are invited and strongly encouraged to participate in undergraduate research beginning in their sophomore year.

Programs

• Chemistry, B.A.
• Chemistry, B.S.

• Chemistry Minor