Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Guidance Counselor Advisory Board Winter MeetingDecember 4, 2009

 

Dean H. Johnston, Ph.D. DJohnston@otterbein.edu

Joan M. Esson, Ph.D.JEsson@otterbein.edu

Gregory H. Hanson, Ph.D.GHanson@otterbein.edu

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry strives to create a strong sense of community, provide a variety of engaging and enriching opportunities for students inside and outside of the traditional classroom, and to prepare students for careers in chemistry and biochemistry.

 

http://www.otterbein.edu/chemistry/

Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryOur Department

• 6 full-time faculty, all with terminal (Ph.D.) degrees

• American Chemical Society (ACS) certified

• B.A. and B.S. degrees in both Chemistry and Biochemistry

• Highly active research programs with student researchers

 

Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryOur Curriculum

• Students take core courses in Analytical, Organic, Inorganic, Physical, and Biochemistry

• Many advanced/special topics courses are offered for students

• Students very involved in research programs

 

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Our Graduates

Many go on to graduate school or other professional schools including medical, dental, pharmaceutical and veterinary.

 

Graduate/Professional Schools Attended by Recent Graduates: Stanford NEOUCOMWake Forest Case WesternJohns Hopkins Ohio UniversityUniversity of Cincinnati Ohio State

Other Careers:Pharmaceutical Industry AcademiaGovernment Laboratories LawForensics

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Other Departmental/Student Activities

• American Chemical Society (ACS) Student Affiliate Section• Undergraduate Affiliate Network of American Society for

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB)• Merck/AAAS Undergraduate Summer Research Program• Cardinal Science Scholars Program

 

Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryCardinal Science Scholars Program

• For Biochemistry, Chemistry, Physics or Engineering majors • Ten scholarships of $6,000 will be awarded• Enhanced academic, social, and career programming • Weekend summer immersion experience • Involvement in a year-long mentoring triad• Social activities with students and faculty • Visits to regional graduate programs and industries• Talks by leading scientists.

• Requirements (need to meet two of three): 3.0 GPA, ACT composite of 24 or higher, class rank in the top 25%

• Application deadline: March 1

For more information, contact:Dr. Joan Esson(614)-823-1716

JEsson@otterbein.edu

 

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Varying areas of research that will provide a variety of opportunities…Examination of key biological processesSynthesis of innovative organic and inorganic species Development of new analytical sensors Computational exploration of reaction pathways

 

Faculty Research

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

• Hallmark of the liberal arts education available at Otterbein

• Collaboration with faculty

• Projects can last over multiple terms/years, involving many students

• Opportunities to present at conferences and write papers

 

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

• Summer research support possible

• Excellent preparation for graduate school, industry

• Far more opportunities than at major research institutions (e.g OSU)

 

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

• Research and teaching space recently expanded and modernized

• Instrumentation introduced early on, used in all courses • Department well-equipped with tools for cutting-edge research

 

Facilities/Instrumentation

 

Otterbein Students at 2009 Spring ACS Conference