Why Study Chemistry or Biochemistry at K?
Close relationships with faculty, hands-on research experience, and a broad focus on the role of chemistry in society prepare K chemistry and biochemistry majors for meaningful scientific careers.
K offers a Major in Chemistry, a Major in Biochemistry, and a Concentration in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Concentration.
As a chemistry student, you will learn and research closely with faculty to gain a molecular view of the world. Through your courses, labs, and completion of your Senior Integrated Project, you will gain scientific literacy, presentation skills, and the ability to conduct experiments and draw conclusions that advance the field. This knowledge will also be put into the broader perspective of how chemicals and chemical waste affect the environment and society.
The department imparts these lessons through learner-focused and evidence-based teaching and lab methods that are designed to help you engage with the material in an educational, fun, and safe manner. By taking a student-centric approach to teaching, the department empowers you to learn complex subjects—like Organic Chemistry; Thermodynamics and Kinetics; Biochemistry; and Principles of Medicinal Chemistry—and gain the skills necessary to start your career.
Our chemistry alumni are prepared to go straight into the workforce in academic, pharmaceutical, public health, forensic science, and other chemical sectors or to continue their educational journey in graduate school. Notably, Kalamazoo College ranks in the top 2% of universities producing alumni who go on to complete research-based doctoral programs.
Note: The Chemistry and Biochemistry majors are two separate programs housed within the same department. Due to the significant overlap in their programming and courses, students cannot pursue degrees in both chemistry and biochemistry.
What can you do with a chemistry or biochemistry degree?
Below are some of the careers, employers, and graduate schools of our chemistry alumni.
Careers
- Medical Doctor
- Lab Manager
- Professor
- Research and Development
- Chemical Engineer
- Quality Assurance and Control
Employers
- Pfizer
- Stryker
- Perrigo
- Cargill
- National Institutes of Health
- National Science Foundation
Graduate Schools
- University of Michigan
- Michigan State University
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Vanderbilt University
- University of Chicago
- Northwestern University
Program Spotlights
Conduct meaningful research
At K, we are passionate about research and invite you to work alongside your professors in their labs investigating supramolecular chemistry, photoactive complexes of metals, antimicrobial activity, biosensing, protein manipulation, genome engineering and more! Outside of K, you are encouraged to pursue internships in different industries, academia and government to gain relevant experience and find your passions. We see our students as true collaborators, and their insights help advance the field; many of our students are even invited to present their research and network at regional, national and international conferences.
Join a fun community of chemists
The department prioritizes building personal connections on campus and within the broader scientific community. Kalamazoo is home to many chemists across academia (WMU and K) and the private sector (Pfizer and Stryker), and to help you foster professional relationships, the College collaborates with the Kalamazoo Section of the American Chemical Society to host speed networking, seminars, and other events. On campus, you will get to know your fellow classmates and professors on a human level as you have fun at mini golf tournaments, escape rooms, alumni events, and other excursions!
Meet the Current Departmental Student Advisor
Chemistry
Will Tocco (He/Him)
Major: Chemistry
Minor: Math
Study Abroad: Belfast, NI
Best Adjective to Describe You: Enthusiastic
What is the best thing about being part of this department?
The chemistry and biochemistry department may be large, but everyone knows everyone, and we all look out for each other. The professors are always happy to help and mentor, even outside of their subject area. There are also opportunities for extracurricular research, which gives valuable experience, and looks great on a resume/CV.
What has been your favorite class at K? Why?
I loved Biophysics with Dr. Dave Wilson. While biology and physics were both important aspects of the class, what we really worked on was number-sense and research techniques which are useful in every STEM discipline.
What drew you to the department?
The chemistry department has some of the most supportive faculty in the entire school, and I would not be where I am without their guidance and mentorship.
How have you taken advantage of the flexible curriculum or experienced breadth in your education?
I have taken a number of physics courses that would probably not have been available to me as a non-major/minor in the subject.
What is your Senior Integrated Project (SIP)?
I am working to synthesize photoactive manganese complexes that can absorb light and generate an electric charge (like a mini solar panel).
what is your favorite thing about K?
I like the opportunities it grants to its students.
What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?
I plan to attend graduate school and eventually obtain a Ph.D.
Biochemistry
Anoushka Soares (she/her)
Major: Biochemistry
Concentration: Community and Global Health
Study Abroad: Costa Rica – Winter
What is the best thing about being part of this department?
You’re surrounded by professors and peers who genuinely care, support your growth, and push you to rise to challenges you didn’t think you could meet. It’s a community that believes in your potential and helps you achieve it even if you think you don’t quite belong there at first.
How have you taken advantage of the flexible curriculum or experienced breadth in your education?
I was able to comfortably study abroad for a term and take classes not directly related to my major as well as take a different term of completely non-STEM courses to branch out when I had some health issues and it in no way “set back” my progress or prevented me from pursuing education that was related to my major.
What drew you to the department?
Honestly, I always found chemistry pretty difficult, but I found it fascinating. I didn’t really think I would choose the biochemistry department, but I kept getting encouraged by all the professors to engage and to be excited about things that challenged me that I ultimately knew this is where I wanted to be.
What is your Senior Integrated Project (SIP)?
I plan to do a biochemistry SIP that involves synthesizing and testing several peptides to assess their antimicrobial capabilities against highly antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
What is your favorite thing about K?
The community that extends beyond campus into the city of Kalamazoo. The supportive professors and classmates create a welcoming environment for growth, and the vibrant local culture and outside resources make it a great place to explore new ideas both inside and outside the classroom.
What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?
The plan is to hopefully get a M.P.H. and decide whether M.D.or Ph.D is the right path for me along the way.