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.
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
Isaac Duncan IV
(He/Him)
Major: Chemistry
Minor: Mathematics
Study Abroad: New Zealand
Best Adjective to Describe You: Passionate
What is the best thing about being part of this department?
The professors and the students.
What has been your favorite class at K?
I took Organic I and Calc III at the same time and since they were both very visual classes, they forced me to think in a completely new way. My professors also pushed me farther than I would have ever imagined. I particularly recommend Calc III to anyone who has taken Calc II and enjoys math.
How have you taken advantage of the flexible curriculum or experienced breadth in your education?
I was able to go to New Zealand for 6 months and still graduate on time. Also no Gen Eds meant I could easily start my major and fill in the empty slots with pre med prerequisites. I also got to take lots of music and math classes.
What is your Senior Integrated Project (SIP)?
I’m doing an organic chemistry based research SIP where I’m synthesizing a compound that’s naturally produced in a sea slug. I’m adding/removing functional groups and testing it’s biological activity in the hopes of producing a new drug for type II diabetes.
What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?
Medical degree -> Physician -> Luxury cabin in the mountains.
Biochemistry
Madison Vrba
(she/her)
Major: Biochemistry
Minor: Psychology
Study Abroad: San Jose, Costa Rica
Best Adjective to Describe You: Driven
What is the best thing about being part of this department?
The people, both students and faculty, create a supportive and genuinely uplifting environment.
How have you taken advantage of the flexible curriculum or experienced breadth in your education?
Beyond my Biochemistry major, I’m completing a psychology minor, which has complemented my interests well. I also took Biophysics, which ended up being one of my favorite courses. Outside the sciences, I’ve taken ANSO, Ethics, and I plan to take band next year. The open curriculum has allowed me to explore widely while still building a cohesive academic path.
What is your Senior Integrated Project (SIP)?
My SIP focuses on maternal RSV vaccination rates over the past three years, the factors influencing those rates, and the development of educational interventions for both patients and providers to help increase uptake. I will be conducting this project in the OB department at Johns Hopkins.
What has been your favorite class at K?
My favorite class so far has been Physiological Psychology with Dr. Batsell. I loved how it blended biology and psychology, and the content was incredibly engaging. It deepened my interest in the intersection between the brain, behavior, and physiology.
What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?
I hope to become an OB/GYN and potentially pursue a fellowship in maternal–fetal medicine. After K, I plan to take a growth year working in a clinical setting before starting medical school in fall 2028.