Program Overview
Chemistry is the study of matter – the stuff everything is made of! At Lawrence University, our American Chemical Society-certified Chemistry major gives you the tools to study, understand, and manipulate matter for applications ranging from medicine to food to fuel to the environment. Lawrence’s chemistry department prides itself on providing the best possible learning experience in the classroom and laboratory. Students are never just passively watching in a Lawrence chemistry classroom, but instead enjoy active learning at its finest, practicing problem-solving methods in lectures, presenting cutting-edge research from the chemical literature, or working hands-on through laboratory experiments with our world-class instrumentation. Our department actively engages students in research opportunities, either alongside faculty, in local or national internships, or independently for senior experience projects. Lawrence Chemistry majors go on to a wide range of careers, including academic and industrial research, engineering, secondary or college teaching, medical or veterinary practice, law, business, or public service.
Program Highlights
Learn Alongside Dedicated Faculty
Build meaningful relationships with distinguished faculty who will guide and support you in the classroom and laboratory.
Work with Advanced Technology
Gain hands-on experience using sophisticated chemical and biochemical instrumentation as an undergraduate.
Prepare for Your Next Step
Join graduates who continue into leading graduate and professional programs or launch careers across the chemical sciences.
Explore Chemistry Through Research
Collaborate with faculty on research in areas such as organic synthesis, environmental chemistry, and materials science.
Spotlight
LAWRENTIAN SPOTLIGHT
Alumni Perspective
“What I liked most about Lawrence was the one-on-one interactions I had with my STEM professors, especially with my undergrad PI that helped me understand the process of research and the process of applying to grad school.”
Perla Viera ‘23, PhD Candidate University of Wisconsin
Biochemistry, Chemistry
Madison, Wisconsin
Types of Degrees
We offer a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry that is certified by the American Chemical Society, which assures employers and admissions programs of the rigor of your chemistry degree. We also offer a minor in chemistry which offers students a foundation in each of the subdisciplines of chemistry (organic, inorganic, analytical, physical, and biochemistry).
Advising
At Lawrence, academic advising helps you shape an educational experience that reflects your interests, goals, and aspirations. Your faculty advisor will support you as you plan your path, connect with campus resources and communities, and make informed decisions that prepare you for a meaningful and fulfilling future.
Get Started
Fill out the form below and a Lawrence University academic advisor will be in touch shortly!
Faculty
Engage deeply and collaboratively with professors who are experts in their field and committed to supporting your education.
Chairs
Graham T. Sazama (He/Him)
Associate Professor of Chemistry
Dr. Saz has enjoyed playing with all the phases of matter since he was small, and continues pursuing this interest here at Lawrence. Along with general chemistry, he teaches about…
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Mike Clement (He, Him, His)
Instructor of Chemistry
I am the instructor for the introductory level chemistry labs. I have spent many years as a chemist in environmental laboratories.
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Kelly J. Culhane (She/her/hers)
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
As a biochemist in the Chemistry department, I am interested in understanding the chemical reactions necessary for physiological functions. I study G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), which are a large…
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Stefan Debbert (he/him)
Professor of Chemistry
As an organic chemist, Stefan has the privilege of sharing the beauty of the molecular world with his students. His medicinal chemistry research group is focused on the design and…
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Deanna L. Donohoue (she/her)
Associate Professor of Chemistry
deanna.l.donohoue@lawrence.edu
Her research has included work on the gas phase oxidation of mercury in the atmosphere, halogen chemistry of the arctic and the use of remote sensing, and the impacts of…
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Allison M. M. Fleshman (She/her)
Associate Professor of Chemistry
allison.m.fleshman@lawrence.edu
I'm the physical chemist here at Lawrence. I love physics, chemistry, and math and have the best job sharing that love with my students! My two favorite courses I teach…
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Mike Gesinski
Associate Professor of Chemistry
Mike grew up in the suburbs of Milwaukee, WI. He received a BS in Chemistry from Rice University in 2005. While there, he conducted research under the guidance of Prof.…
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Graham T. Sazama (He/Him)
Associate Professor of Chemistry
Dr. Saz has enjoyed playing with all the phases of matter since he was small, and continues pursuing this interest here at Lawrence. Along with general chemistry, he teaches about…
View Full ProfileLearning Spaces
Chemistry majors at Lawrence touch every aspect of chemistry during their coursework, including organic synthesis, instrumental analysis, and theoretical and computational chemistry. Throughout their classes, students learn critically important methods and models while gaining experience with practical techniques. LU Chemists are encouraged to apply this learning by seeking research experiences early in their undergraduate career, either right here at Lawrence, participating in faculty-led research programs, or through nationally competitive research programs around the country.
