Chemistry | College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

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Where curiosity and chemical science meet

Shape the future of chemistry through groundbreaking research opportunities using cutting-edge tools—all while learning from faculty in a collaborative environment.

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Why Iowa?

Learn from expert faculty and work with your peers while conducting impactful research in energy, environment, and medicine all at an R1 institution using the latest tools for scientific discovery.

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Find your path

Gain hands-on experience and prepare for STEM-based careers and graduate programs.

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Advance your knowledge

Be at the forefront of scientific discovery, where mentorship and professional development will empower you to lead in academia, government, and more.

Advance your knowledge

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Learn from expert faculty

Meet our dedicated faculty, whose passion for research and teaching inspires the next generation of chemists and innovators.

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See yourself here

Whether you're passionate about solving complex scientific challenges or shaping the future of chemistry education, Iowa offers a supportive environment where your ideas can flourish.

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Study chemistry at Iowa, where innovative research, dedicated mentorship, and a vibrant community will set you up for success in STEM careers and beyond.

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222

Undergraduate Students

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120 +

Graduate Students

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50 +

Research Labs, Office Spaces, Instructional Facilities

News and announcements

Welcome Jordan Harshman!

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

The Department of Chemistry welcomes a new associate professor, Jordan Harshman.

Welcome Nels Gerstner!

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

The Department of Chemistry welcomes a new assistant professor, Nels Gerstner.

Chemistry faculty member use best practices to meet growing enrollment

Thursday, October 9, 2025

Florence Williams, assistant professor of chemistry, teaches General Chemistry II, a course that’s grown each year since Williams began teaching it in 2021.

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Events

Inorganic Chemistry & Chemistry Education Research Seminar- Grant Benthin

Wednesday, December 10, 2025 12:30pm

Trowbridge Hall

"Problematic Oxidation in Nuclear Waste Systems: Extractant Breakdown and Alteration Phase Formation"

Three Month Seminar- Tess Feldman (Stone)

Friday, December 12, 2025 1:00pm

Chemistry Building

"Convective cold pools and precipitation affect bioaerosol concentrations and properties"

Colloquium- Niri Govind

Friday, April 3, 2026 3:30pm to 4:20pm

Pappajohn Business Building

Niri Govind- Physicist at PNNL

https://www.pnnl.gov/people/niri-govind

"Shining Light and Making Molecules Dance: Theoretical Explorations in X-ray Spectroscopies and Ultrafast Dynamics"

Abstract: Understanding how charge and nuclear motion evolve within a molecule following photoexcitation is central to unraveling the fundamental principles that govern photoinduced processes in chemistry and materials. X-rays, with their element-specific sensitivity, provide a unique window into these ultrafast...

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