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.

Learn from expert faculty

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

CLAS Teaching Excellence Showcase highlights faculty approaches to AI in education

Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Faculty from across the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS), including chemistry professor Renée Cole, shared strategies for adapting classroom assignments in the age of artificial intelligence (AI) while celebrating excellence in teaching.

Chemistry professor Renée Cole named Herman J. and Eileen S. Schmidt Chair

Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Renée Cole, professor and department executive officer of the Department of Chemistry in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS), has been named the Herman J. and Eileen S. Schmidt Chair for 2026 to 2031.

Seeking sustainable nuclear energy practices

Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Alumnus Harindu Rajapaksha is working to improve our understanding of nuclear waste for safer storage, recycling, and management.

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Events

Data Management

Thursday, November 5, 2026 12:00pm to 1:00pm

Seamans Center

Build your scholarly toolkit with a workshop on research data management.

Organic Seminar- Ayomide Ajewole (Gerstner)

Thursday, November 5, 2026 12:30pm

Chemistry Building

"Arene C-H Functionalization: From Benzenoid Ring to Non-Benzenoid Aromatics"

Analytical Seminar- Emmanuel Ojomo (Margulis)

Thursday, November 5, 2026 12:30pm

Chemistry Building

"Detection of Polystyrene in mammalian tissue using O-PTIR"

Colloquium- Prof. Charlie Fehl of Wayne State University

Friday, November 6, 2026 3:30pm

Pappajohn Business Building

https://clasprofiles.wayne.edu/profile/gq0554

https://fehl-lab.com/

Title: "Nutrient-responsive glycosylation at the intersection of metabolism & disease: tools and targets"

Abstract: All cells use glucose. However, unregulated glucose levels in metabolic disease, diet, or genetic disposition can lead to increased disease risk for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and several types of cancer. Despite the importance of these pathologies, it is challenging to identify molecular targets that...

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