Push the boundaries of knowledge

The department of Chemistry and Biochemistry provides a personal, attentive environment where students can develop and pursue a flexible program of study designed to fulfill individual interests and needs. We are a community of faculty, staff, students and alumni dedicated to excellence in chemical education. Through cutting-edge education, research and community-impact, you will attain a solid foundation of theoretical knowledge and laboratory skills necessary for careers in industry, forensics, academia, as well as graduate education in chemistry, biochemistry, medicine, veterinary medicine and dentistry. 

Dr. Montgomery prepares students for bigger goals in science

His mentorship propels graduates to thrive at leading biopharmaceutical and biotechnology companies and gain acceptance into prestigious graduate programs. For graduate student Alex Cocolas, the ideal lab experience blends rigorous challenges with the freedom to cultivate curiosity, broadening his scientific perspective and expanding his horizons.

Navigate Your Own Path To Discovery

Develop innovative solutions to scientific challenges while preparing for a future in industry, academia, medicine and graduate education.

Undergraduate Programs

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS

We offer four distinct majors, each blending rigorous coursework, hands-on training with cutting-edge chemical instrumentation, and a robust independent research experience. Our graduates are well-prepared to pursue professional careers in chemical and molecular sciences or to advance their studies through higher degrees.

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Alex Ciscko

4+1 DUAL DEGREE PROGRAM

Discover your love for chemistry and elevate your competitive advantage through our BS/MS in Chemistry dual degree. This all-encompassing program integrates coursework, specialized training, and research prospects across analytical, organic, inorganic, physical, and biochemistry.

B.S./M.S. in Chemistry
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GRADUATE PROGRAMS

Graduate students have abundant opportunities to work with highly qualified faculty, conduct both supervised and independent research, secure research funding, present at conferences, and benefit from excellent mentorship. These experiences ensure they are well-prepared for careers in academia, government and industry.

The Student Experience

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"As an international student pursuing my personal and professional dreams in the United States, I was struck by the abundance of opportunities available to students at Duquesne鈥攐ne that may not be as readily accessible in many countries around the world. It was a moment of realization that ignited a spark within me and opened my eyes to a wider sense of possibility."

Arian Hajihassani BS Biochemistry and Mathematics 鈥24, Western Union CEO Scholar of the Year
Take The Next Step

Start Here, Go Anywhere

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Summer Research Program

With a paid internship through the Summer Undergraduate Research Program, you鈥檒l gain essential research experiences for careers in STEM-based fields.

#6Nationally Ranked Ph.D. program

Our Ph.D. program is nationally ranked #6 in 鈥淪tudent Support and Outcomes鈥 by College Factual, 2023.

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Research Areas

Explore interdisciplinary fields in biochemistry, organic, physical, materials, inorganic, analytical, forensic, and biophysical chemistry, all within our state-of-the-art 20,000-square-foot research facility equipped with cutting-edge instrumentation.

Faculty and Staff

Mihaela Rita Mihailescu, Ph.D.

Mihaela Rita Mihailescu, Ph.D.

Chair and Professor, Henry Koren, C.S.Sp. Endowed Chair in Scholarly Excellence, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Jennifer Aitken, Ph.D.

Jennifer Aitken, Ph.D.

Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Bruce Beaver, Ph.D.

Bruce Beaver, Ph.D.

Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Scott Boesch

Scott Boesch

Chemistry and Biochemistry

Michael Cascio, Ph.D.

Michael Cascio, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Jeffrey Evanseck, Ph.D.

Jeffrey Evanseck, Ph.D.

Professor, Lambert F. Minucci Endowed Chair in Engineering and Computational Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Timothy Evans, Ph.D.

Timothy Evans, Ph.D.

Co-Coordinator of the Organic Chemistry Laboratories, Co-Advisor of the American Chemical Society Student Affiliates, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Ellen Gawalt, Ph.D.

Ellen Gawalt, Ph.D.

Dean, School of Science and Engineering

David Heisler, Ph.D.

David Heisler, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Paul Lummis, Ph.D.

Paul Lummis, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Thomas Montgomery, Ph.D.

Thomas Montgomery, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Alicia Paterno, Ph.D.

Alicia Paterno, Ph.D.

Teaching Associate Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry

David Seybert, Ph.D.

David Seybert, Ph.D.

Emeritus Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Emily Sylvester, Ph.D.

Emily Sylvester, Ph.D.

Teaching Assistant Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Stephanie J. Wetzel, Ph.D.

Stephanie J. Wetzel, Ph.D.

Teaching Assistant Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Nithya Vaidyanathan, Ph.D.

Nithya Vaidyanathan, Ph.D.

Stockroom Manager, Co-coordinator of the General Chemistry Laboratories and Co-advisor of the ACS student affiliates, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Michael Van Stipdonk, Ph.D.

Michael Van Stipdonk, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Tina Vowcheck

Tina Vowcheck

Financial Coordinator, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Graduate Student Publications

  • Protein Mapping in Neurobiology: Former graduate students from the Cascio Lab, Dr. Rathna Veeramachaneni, Chelsee Donelan, and Dr. Kayce Tomcho, developed a method to study the structural linkages of the human 伪1 glycine receptor (伪1 GlyR), a protein critical to nerve cell communication. Using a novel reactive site, chemical linkers and UV light, sheds light on the protein's natural configuration within cell membranes.

  • Understanding SARS-CoV-2 Mechanisms: Alumni Dr. Caleb Frye and Dr. Caylee Cunningham explored how SARS-CoV-2 interacts with human cellular mechanisms. provide insight into how the virus causes illness, potentially paving the way for innovative treatments.

  • Advancements in Uranium Chemistry: PhD candidates Samuel Lenze and Justin Terhorst investigated uranium ion reactions in their study, "." Their work advances nuclear science by introducing new properties and reactions of uranium under controlled conditions.

 

Featured content

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Optimal Location

麻豆直播 is nestled in the heart of Pittsburgh, PA! A lively epicenter of biotechnology, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, fostering a dynamic environment for you to engage with industry leaders and opportunities.

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Research Initiatives

The School of Science and Engineering is a vibrant center for discoveries that benefit society, featuring eight departments, numerous research centers, abundant undergraduate research opportunities, and a rapidly growing funded-research budget. Our strong partnerships in Pittsburgh and around the world further enhance our collaborative initiatives.

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Student Organizations

Explore our diverse array of clubs and organizations spanning interests in chemistry, biochemistry and other STEM programs. With guidance from faculty advisors and staff, you'll have the opportunity to meet students with similar interests, organize events and make a positive impact in your community. Pursue your passions, build meaningful relationships, and hone your professional and leadership skills along the way.

Questions? Contact Us!

Rita Mihailescu, Ph.D.

Chair and Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Mihaela Rita Mihailescu