Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is dedicated to providing high-quality education in an environment that encourages hands-on student research training. We offer degree programs leading to a Bachelor of Science, a minor in Bioinformatics, and a Master of Science in Chemistry.

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Visit Us

Location: Biological Sciences 336
Phone: 323.343.2300
Fax: 323.343.6490
Hours: 8:30am-4:30pm

Department Chair:
Dr. Krishna Foster
[email protected]
Rosser Hall 222E

Undergraduate Advisor:
Dr. Jordan Vincent
[email protected]
Rosser Hall 222A

Graduate Advisor:
Dr. Robert Vellanoweth
[email protected]
La Kretz 272

Explore

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Cal State LA continues to be a top choice for freshmen and transfer students interested in molecular science on the basis of its faculty's dedication to providing superior teaching and innovative instruction in small class settings. Students receive research mentorship from faculty in directed research studies using state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, participate in domestic and international research, engage in pre-professional student organizations, and interact with chemical science professionals.

Cal State Apply

Application

Prepare for your academic school year by reviewing Application Dates and Deadlines 

Admissions FAQ: Freshman or Transfer applicant.

Join our program by applying directly through the link below:

Upcoming Events

Biotech Career Expo

Biotech Career Expo

Join the CSU Biotech Career Expo on Saturday, October 26, 2024 from 9:30am-2:30pm at Cal State LA! Meet and network with biotech industry professionals, learn how to optimize your resume and prepare for interviews, find out about biotech-oriented graduate and certificate programs, and get free professional headshots for LinkedIn! We hope to see you there!

Chem Students

Fall 2024 Graduate Seminar Series

Join the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department's Graduate Seminar Series on Tuesdays at 12:00PM in Salazar Hall 135 to learn more about advances in research within the molecular sciences.

Seminars are presented by graduate students and guest speakers who share their research within the chemistry and biochemistry fields. Our next speaker is Salvador Romero to present on November 5, 2024We hope to see you there!

Tutoring

CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY CLUB

Fall 2024 Tutoring

The Chemistry and Biochemistry Club is a student-organization made up by students dedicated to helping all majors succeed professionally and academically. Scan the QR code to become involved, to learn more about tutoring services, and participate in club events and activities.

Fall 2024 tutoring services are provided in-person and on Zoom. Scan the QR code to join Discord for updates.

Department News

CAL State LA logo

Summer 2024 Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)

Cal State LA is excited to offer a 9-week summer research experience for undergraduates (REU) program for early-stage undergraduate and community college students with limited experience in independent research in the fields of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Applications are now being accepted and are due on March 15, 2024. To learn more, visit:

Anthony Fratiello

In Memoriam Anthony Fratiello

It is with great sadness that we report the death on November 9th of Anthony Fratiello, Professor Emeritus of Chemistry, a great friend, and a great colleague.

Leco event

Cal State LA and LECO Collaboration

Cal State LA and LECO Corporation celebrated the grand opening of the LECO Complex Chemical Composition Analysis Lab during a ceremony held at the Ferguson Courtyard. Read more about the collaboration and laboratory space on the Cal State LA campus:

Multidimensional

Multidimensional Chromatography Workshop

The Multidimensional Chromatography (MDC) Workshop draws experts in this exciting field to share and discuss their research. In 2024, the 15th MDC workshop will be hosted in person at California State University, Los Angeles, and is co-organized by our Chemistry faculty, Dr. Petr Vozka. To learn more, visit:

cal state la MoISSI PREC logo

2023 Summer Computational Molecular Research Program

Cal State LA- MolSSI Partnership for Research and Education in Chemistry is offering an 8-week summer program for undergraduate and community college students in the Los Angeles region to perform research in the field of computational molecular science. Learn more:

Darryl Boyd

27th Annual Lloyd N. Ferguson Luncheon

Every year, Dr. Lloyd N. Ferguson's life, impact, and legacy is celebrated at Cal State LA. This year, we are joined by Dr. Darryl Boyd as the distinguished keynote speaker. Learn more about Dr. Ferguson's legacy:

Scott and Andrade

Meet our Newest Faculty

We welcome Dr. Caitlin Scott (left) and Dr. Brenda Andrade (right) as our newest faculty members! Dr. Scott teaches Biochemistry and conducts research on computational and biological chemistry. Dr. Andrade teaches Organic Chemistry and conducts research on supramolecular chemistry. 

Dr. Liu

DOE Announces $1.5 Million to Train the Next Generation Hydrogen Workforce

Congratulations to Dr. Liu, whose proposal was selected by the U.S. Department of Energy as one of the five projects recommended for funding. Potential students and post-docs, learn more about the program by contacting Dr. Liu.

Cal State LA Professors

Cal State LA Receives National Science Foundation Grant

Cal State LA departments have been awarded the National Science Foundation Grant to increase diversity in STEM fields.

scholarship

Scholarship Ceremony 2022

In Fall 2022, the department celebrated students who received scholarships from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. 

Cal State LA faculty

Outstanding Faculty

Cal State LA honors outstanding faculty at University Convocation 2021, featuring Dr. Krishna Foster who is awarded Outstanding Professor.