Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Dr. Omar Farha visited Cal State LA as the featured Jean Dreyfus Lecturer, hosted by Dr. Yangyang Liu.

Supported by The Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation, Dr. Farha presented a scientific seminar (Metal-Organic Frameworks from Inception to Commercialization) and a public lecture (Programmable Smart Crystalline Sponges for Protection) on September 17-18, 2026.

Dr. Farha's visit combined talks on current MOF research with direct conversations with students and faculty about research, undergraduate education, and paths in science.

Cal State LA chemistry major Elise Hastie has been named a 2026 Barry Goldwater Scholar, one of the nation's most prestigious undergraduate awards in the natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering. Read more about Elise's academic journey and the Barry Goldwater Scholarship.

The National Association of Colleges and Employers recognized the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry's career-engaged teaching using NACE career readiness competencies as a way to heighten the preparation of students for their careers while boosting student retention. Read NACE's The Value of Faculty Connecting Classroom Lessons to Career Success. 

Dr. Lloyd N. Ferguson (1918-2011) was a Cal State LA Emeritus and Professor of Chemistry and his legacy is celebrated annually at Cal State LA. This year's distinguished keynote speaker is Dr. Stephen Mayo, Bren Professor of Chemistry and Biology at Caltech, presenting "Biotech Entrepreneurship: A Personal Journey Bridging Academic and Industry" on February 12, 2026.

On November 7, 2025, the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry celebrated the many accomplishments of our students with scholarship awards. Thank you to our faculty, alumni, and friends who help us celebrate student achievement. Visit Awards and Scholarships to learn more.

Chemistry and Biochemistry's Dr. Olaseni Sode has received a prestigious Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Award to teach and conduct research in France during the 2025-2026 academic year.

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS:

The U-RISE program at Cal State LA offers undergraduate students opportunities to significantly increase participation in biomedical research leadership positions.

Participants will identify and develop creativity and intellectual talents and strengthen academic and research credentials, and receive tuition assistance and an annual stipend to cover travel and living costs. 

All currently enrolled Cal State LA undergraduate students who are pursuing a chemistry/biochemistry degree and have at least one more semester left are eligible to apply for the Dreyfus Undergraduate Student Fellowship. If selected, participants will participate in a 9-week summer research program from June 9-August 8, 2025, and receive a $5000 stipend and $1500 supplies funds.

For more information, please contact Dr. Yangyang Liu at [email protected]

Ten students will represent Cal State LA at the 39th Annual CSU Student Research Competition at Cal Poly Humboldt on April 25, and 26. This year, Biochemistry students Yahan Lin and Samuel Groysman will be showcasing their research, with Yahan presenting “Investigating the Roles of TlyA and FtsZ in Circadian Control of Cell Division in Cyanobacteria," and with Samuel presenting “Sensitive Imaging of Electroactive Species in Plasmonic Eletrochemical Microscopy Enabled by Electrostatic Nanoconfinement.” 

The annual event gathers scholars from the 23 CSU campuses in a competition that showcases their research, scholarship, and creative work. 

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry recognizes the many accomplishments of our students with awards and scholarships. In 2022, we awarded over $23,000 in scholarship funds!

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry celebrated Dr. Harold Goldwhite who has dedicated over 60 years of his professional career with the department. He is presented the California State University Distinguished Emeritus Professor for his service at Cal State LA.

Cal State LA has received a $750,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to provide more research and training opportunities in STEM fields for students while addressing important energy and climate challenges, with Chemistry and Biochemistry's Dr. Yangyang Liu as the lead principal investigator on the grant.

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.

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. Contact Dr. Petr Vozka at [email protected] for more information.

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, contact Dr. Vozka at [email protected].

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. Contact Dr. Seni Sode at [email protected] for more information.

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. 

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. 

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.

In Fall 2022, the department celebrated students who received scholarships from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Visit our Awards and Scholarships page to learn more.

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