Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

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. 

Cal State LA- MolSSI Partnership for Research and Education in Chemistry is offering a 9-week summer program for undergraduate and community college students in the Los Angeles region to perform research in the field of computational molecular science. The program will include hands-on research, professional development, community-building excursions, conference participation, and more! To apply, visit:

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!

To learn more about the department's different scholarships and how to apply, visit:

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.

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:

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. Read more about the collaboration and laboratory space on the Cal State LA campus:

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- 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:

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:

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.

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

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

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