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.
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
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
Graduate Seminar Series
Join the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department's Graduate Seminar Series on Tuesdays at 12:00PM in Salazar Hall 136 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. Christopher Cardona is presenting Development of Photosensitizers to Use as Catalysts for Targeting Cancer Cells on April 29, 2025. We look forward to having you join us!
Chem and BioChem Club Coffee Hour
Join the Chemistry and Biochemistry Club for Coffee Hour every first Wednesday of the month, hosted in Biological Sciences 302 from 12pm-2pm. Meet fellow Chemistry students and learn more about the Chemistry and Biochemistry Club such as its tutoring services and professional development events offered throughout the semester. The next Coffee Hour is on March 5, 2025. See you there!
Amphiphilic Dendritic Hybrid Block Copolymers for Theranostic Nanomedicine
Dr. Davita Watkins from The Ohio State University is joining us as the guest speaker for the department's graduate seminar on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025 in Salazar Hall 240. Please join us in hearing Dr. Watkins present Amphiphilic Dendritic Hybrid Block Copolymers for Theranostic Nanomedicine.
Stem Club Social
Join the Chemistry and Biochemistry Club, Chicanos/Latinos for Community Medicine, and Cal State LA SACNAS Chapter for Stem Club Social on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at Biological Sciences 220. We hope you can join us!
Tutoring
CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY CLUB
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, learn more about tutoring services, and participate in club events and activities.
Spring 2025 tutoring services are provided via Zoom. Scan the QR code to join Discord for updates.
Department News
Dreyfus Undergraduate Summer Fellowship
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]
2025 PREC Summer Undergraduate Research
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:
Awards and Scholarships
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:
Celebrating Dr. Goldwhite
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 receives grant to boost opportunities to engage in clean energy research
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.
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:
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.
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 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:
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:
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:
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.
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 Receives National Science Foundation Grant
Cal State LA departments have been awarded the National Science Foundation Grant to increase diversity in STEM fields.
Scholarship Ceremony 2022
In Fall 2022, the department celebrated students who received scholarships from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
Outstanding Faculty
Cal State LA honors outstanding faculty at University Convocation 2021, featuring Dr. Krishna Foster who is awarded Outstanding Professor.