The Eberly College of Science

Department of Chemistry

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Chemistry Undergraduate Program

We provide a program that’s flexible enough to meet your specific interests. Through research and co-op opportunities, you’ll put your classroom knowledge into practice to prepare for a wide range of careers.

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Featured Story

Anand discovers potential therapeutic targets on SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted considerable investigation into how the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein attaches to a human cell during the infection process, as this knowledge is useful in designing vaccines and therapeutics. Now, a team of scientists has discovered additional locations on the Spike protein that may not only help to explain how certain mutations make emerging variants more infectious but also could be used as additional targets for therapeutic intervention.

Graphic of viral entry into host cell mediated by spike protein

Two faculty members have been selected to receive Lab Bench to Commercialization grants from the Eberly College of Science in 2021. This year's grant recipients are Lauren Zarzar, assistant professor of chemistry, and Ganesh Anand, associate professor of chemistry.

A Message from the Department Head

Our department offers a rich variety of opportunities and resources. I think you will find the Department of Chemistry at Penn State to be an exceptionally exciting, welcoming, and inclusive place and we hope that you can visit and explore the many opportunities here.

Lauren Zarzar receives NSF CAREER Award

Lauren Zarzar, assistant professor of chemistry, has been honored with a Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) award from the National Science Foundation (NSF) in recognition of her work on “laser-induced solvothermal synthesis for the direct-write, microscale additive processing of metals and oxides.”

Assistant Professor of Chemistry Mark Hedglin investigated how the Rad6/Rad18 protein complex moves along filaments produced by a type of DNA replication factor during translesion DNA synthesis.

Chemistry Spotlight

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Chemistry Research Areas

We eliminate barriers, creating a dynamic research environment that combines specialities to help address pressing challenges.

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Chemistry Research Facilities

The department’s cutting-edge research facilities offer faculty and students powerful tools for innovation.

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University Institutes and Centers

Our interdisciplinary institutes and centers strengthen our research offering across the university, while providing meaningful training opportunities for graduate students.