Chemistry
Discover what drives change at the molecular level and provides the foundation for innovation.
Why chemistry matters:
Chemistry is at the heart of solving the world’s most urgent challenges, from designing sustainable materials to improving public health. It explains how molecules interact, how energy is transferred, and how innovation happens. Studying chemistry helps students understand the physical world — and gives them the tools to shape it.
How chemistry is taught at Muhlenberg:
At Muhlenberg, chemistry is hands-on from day one. Students explore the fundamentals of matter and molecular interactions in small, lab-based classes using advanced instrumentation. Faculty support student research, mentorship, and collaboration across disciplines. From early opportunities like Project Lab, an open-ended experimental course for select first-year students, to honors-level independent study, the program empowers students to ask bold questions and pursue real answers.
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The chemistry major combines a rigorous core of lecture and lab courses with interdisciplinary flexibility and student choice. Courses build progressively, emphasizing experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication. Electives allow students to explore specialized topics or tailor the major to interests in research, health professions, education, or science communication.
Muhlenberg’s Department of Chemistry is accredited by the American Chemical Society (ACS), and students may pursue additional coursework toward ACS certification. Those with advanced interests may also apply for the department’s honors program to complete original research and present their findings publicly.
Students build foundational skills in biological theory and practice, with the flexibility to pursue advanced coursework aligned with their goals. The major prepares students for graduate study in the life sciences, health professions, education, environmental fields, and more. Students with strong academic records may apply to the department’s honors program, which includes original research and a public presentation.
Chemistry students at Muhlenberg are immersed in lab work from the start. Through faculty-mentored research, independent study, and summer projects, students gain real-world experience with scientific methods and instrumentation. Faculty-led research projects include:
the discovery of new organic reactions using photochemistry (Ian MacKenzie)
harnessing the power of enzymes to make new antibiotics (Keri Colabroy)
the synthesis of novel molybdenum and tungsten compounds with interesting shapes (Joseph Keane)
the synthesis and biological evaluation of novel anti-inflammatory drug derivatives (Sherri Young)
the computational modeling of fluorescent polymers (Juan Duchimaza)
the analysis of chemical, physical, and biological properties of soil and water samples from The Seed Farm, an organic farm incubator (Karen Tuerk)
the long-term monitoring of urban stream health using physical, biological, and chemical assessment (Karen Tuerk and Erika Iyengar)
Many students present at conferences or co-author publications before they graduate.
Special opportunities like Project Lab, an open-ended experimental course for select first-year students, give early access to discovery-based learning. Upper-level students deepen their skills in small organic chemistry labs and may complete honors research that culminates in a professional presentation and oral defense.
Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Len Zon ’79
Samuel Roter ’25
There are so many applications [for chemistry]. I have developed a real love for early-stage drug development because of the opportunities I’ve had [at Muhlenberg], and I am excited to explore what may come next.READ ABOUT ROTER'S RESEARCH
Powerful Outcomes
A Muhlenberg education sets you up for success. The liberal arts will hone your ability to think critically, communicate, and problem-solve, skills that are in high demand across all employment sectors.
Chemistry News
Alumnus Leonard Zon ’79 Awarded Prestigious 2026 March of Dimes Prize
From ’Berg to Harvard: Muhlenberg alumnus Leonard Zon ’79 has been awarded the 2026 March of Dimes Prize in Developmental Biology.
Read MoreKeri Colabroy (Chemistry) Values Experimental Learning
The National Science Foundation has twice funded Keri Colabroy’s transformative, student-centered chemistry research.
Read MoreMuhlenberg Receives $315,000 National Science Foundation Grant to Support Chemistry Chair's Research
Muhlenberg Receives $315,000 National Science Foundation Grant to Support Chemistry Chair's Research This is the second time Professor of Chemistry Keri Colabroy's project, which has…
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