Chemistry

Dynamic classes, laboratory research, and multiple means of interacting with faculty allow you to develop a personalized major that fits your individual learning style. As a chemistry major you’ll gain hands-on experience with modern instrumentation as you couple creative thought with experimentation. All of this will prepare you for a career in chemical research, education, the medical or engineering professions, or to pursue graduate work in chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, environmental science, geology, materials science, or many other areas of study.

Unlock the world of science.

Chemistry is everywhere; it is the central science that connects all other sciences. Chemists are fascinated by the world and seek to understand the nature and transformations of matter.

Discover Chemistry
Experience hands-on learning and research.

The chemistry curriculum emphasizes laboratory investigation and gives majors opportunities for independent research with faculty.

Take a deeper look
Become a problem-solver.

Our chemistry curriculum teaches students to grapple with complex problems, to deal with ambiguity (also present in societal problems), and to be aware of the nature of differences in facts and theories.

Apply what you learn

Jennifer Fulton wearing lab goggles standing by whiteboard

Understanding the World Through the Lens of Chemistry

Jennifer Fulton ’15 is living her dream as a principal scientist in medicinal chemistry at Cogent Biosciences, and it all began at Grinnell. 

Finn Dworkin at Grinnell, redbud trees in bloom

Chemistry Major Turned Environmental Scientist

At Grinnell, Finn Dworkin ’22 was able to study the water ecosystems near campus. He saw firsthand the impacts that humans have had on our ecosystems. He found himself asking more questions and wanting to dig deeper.

A new weather tower at CERA with a big sky and rolling landscape

Academic Excellence

Weather Tower Erected at CERA

Associate Professor of Chemistry Evan Couzo and three Grinnell students erected a 30-foot-tall atmospheric measurement station at Grinnell’s Conard Environmental Research Area.

Rachel Rudacille ’26, a 2025 Truman Scholar, presents their summer 2024 research at the Conference for Undergraduate Women and Gender Minorities in Physics, January 2025, in Houghton, Michigan.

Academic Excellence

Rachel Rudacille ’26 Named Truman Scholar

Rudacille is one of 54 new Truman Scholars selected from 743 candidates nominated by 288 colleges and universities. Truman Scholars must demonstrate outstanding leadership potential, a commitment to a career in public service, and academic excellence. Each Truman Scholar receives a scholarship worth up to $30,000 for graduate or professional school, leadership training, career advising, and special internship and fellowship opportunities within the federal government.

2 students standing one in white science coat

Academic Excellence

Two Grinnellians Receive Goldwater Scholarships

Erik Genet ’26 and Shabab Kabir ’26 have been awarded Goldwater Scholarships by the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation.

Students and professor examine water sample

Aquatic Geochemistry

Aquatic Geochemistry (CHM 340) is a thought-provoking combination of readings, classroom discussion, and hands-on learning. The course explores the chemical processes that control freshwater and marine systems.

Explore the Aquatic Geochemistry

Professor Trimmer and 2 students in biochem lab

Tiny Enzymes, Huge Potential

Bioorganic Chemistry (CHM 330) focuses on enzymes, proteins that are catalysts within cells. This in-depth study of enzymes allows you to explore advanced biochemistry, applying principles and techniques you learned in organic chemistry to the study of biological reactions.

Explore Bioorganic Chemistry

Organic Chemistry

Taught by Associate Professor of Chemistry Erick Leggans, Organic Chemistry I is often a critical turning point in students’ studies at Grinnell, frequently influencing their choice of major.

Explore Organic Chemistry

Lee Sharpe’s Recent Publications

LaFexCo(1–x)O3 Thin-Film Oxygen Reduction Catalysts Prepared Using Spray Pyrolysis without Conductive Additives
Authors: Dilek Dervishogullari, Christopher A. Sharpe, and Lee R. Sharpe

Spray Pyrolysis as a Combinatorial Method for the Generation of Photocatalyst Libraries
Authors: Jordan S. Compton, Christi A. Peterson, Dilek Dervishogullari, and Lee R. Sharpe

Sources of Obsidian for the Sinagua of Northern Arizona (USA)
Authors: John C. Whittaker, Daniel Dong KeunLee, Lee Sharpe, and Jeffrey R. Ferguson

Heriberto Hernandez’s Recent Publications

Role of Sterics in Phosphine-Ligated Gold Clusters
Authors: Katherine A. Parrish, Mary King, Marshall R. Ligare, Grant E. Johnson, and Heriberto Hernández

Light Exposure Promotes Degradation of Intermediates and Growth of Phosphine-Ligated Gold Clusters
Authors: Michael A. Hewitt, Heriberto Hernández, and Grant E. Johnson

ESI-MS Identification of the Cationic Phosphine-Ligated Gold Clusters Au1−22: Insight into the Gold−Ligand Ratio and Abundance of Larger Clusters
Authors: Michael A. Hewitt, Heriberto Hernández, and Grant E. Johnson

Andrew Graham’s Recent Publications

Nutrient capture in an Iowa farm pond: Insights from high-frequency observations
Authors: Christopher Brunet, Eva R C Gemrich, Savanna Biedermann, Peter J Jacobson, Keith E Schilling, Christopher S Jones, Andrew M Graham

Dimethylmercury Degradation by Dissolved Sulfide and Mackinawite
Authors: Johannes West, Andrew M Graham, Van Liem-Nguyen, and Sofi Jonsson

Chemistry Career Outcomes

First Destinations

27% Employment
67% Graduate School
0% Post-Graduate Service
6% Fellowships
0% Continuing Education
0% Other

Employment

Insufficient data to calculate

Employer

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals
Epic
INX International Ink Company
MGH

Graduate Schools

53%

53% Accepted to 1st- or 2nd- choice programs

Institutions

Georgia Institute of Technology
MIT
University of California
University of Minnesota
Washington University in St. Louis
Yale University

Explore More Graduate Outcomes

Faculty Chair

Stephen R Sieck

sieckste@grinnell.edu

Contact Information

Phone

641-269-3172

Fax

641-269-4984

Noyce Science Center
1116 Eighth Ave
Grinnell, IA 50112
United States

Chemistry

A personalized learning laboratory.

Why Study Chemistry?

Unlock the world of science.

Experience hands-on learning and research.

Become a problem-solver.

Alumni Stories