Chemistry - Lewis & Clark

Chemistry - Lewis & Clark
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Academics
Chemistry
Chemistry
We believe that ideas explored in the classroom come to life when tested in the lab. As you build a foundation in chemistry, you will also generate hypotheses, design experiments, collect data, and communicate results—making this program one of the best for preparing for your life after Lewis & Clark. Plus, our location close to Oregon Health & Science University, Nike, and Intel provides easy access to collaborations, internships, and employment.
Majors
Art (Studio)
Art History
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Biology
Chemistry
Classics
Computer Science
Computer Science and Mathematics
Data Science
Economics
Environmental Studies
French Studies
German Studies
Hispanic Studies
History
International Affairs
Mathematics
Music
Philosophy
Physics
Political Science
Psychology
Religious Studies
Rhetoric and Media Studies
Sociology and Anthropology
Student-Designed Major
Theatre
World Languages
Minors
Art and Art History
Artificial Intelligence
Asian Studies
Chemistry
Chinese
Classics
Computer Science
Cybersecurity
Dance
Data Science
Earth System Science
Economics
Education
Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation
Environmental Studies
Ethnic Studies
French Studies
Gender Studies
German Studies
Health Studies
Hispanic Studies
History
Japanese
Latin American and Latino Studies
Law and Policy
Mathematics
Middle East and North African Studies
Music
Neuroscience
Philosophy
Physics
Political Economy
Political Science
Religious Studies
Rhetoric and Media Studies
Russian
Theatre
With accomplished faculty and award-winning students; more than 20,000 square feet of classroom, laboratory, and study space; and funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Science Foundation (NSF), Research Corporation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), the Keck Foundation, and the Fairchild Foundation, our department is well-equipped for the study of chemistry in the 21st century. Our students graduate with a degree in chemistry and excellent career preparation skills, knowing how to write grants, read scientific literature critically, reason quantitatively, and work in teams.
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What You’ll Study
Our chemistry curriculum is divided into analytical chemistry, biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and physical chemistry. Students become familiar with each area, ensuring a thorough grasp of the larger field. We work closely with our students, both in the classroom and in laboratories. Students are involved in research at all levels, initially assisting professors and ultimately performing studies on their own. Research opportunities are available through the Independent Study and/or Senior Research classes and the paid Rogers Summer Science Program.
Many of our students earn course credit toward their degree while on an overseas program. In addition to general cultural programs that are open to all students, the
Berlin
program offers an optional chemistry emphasis and is designed and led by a chemistry faculty member.
Outside the classroom, the department hosts social events to help majors and faculty connect informally, including dinners at a faculty member’s house, drinks at a campus café, bowling, and hiking.
Curriculum
Connect With Lewis & Clark!
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Complement Your Education With One of These Minors
The most popular minors for our chemistry majors are
data science
Earth system science
health studies
, and
neuroscience
What Students Are Saying About Lewis & Clark
My favorite course was Ordinary Differential Equations. This class greatly tested my interdisciplinary skills and enabled me to use knowledge I had gained from all different kinds of classes at Lewis & Clark to come up with creative ways to construct, manipulate, and use models.
Drew Blauth BA ’23
Chemistry and Mathematics (double) | Redlands, California
More about Drew
My favorite class is Physical Chemistry, which covered things at the quantum and fundamental level. I gained insight into the theory of the most base components that compose reality.
Kryton Gackle BA ’25
Chemistry | Miles City, Montana
More about Kryton
The size of the chemistry department allowed me to create deep connections with my STEM peers and the faculty. It seems like the faculty are always in their office with the door open and ready to help!
Genevieve Basile BA ’23
Chemistry | Santa Rosa, California
More about Genevieve
What Can You Do With a Degree in Chemistry?
Our alumni use their BA in chemistry in a variety of careers at companies such as Nike, Schrödinger, Intel, and Thermo Scientific. Others pursue advanced degrees with the goal of becoming high school teachers or practicing medicine, dentistry, or pharmacy. Many go on to graduate school in chemistry, chemical engineering, or biochemistry, and some receive competitive fellowships from the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and the Hertz Foundation to pursue these studies.
Dedicated Faculty
Our expert professors are your expert mentors. You will learn directly from faculty (no graduate assistants here!) that are nationally recognized in their fields of study and who love to work with and learn from their students. Your professors will inspire you to be a thoughtful and passionate participant in a diverse world. Your small classes will support you as you explore new ideas, find your voice, and speak your truth.
Chemistry faculty rely on their students to be collaborative researchers in the lab, providing an opportunity that’s rarely available to undergraduates at other schools. Students are frequent coauthors on peer-reviewed faculty publications and professional presentations.
Meet the Professors
By working in a research lab, students gain a much deeper experience with all aspects of lab work. They use equipment and instrumentations over and over again, and they become good at using all kinds of software for data analysis.
Associate Professor of Chemistry
Anne Bentley
More about Anne
One of the things I enjoy most about working with L&C students is that they are inquisitive, reliable, and motivated by a desire to learn more about the underlying science.
Professor of Chemistry; Director of the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program
Nikolaus Loening
More about Nikolaus
Lewis & Clark students are committed to their own success and the success of the entire research team. They are creative, perseverant, and do not shy away from a complex challenge.
Professor of Chemistry
Julio de Paula
More about Julio
52
nationalities represented in our undergraduate student body
125
of our undergraduate students are Third Culture Kids.
U.S. News
Lewis & Clark is on U.S. News & World Report’s 2025
“Best National Liberal Arts Colleges” list
47
U.S. states represented in our undergraduate student body
96%
Within six months of graduation, 96% of the Lewis & Clark Class of 2024 was already changing the world through employment (71%), continuing studies (22%), and service work (3%), like the Peace Corps.
Invest in Yourself
A private, liberal arts education is often
more affordable than you think
. Last year, Lewis & Clark distributed over $74 million in assistance from institutional, federal, state, and private sources. Additionally, we’re so confident that first-year students will graduate in four years that if you don’t, we’ll
cover the extra semester of tuition
Find Your People
Students can join a variety of student-run organizations that relate to their chemistry major, like the
Chemistry Club
Math Club
Physics Club
, and
Pre-Health Club
. Don’t see what you’re looking for on the
club list
? Start something new and build your own community of peers!
Where Lewis & Clark Will Take You
I recently started pharmacy school to get my doctor of pharmacy from University of Washington, and I work as an intern at Fred Hutch Cancer Center. I’m hoping to pursue a career in clinical pharmacy and clinical research, probably in the oncology setting.
Zach Schonrock BA ’18
Chemistry and Music (double) | Salt Lake City, Utah
More about Zach
The biochemistry class taught by Dr. Janis Lochner was the most important course I took at L&C. I used the information I learned through my exams to get into medical school and almost every day since I became a medical student.
Max Clary BA ’18
Chemistry | Evergreen, Colorado
More about Max
L&C taught me how to effectively work with others and that you should never be afraid to ask questions! This really prepared me for my current job.
Jessica Doan BA ’21
Chemistry | Lakewood, California
More about Jessica
Chemistry Events
May 9
Olin Sciences Graduation Reception
Graduation reception for BCMB, Chemistry, and Physics
May 9, 10:00 - 11:30 am
Featured News
Mapping the Urobiome for Better Bladder Health
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is supporting Jean-Philippe Gourdine’s research into how “good” bacteria survive in the harsh environment of the urinary tract—work that will be important for improving bladder health and the development of new treatments for urinary diseases.
Read the story
More News and Events →
Louis Kuo
Professor of Chemistry and Department Chair
kuo@lclark.edu
503-768-7535
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