Chemistry

Why choose chemistry at North Central College?

Our chemistry major provides undergraduates with exceptional academic opportunities. As early as your first year, you’ll have the chance to conduct original research using advanced scientific instruments right here on campus. That kind of hands-on lab experience is often reserved for graduate students at larger institutions. And, thanks to Naperville’s proximity to Chicago, you’ll have easy access to BP Amoco, Nalco, Baxter Healthcare, Perkin-Elmer and other companies that value chemistry expertise. You’ll also connect with top-tier institutions where you can pursue graduate studies after completing our American Chemical Society-approved major.

You can also:

Work with cutting-edge scientific equipment—right away.
Take advantage of competitive science scholarship and grant opportunities.
Join the Student Members of the American Chemical Society student group.

To learn more about experiences and opportunities here at North Central College as a chemistry major, click here.

Michael Chapman, Ph.D., professor in the school of physics, Georgia Institute of

North Central College’s science alumni, guest speaker share careers

Second annual Science Alumni Event hosts guest speaker Dr. Michael Chapman, Blake Young ’04 and Allison Beckham ’09 on their career experiences.

National Science Foundation honors North Central College President Troy D. Hammond

North Central College President Troy D. Hammond is being honored by the National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program.

New Ruge Fellows “humbled” by honor

North Central College has named three Ruge Fellows, rewarding outstanding teaching of senior faculty.

more news

Internships

Nanophase Technologies, Romeoville, IL

Graduate Schools

Recent graduates in chemistry have been accepted at:

University of North Carolina
University of Illinois
University of Minnesota
University of Oregon
University of Iowa

Careers

Recent graduates in chemistry include:

Chemist, Exelon, Chicago, IL
Chemist, Downers Grove Wastewater Treatment, Downers Grove, IL
Chemistry teacher, Naperville North High School, Naperville, IL
Chemist, BP Amoco, Naperville, IL
Chemist, Dow AgroSciences, Indianapolis, IN
Chemist, Flavors of North America, Geneva, IL
Forensic chemist, American Institute of Toxicology, Indianapolis, IN
Chemist, Los Alamos National Lab, Santa Fe, NM
Research and development engineer, Honeywell, Des Plaines, IL
Universal Oil Products, Riverside, IL

Tasha Hobbs

Chemistry major

Tasha has always loved science and wants to pursue graduate studies and become a pharmacist. When it came time to transfer and pick a school after earning an associate’s degree at a community college, she found the right fit at North Central.

“I fell in love with the school. It’s small and intimate. You can talk to professors to get any help you need.”

One chemistry professor made a lasting impact on Tasha. “He’s one of the most helpful professors on campus and inspires me to do great things in chemistry.”

Tasha is a military veteran, single mother and enrolled at North Central part time. Still, she finds time to conduct independent research while keeping up with other commitments and is...

Jesse Carey

Chemistry major

“I started working on a research project the summer after my first year. I wanted to make compounds in a new, greener way using a technique called BASIL (it stands for biphasic acid scavenging using ionic liquids). I presented my work to Associated Colleges of the Chicago Area during my sophomore year, then continued my research with Professor Paul Brandt over the next two summers.

“Starting my research early definitely helped me with upper-level course work; I also developed good lab skills and got to meet other people. Learning to share research with biologists, physicists, and psychologists—and with people from other fields—teaches you how to explain what you’re doing in layman’s terms.”

...

Cassandra Schneider

Chemistry major

Cassandra Schneider succinctly describes how she decided to attend North Central College: “I found it online, came here and fell in love with the College,” she says.

Like others who major in a science at North Central, Cassandra learned the importance of developing communication skills in addition to conducting research and gaining valuable experience. She researched BASIL (biphasic acid scavenging using ionic liquid) with Paul Brandt, associate professor of chemistry. “The teachers at North Central are very helpful,” Cassandra says. “They don’t just give you an answer, they help you work toward it.”

In addition to pursuing her bachelor of science degree in chemistry, Cassandra explored her love...

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