Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is dedicated to providing high-quality education in an environment that encourages hands-on student research training. We offer degree programs leading to a Bachelor of Science, a minor in Bioinformatics, and a Master of Science in Chemistry.
Visit Us
Location: Biological Sciences 336
Phone: 323.343.2300
Fax: 323.343.6490
Hours: 8:30am-4:30pm
Department Chair:
Dr. Krishna Foster
kfoster@calstatela.edu
Rosser Hall 222E
Undergraduate Advisor:
Dr. Jordan Vincent
jvincen3@calstatela.edu
Rosser Hall 222A
Graduate Advisor:
Dr. Robert Vellanoweth
vllnwth@calstatela.edu
La Kretz 272
Application
Prepare for your academic school year by reviewing Application Dates and Deadlines
Admissions FAQ: Freshman or Transfer applicant.
Join our program by applying directly through the link below:
Upcoming Events
Fall 2024 Graduate Seminar Series
Join the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department's Graduate Seminar Series on Tuesdays at 12:00PM in Salazar Hall 135 to learn more about advances in research within the molecular sciences.
Seminars are presented by graduate students and guest speakers who share their research within the chemistry and biochemistry fields. Our next guest speaker is Dr. Maxx Arguilla to present on October 22, 2024. We hope to see you there!
National Chemistry Workshop
Join the Chemistry and Biochemistry Club in celebrating National Chemistry Week! Learn more about how to succeed as a Chemistry or Biochemistry major and meet representatives from Takeda Pharmaceuticals to find out about their summer research program and internships. The event will be hosted on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, in the Innovation Hub- Library North A119A from 12pm-2pm. See you there!
National Chemistry Week Magic Show
Join the Chemistry and Biochemistry Club in celebrating National Chemistry Week with a magic show using Chemistry! The event will be hosted in Biological Sciences 144 from 12pm-2pm on Friday, October 25, 2024. See you there!
Biotech Career Expo
Join the CSU Biotech Career Expo on Saturday, October 26, 2024 from 9:30am-2:30pm at Cal State LA! Meet and network with biotech industry professionals, learn how to optimize your resume and prepare for interviews, find out about biotech-oriented graduate and certificate programs, and get free professional headshots for LinkedIn! We hope to see you there!
Tutoring
CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY CLUB
The Chemistry and Biochemistry Club is a student-organization made up by students dedicated to helping all majors succeed professionally and academically. Scan the QR code to become involved, to learn more about tutoring services, and participate in club events and activities.
Fall 2024 tutoring services are provided in-person and on Zoom. Scan the QR code to join Discord for updates.
Department News
Summer 2024 Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)
Cal State LA is excited to offer a 9-week summer research experience for undergraduates (REU) program for early-stage undergraduate and community college students with limited experience in independent research in the fields of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Applications are now being accepted and are due on March 15, 2024. To learn more, visit:
In Memoriam Anthony Fratiello
It is with great sadness that we report the death on November 9th of Anthony Fratiello, Professor Emeritus of Chemistry, a great friend, and a great colleague.
Cal State LA and LECO Collaboration
Cal State LA and LECO Corporation celebrated the grand opening of the LECO Complex Chemical Composition Analysis Lab during a ceremony held at the Ferguson Courtyard. Read more about the collaboration and laboratory space on the Cal State LA campus:
Multidimensional Chromatography Workshop
The Multidimensional Chromatography (MDC) Workshop draws experts in this exciting field to share and discuss their research. In 2024, the 15th MDC workshop will be hosted in person at California State University, Los Angeles, and is co-organized by our Chemistry faculty, Dr. Petr Vozka. To learn more, visit:
2023 Summer Computational Molecular Research Program
Cal State LA- MolSSI Partnership for Research and Education in Chemistry is offering an 8-week summer program for undergraduate and community college students in the Los Angeles region to perform research in the field of computational molecular science. Learn more:
27th Annual Lloyd N. Ferguson Luncheon
Every year, Dr. Lloyd N. Ferguson's life, impact, and legacy is celebrated at Cal State LA. This year, we are joined by Dr. Darryl Boyd as the distinguished keynote speaker. Learn more about Dr. Ferguson's legacy:
Meet our Newest Faculty
We welcome Dr. Caitlin Scott (left) and Dr. Brenda Andrade (right) as our newest faculty members! Dr. Scott teaches Biochemistry and conducts research on computational and biological chemistry. Dr. Andrade teaches Organic Chemistry and conducts research on supramolecular chemistry.
DOE Announces $1.5 Million to Train the Next Generation Hydrogen Workforce
Congratulations to Dr. Liu, whose proposal was selected by the U.S. Department of Energy as one of the five projects recommended for funding. Potential students and post-docs, learn more about the program by contacting Dr. Liu.
Cal State LA Receives National Science Foundation Grant
Cal State LA departments have been awarded the National Science Foundation Grant to increase diversity in STEM fields.
Scholarship Ceremony 2022
In Fall 2022, the department celebrated students who received scholarships from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
Outstanding Faculty
Cal State LA honors outstanding faculty at University Convocation 2021, featuring Dr. Krishna Foster who is awarded Outstanding Professor.