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SPRING 2017

Department of Chemistry

On behalf of the faculty, students and alumni of the George Washington University Department of Chemistry, welcome you to our website, a window into this dynamic and exciting branch of the natural sciences at GW.  Part of the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, our department has a history that traces back to the very founding of the University.  The Chemistry Department has a proud tradition of innovation and engagement in teaching, research and service to our discipline.  An intimate, stimulating intellectual environment of chemistry and interdisciplinary research and scholarship pervades the department, engaging students and faculty in a collaborative setting to address research problems of contemporary importance.

Our faculty includes National Science Foundation Career awardees, editors of professional journals, patent holders, and winners of University Teaching and Service awards.  While spanning the traditional areas of analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry, our program maintains a focus on three major themes, Biomolecular Chemistry, Materials Chemistry and Energy and the Environment that take us to the cutting-edge of chemical research and its applications.

Our graduate program fosters active learning through a research-based curriculum. Beginning with advanced coursework and training in the discipline as a whole and one or more selected subdisciplines, our award winning graduate students engage in core and emerging research along side expert faculty studying problems of fundamental relevance to the major driving forces in today’s society. Opportunities abound for research presentations, publication, and award achievement as well as collaborations with colleagues in the School of Medicine and Health Sciences, the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and the nearby Federal Research Laboratories.

Our undergraduate program provides a rigorous education in the fundamental areas of chemical theory and experimentation along with a hands-on approach to modern laboratory practices and instrumentation underwritten by a balanced introduction to the basic divisions of chemistry that emphasizes problem-solving skills. Concurrently, we strive to maintain a sense of community with small laboratory sections for our majors and by engaging majors in research projects along side of our faculty and doctoral students.  This solid foundation in the chemical sciences and experiential learning prepares our students to be competitive in pursuit of careers in academia, professional programs, industry, and government.

We appreciate your interest in any of the facets of our department and program and invite you to contact or connect with us.

Michael M. King
Professor and Chair

Meet The Department Chair

Chemistry Chair Michael King teaches classes and conducts lab work in organic chemistry. His research focus is the organic synthesis of molecules of biological interest and applications of stereopopulation control. Current projects include preparation of a metabolite of the hypertension drug propanolol and related structures and the fatty acid distribution in animal models of obesity.

We've Moved to a New Home!

We're very excited to announce that we’ve moved into the new Science & Engineering Hall (SEH), just in time for the Spring 2015 semester. With state-of-the-art teaching and research laboratories, the SEH provides opportunities for research collaboration between and within STEM departments, as well as a learning environment integrating lecture, laboratory, and research skills. The new building is equipped with flexible, re-configurable spaces great for expanded learning.  Although we will miss our old home in Corcoran Hall, we are very excited to settle into our new home. You can find us at 800 22nd Street NW, Suite 4000.