Pairing academic rigor with rich research in the nation’s capital
Who We Are
The GW Columbian College's Department of Chemistry provides a hands-on approach to modern laboratory practices and instrumentation supported by curricula in analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry.
In a collaborative environment where faculty invite mentoring relationships and foster learning and discovery through engaged classroom and research experiences, students graduate with the expertise to pursue careers in academia, professional programs, industry and government.
Dr. Michael Massiah, Associate Professor of Chemistry, spent the spring 2026 semester as a Distinguished Visiting Professor at the University of Guyana.
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"GW is a great place to be a scientist. I had access to great faculty, world class facilities and leaders in government research labs. Best of all, my fellow graduate students became my family."
Maggie Teliska PhD '04, Sustainable Energy Scientist
Read a welcome message from incoming chair Cynthia Dowd, who steps into the role following 18 years with the Chemistry Department.
Seminar Series
We welcome visiting speakers on Fridays throughout the school year. Hear chemists from top agencies and research universities as well as GW’s own chemistry graduate students discuss their scientific breakthroughs.