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

Explore

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Cal State LA continues to be a top choice for freshmen and transfer students interested in molecular science on the basis of its faculty's dedication to providing superior teaching and innovative instruction in small class settings. Students receive research mentorship from faculty in directed research studies using state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, participate in domestic and international research, engage in pre-professional student organizations, and interact with chemical science professionals.

B.S. in Chemistry

B.S. in Biochemistry

M.S. in Chemistry

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:

Cal State Apply

Upcoming Events

Graduate Seminar Series

Join the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department's Graduate Seminar Series on Tuesdays at 12:00PM in Salazar Hall 136 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. Visiting Assistant Professor of Chemistry from Texas A & M, Dr. Lauren Hagler, is presenting on March 11, 2025. We look forward to have you join us!

Spring 2025 Graduate Seminar Schedule

Chem and BioChem Club Coffee Hour

Join the Chemistry and Biochemistry Club for Coffee Hour every first Wednesday of the month, hosted in Biological Sciences 302 from 12pm-2pm. Meet fellow Chemistry students and learn more about the Chemistry and Biochemistry Club such as its tutoring services and professional development events offered throughout the semester. The next Coffee Hour is on March 5, 2025. See you there!

Chemistry and Biochemistry Club

Amphiphilic Dendritic Hybrid Block Copolymers for Theranostic Nanomedicine

Dr. Davita Watkins from The Ohio State University is joining us as the guest speaker for the department's graduate seminar on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025 in Salazar Hall 240. Please join us in hearing Dr. Watkins present Amphiphilic Dendritic Hybrid Block Copolymers for Theranostic Nanomedicine.

Spring 2025 Graduate Seminar Series

Stem Club Social

Join the Chemistry and Biochemistry Club, Chicanos/Latinos for Community Medicine, and Cal State LA SACNAS Chapter for Stem Club Social on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at Biological Sciences 220. We hope you can join us!

Chemistry and Biochemistry Club

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, learn more about tutoring services, and participate in club events and activities.

Spring 2025 tutoring services are provided via Zoom. Scan the QR code to join Discord for updates.

Department News

Awards and Scholarships

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry recognizes the many accomplishments of our students with awards and scholarships. In 2022, we awarded over $23,000 in scholarship funds!

To learn more about the department's different scholarships and how to apply, visit:

Department Scholarships

Celebrating Dr. Goldwhite

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry celebrated Dr. Harold Goldwhite who has dedicated over 60 years of his professional career with the department. He is presented the California State University Distinguished Emeritus Professor for his service at Cal State LA.

Celebrating Dr. Harold Goldwhite

Cal State LA receives grant to boost opportunities to engage in clean energy research

Cal State LA has received a $750,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to provide more research and training opportunities in STEM fields for students while addressing important energy and climate challenges, with Chemistry and Biochemistry's Dr. Yangyang Liu as the lead principal investigator on the grant.

Learn more

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:

Summer 2024 REU

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.

In Memoriam Anthony Fratiello

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:

Cal State LA and LECO Collaboration Event

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:

15th Multidimensional Chromatography Workshop

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:

Summer Research Program

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:

27th Lloyd N. Ferguson Luncheon

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.

U.S. Department of Energy Announcement

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.

National Science Foundation Grant

Scholarship Ceremony 2022

In Fall 2022, the department celebrated students who received scholarships from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

Learn more about department scholarships

Outstanding Faculty

Cal State LA honors outstanding faculty at University Convocation 2021, featuring Dr. Krishna Foster who is awarded Outstanding Professor.

Outstanding Faculty at 2021 Convocation