Chemistry

a student and professor in a lab

Welcome to the Department of Chemistry homepage. Our department views modern chemistry as a broadly diverse science, with roots in physics and mathematics, and applications in biology, geology, neuroscience, medicine, and industry.

About the Department

The philosophy of the Chemistry Department at Rhodes rests on two beliefs. First, Chemistry, as all science, is part of the liberal arts, and so the study of chemistry benefits from concurrent study of arts and humanities as well as athletics and service. Second, Chemistry is truly a central science, and the most exciting work in chemistry is done when it is applied to biology, medicine, neuroscience, materials, archaeology, and other fields. Thus in our department you will find faculty that are proficient not only in chemistry, but also in a variety of applied fields.     

In recent years, graduates of our department have typically followed one of three paths: graduate studies in a Health Profession, including medical school, pharmacy school, dental school, nursing school, or veterinary school; graduate studies in Chemistry; or immediate employment in either Chemical industry or Science education.

Research

Each member of the Department has an on-going research program, thus research opportunities for students are available in a wide variety of areas. Students work on computer modeling of drug-protein interactions, synthesis of novel anti-bacterial molecules, analysis of pigments used in cave paintings, studies of the cell walls of fungi, and more. Visit the links below for an in-depth description of each faculty member′s research program.
 

A woman working in a lab.
Chemistry Honor Society

The Iota Beta chapter of the Gamma Sigma Epsilon National Chemistry Honor Society recognizes students who have done excellent work in college chemistry classes.

Two women working together at a computer.
SAACS

Join the Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society (SAACS), our student-run Chemistry club!

A student carefully measures a red liquid.
Internships & Research Opportunities

Students majoring in chemistry have a wide range of internship and research opportunities available. 

Kennedy Hall
Chemistry Facilities

Departmental offices, classrooms, and a full range of laboratories are located in the Berthold S. Kennedy Hall.

Faculty & Staff

Kimberly Brien
Associate Professor of Chemistry
Kate Collier
Departmental Assistant
William Eckenhoff
Associate Professor of Chemistry, Chair of Environmental Studies and Sciences
Loretta Jackson-Hayes
Professor of Chemistry, James H. Daughdrill Professor in the Natural Sciences
Darlene Loprete
Professor of Chemistry
Karen Mosley
Instrument Technician & Chemical Safety Officer
Dhammika Muesse
Associate Professor of Chemistry
Larryn Peterson
James H. Daughdrill Professor in the Natural Sciences, Associate Professor and Chair of Chemistry,
Jon Russ
Professor of Chemistry
Roberto de la Salud Bea
Associate Professor of Chemistry
Ramesh Sapkota
Visiting Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Shana Stoddard
Associate Professor of Chemistry

Departmental News and Events

group photo of Rhodes students standing outside Washington, D.C. building
Rhodes students traveled to Washington, D.C., in March to discuss their undergraduate research with U.S. senators and representatives as part of the Students Transforming Through Research Advocacy Program.
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image of Eric Mathews standing outside on Rhodes campus
Eric Mathews, entrepreneur-in-residence at Rhodes and a member of the Rhodes Class of 2002, is among winners of the 12th annual Innovation Awards presented by Memphis Magazine. He is chief executive officer of Memphis-based start-up incubator Start Co.
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a young African American man smiles while standing on a sand dune in the desert
Keith Adams ’25 had his heart set on conducting undergraduate research from the outset of his college search—and from fruit fly genetics to environmental field study to infectious disease, the biology major and chemistry minor has fulfilled this goal.
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