Vision Statement
The "right size" department: The official vision statement of the department is "to inspire and educate students, today and for the future, in the concepts and skills of chemistry and biochemistry; to prepare them to think about, to work with, and to enjoy the concepts of chemistry and biochemistry."
To accomplish these goals requires faculty, staff, equipment, buildings, and the commitments of everyone involved. If a chemistry department is small, it's hard to afford the equipment, staff, and expertise that it takes to teach a modern, technical subject like chemistry. When departments get large, there is lots of equipment and expertise, but often the commitment to students and the personal attention that education requires is lost.
You will find the CSU, Chico Chemistry Department to be just the "right size". We are big enough to have faculty expertise (and staff support) in all of the major branches of chemistry: organic, inorganic, analytical, physical, and biochemistry. We are well equipped for all of the typical analyses that chemists are called upon to perform. And yet we are small enough to allow for the individual attention and hands-on experiences that are required to learn the concepts and practices of chemistry and biochemistry. Small classes, especially in the upper-division, and individual research projects are the norm for the department. Our faculty are chosen for their expertise and their commitment to students. And our students go on to compete and succeed in the finest graduate programs, professional schools, and the full array of industrial settings.
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News and Announcements
Professor Larry Kirk receives Outstanding Research Mentor Award
On Monday, December 7, 2009, Professor Larry Kirk received the Outstanding Research Mentor Award in recognition of his nearly 30 year commitment to undergraduate research. Since 1981 Larry has worked side-by-side with over 200 undergraduate researchers. Many of those have gone on to obtain doctorates at distinguished universities around the country. Dr. Josh Pearson (BS Biochemistry 1999) says "Larry's greatest attribute is acknowledging even the smallest accomplishments a student makes and showing them and others how each piece of a collaborative effort is important." Dr. Brad Pierce (BS Biochemistry 1996) says "...any success I have had in my career is the direct result of advisors such as Professor Larry Kirk."
The photo shows Larry accepting the award from President Paul Zingg and Provost Sandra Flake during his biochemistry class. Also in the photo is Professor Kirk's longtime collaborator Dr. Larry Hanne from the Department of Biological Sciences.
You can view a YouTube video of the award presentation here.
Chico State alumnus named Editor-in-Chief of new ACS journal
Dr. Craig Lindsley, a 1992 graduate with a B.S. in Chemistry, has been named the Editor-in-Chief of a new American Chemical Society journal ACS Chemical Neuroscience. While a student at Chico State, Craig conducted undergraduate research with Dr. David Ball. Craig went on to obtain his Ph.D. at UC Santa Barbara and to conduct postdoctoral research at Harvard University. He is currently Associate Professor of Pharmacology and Chemistry at Vanderbilt University. More information about his background, research and accomplishments can be viewed here.
On Thursday, April 23 the department honored many students in a variety of categories. Click the link above to see a complete listing.
- Outstanding Students
- Graduating Seniors
- SAACS Officers
- CSRI participants
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