College of Sciences & Mathematics

Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry

  • SFA Chemistry & Biochemistry

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welcome to the department of
chemistry and biochemistry

Our mission is to educate, train and prepare students for what ultimately will become their life’s work. You will benefit from rigorous coursework, strong mentoring, hands-on research projects and access to state-of-the-art instrumentation – all to prepare you for a successful career after graduation.

Areas of Study

Pre-Health Program

Do you want to turn your love of biochemistry or chemistry into a medical profession?
Design your own pre-med, pre-dentistry,  pre-optometry or other pre-health pathway.

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LUMBERJACK SPOTLIGHT

  • Saving Lives Through Chemistry

    SFA graduate Michael Tidwell has spent 17 years in the organic chemistry field and has had a hand in the production of several potentially lifesaving compounds. During his career, he has contributed to eight patents and several publications in peer-reviewed journals in the area of medicinal chemistry. Michael recently synthesized a compound for the U.S. military that serves as an antidote to nerve gases.

    Michael Tidwell, SFA Class of 2000

    Michael Tidwell, Class of 2000

  • SFA Student Wins Best Undergraduate Poster

    Carmel Tovar recently received an award for the best undergraduate poster in chemistry and biochemistry at the 2016 College of Science Research Conference for her project titled "Metal Affinity Chromatography and Protein Refolding Techniques.”

    Carmel leveraged her hard work in the SFA Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry research program to beat out competition from universities and colleges across Texas.

    Carmel Tovar, SFA Class of 2018

    Carmel Tovar, Class of 2018

  • MAYAN ARTIFACTS MEET MODERN SCIENCE

    Pressley Nicholson is preparing for a career in forensic-analytical science by working with SFA faculty on “Analysis and Characterization of Mayan Pottery.” The project gives Pressley hands-on experience with inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopic techniques, and X-ray diffraction. And, her work is revealing insights on the the type of foods that the Maya may have eaten and stored

     

    Pressley Nicholson, Class of 2019

    Pressley Nicholson, Class of 2019

  • FROM SFA STUDENT TO SFA BOARD OF REGENTS

    John R. “Bob” Garrett of Tyler earned a bachelor of science degree in biology with a minor in chemistry from SFA in 1975. Today, he is a residential and commercial real estate developer and president and CEO of Fair Oil Company. In addition, to serving on the board of the University of Texas at Tyler Health Science Center and Salvation Army of Tyler, Garrett served as chair of the SFA Board of Regents from 2011-2013 and was reappointed in 2013.

    John R. "Bob" Garrett, Class of 1975

    John R. “Bob” Garrett, Class of 1975

Transformative Experiences

At SFA, we believe students benefit greatly from hands-on learning in and out of the classroom. Transformative experiences are at the core of our academic philosophy.

Student Presentations

Student Presentations

We encourage you to gain valuable experience during your time at SFA by presenting at conferences across the state and nation. You will learn how to present your research results in a concise, efficient and effective manner. These critical skills will serve you well once you graduate.

 

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Labs & Instrumentation

Labs & Instrumentation

For its size, the SFA Chemistry & Biochemistry department is one of the best-equipped departments in Texas with approximately $2 million invested in instrumentation. We believe in providing students, even at the undergraduate level, with the opportunity for actual instrumental experience to place on your résumé.

 

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Meet Our Students

  • cole donald

    Cole Donald

    Cole Donald is investigating the binding of Ni-IDA to histidine tags. He will graduate in fall 2020 with the goal of pursuing a doctoral degree in theoretical and computational physical chemistry.

  • Sam Conlin

    Sam Conlin

    Sam Conlin is working to develop better methods to detect Adrafinil (a drug that’s been banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency) in athletes. If successful, Sam’s work could help maintain the integrity of athletic events worldwide.

want to contact the department of chemistry and biochemistry?

  • CONTACT US

    936.468.3606

    chemistry@sfasu.edu

  • COME SEE US

    Bush Mathematical Sciences Building
    Suite 108

    Mailing Address:
    P.O. Box 13006 SFA Station
    Nacogdoches, Texas 75962-3006