Notable Alumni

"I graduated from SFA in May 2024, where I conducted research on the phytochemical content of watercress leaves. This experience not only enhanced my technical laboratory skills but also bolstered my confidence as a scientist. I am now pursuing a career as a medical laboratory scientist. My research experience granted me the rare opportunity to learn from true experts in chemistry and gave me the foundational tools I need to be successful in my professional life."

"Directly after graduating with my degree in biochemistry from the SFA Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, I was fortunate enough to land a position as a Field Service Engineer for Thermo Fisher Scientific. In my work, I will be aiding laboratories across a diverse range of industries in the maintenance, installation, and qualification of chromatography and mass spectrometry instrumentation. My research experience at SFA was incredibly personalized and consistently motivated me in achieving the career goals that I had for myself. Thanks to this well-equipped and intensive research experience, along with the instruction received in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, I was capable of acquiring a sought-after and exciting role to launch my career in chemistry."

"I am currently a first-year toxicology doctoral student at Texas A&M University, completing a rotation in Dr. Ivan Rusyn's lab. The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry has provided invaluable support, equipping me with the skills needed to thrive in this new environment. With a background in analytical chemistry, I’ve been able to apply a wide range of techniques during my rotation. What I am most grateful for, especially with the support from SFA, is the confidence to take pride in my research and establish myself as an independent scientist. The encouragement from the SFA faculty has been a tremendous motivator, pushing me to achieve my goals and further my career in science."

"I've been impressed by the department's dedication and focus on student involvement, especially in research. Being involved in research has allowed me and my peers to gain knowledge in chemistry and grow in a lab environment. This allowed me to see more of my potential, challenge myself and apply my experiences inside and outside the lab."

After earning his bachelor's in chemistry from SFA, Bradley Boring earned his PhD in 1998 at another Texas institution. Texas Tech then hired him in a new endeavor in the Institute of Environmental and Human Health, as an analytical instrumentation specialist and, a few years later, an assistant professor. In 2001, he moved to Fort Worth to accept a job with Alcon. In his current role, Brad is the manager of an ophthalmology research and development team where he is responsible for completing the analytical chemistry work necessary to support ophthalmic drug filings to world-wide regulatory agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration. While at Alcon, he has developed methods that have been nominated for the highest technical award and the Alcon Technical Excellence Award. He has also submitted one method for patent.

Heather graduated in 1991 with a bachelor's in chemistry. After teaching for a while, she earned her master's degree in chemical education from another Texas school. While at SFA, Heather was a stockroom assistant and a lab assistant for the college, and she conducted educational research, as well as inorganic research with two faculty members. Heather says the smaller class sizes and the availability of the chemistry chemistry faculty at SFA really impacted her and helped shape her career. Heather currently works as an assessment specialist for Educational Testing Services in New York. She is the author of "Practice Makes Perfect Chemistry" and the co-author of "Chemistry: 1,001 Practice Problems for Dummies.

 Dr. James Garrett graduated with a degree in chemistry from SFA in 1990 and earned a doctorate in chemistry from Texas A&M. He lives in San Diego, California, and is a principal scientist for the Biosciences Center, working on biologically-based external projects for BP. His work centers around the discovery of renewable methods to create biofuels and biochemicals. He has recently worked as a principal engineer for process development and as team lead for cellulosic enzyme production and scale-up. He is currently the low carbon gas and fuels lead.

After earning his chemistry degree, James worked for The Dow Chemical Company as a research chemist, where he authored a patent for a new way to make container glass. In 1979 – while still employed by Dow -- James obtained a law degree from South Texas College of Law and obtained a license to practice before the United States Patent Office. James worked in Dow’s intellectual property department for 26 years. In 2004, after James retired, he was appointed to the SFA Board of Regents, where he served until January 2013. 

In addition to serving SFA as a regent, James has been involved in several activities in the department and interacting with current students. The department is grateful for his time and willingness to share his expertise.