Graduate students in the Department of Chemistry can access information on assistantships, awards and important documents.
Assistantships are available to M.S. and M.A. students interested in transitioning to the Ph.D. program and Ph.D. students. These assistantships are funded by the Department of Chemistry and external grants.
The Department of Chemistry currently offers two types of assistantships to graduate students: teaching and research. As a teaching assistant, you will help faculty in chemistry laboratories and/or lecture classes for up to 20 hours per week, with the remaining time dedicated to research under your chosen mentor.
As a research assistant, you will carry out research for a minimum of 40 hours per week. All externally-funded chemistry assistantships are research assistant positions. Incoming graduate assistants are typically assigned as teaching assistants.
You must be enrolled as a full-time graduate student and have a minimum 3.0 GPA in undergraduate chemistry coursework to be considered for an assistantship.
If you are admitted to the graduate program with a probationary status, you are not eligible for assistantships. If you raise your academic standing following your first semester to a GPA of 3.0 or higher, you can apply for an assistantship.
Graduate assistantships include a stipend of $24,000 for a 12-month contract period (usually beginning on July 1, although it may be prorated for August or January starts). In addition to full health benefits, an assistantship includes tuition for the academic year.
To keep an assistantship, you must stay enrolled in graduate coursework and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. You must also work 40 hours per week in your assistantship capacity.
If you want to be considered for an assistantship, you should submit your complete application package to the graduate chemistry program by Jan. 15.
This award recognizes outstanding work by a chemistry doctoral student.
This award recognizes outstanding work by a chemistry master’s student.
Award recipient: Chelsea Deleon
This award recognizes a Ph.D. student for academic excellence, excellence in research
and professional service and includes a cash prize. The winner of this award must
have passed both their oral and written qualifying exams by the nomination period.
Award recipient: Sara Omlid
Two graduate teaching assistants are selected each year in recognition of their excellence
and dedication in undergraduate teaching. They are presented with a monetary award
and certificate.
Award recipients: Melissa Hopfinger and Thomas Campbell
The Department of Chemistry Safety Committee is made up of faculty, graduate students and representatives from the Office of Environmental Health and Safety. This committee serves as a resource to all members of the chemistry department. The committee can assist students and faculty with safety related issues including laboratory safety protocols, personal protective equipment, student training and informal laboratory inspections. For questions, information about joining the committee, or contact information please contact the chemistry main office at 314-977-2850.