Chemistry

Research

Dig deeper into chemistry or pressing issues through research, either during the semester or as part of a paid summer fellowship. Students in our chemistry program conduct research on the kinetics of DNA, microplastics, aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic, renewable energy, and so much more. 

You might even get to conduct an independent research project in the Adirondack park like John Hoefler ’20. He took advantage of our North Country location to analyze the mercury level in Church Pond located in the Western Adirondacks to better understand the effects it has on human health. 

Summer Research at St. Lawrence

As a summer research fellow, you’ll work alongside your faculty mentor to experience the joy of discovery. You’ll also find your community as you attend weekly barbecues, go on hiking trips, and collaborate with friends in the lab.

Explore Research at St. Lawrence

Meet Your Chemistry Mentor 

For many students, chemistry can seem daunting—but Associate Professor of Chemistry Sam Tartakoff is on a mission to change that. Whether through hands-on activities in General Chemistry or innovative grading systems in Organic Chemistry, he creates an environment where students don’t just memorize facts but discover the rules of chemistry for themselves.

What surprises students most about your intro class? 

Many students come into General Chemistry with a set idea about whether they’re “good” at chemistry or not. I love challenging that mindset! We meet students where they are, incorporate real-life examples, and use interactive learning. Often, I hear students say, “Hey, this is way better than I thought it was going to be!” That’s the best part—helping them see chemistry as something they can absolutely succeed in.

You’ve changed the way Organic Chemistry is graded—why? 

Traditional high-stakes exams can be stressful and don’t always reflect how science actually works. I use a system called specifications grading, where students take smaller quizzes throughout the semester. If they don’t master a topic the first time, they can retake the quiz until they do. This allows students to learn at their own pace and encourages them to truly understand the material rather than just cramming for a test.

What’s the most unusual course you teach? 

I teach a course in the First-Year Program called Science and Speculation, which looks at the real science behind science fiction stories and films. I also teach a course called Synthesis of Pharmaceutical Substances, where we explore how medicines are developed—from identifying disease targets to navigating FDA approval. We also examine the societal impact of pharmaceuticals, including issues like drug pricing and historical inequities in drug development. Every year, the focus shifts based on what’s happening in the field and what topics interest my students most.

Study Abroad

Choose from more than 30 semester-long programs offered in more than 20 international locations, including New Zealand, and Australia.

Short-Term Off-Campus Research Fellowships

In addition to on-campus research opportunities, you’ll have the chance to pursue short-term summer research fellowships at other colleges and universities.

Students have collaborated with chemists off-campus to explore nanotechnology, solar energy, genetics, oceanography, drug discovery, and more.

Explore Study Abroad Programs

Connect with Community

Among the 150+ clubs and organizations at St. Lawrence, you’ll find many that involve your passions and interests, including: 

• American Chemical Society
• Chemistry Club
• Environmental Action Organization
• Pre-Dental Society
• St. Lawrence University Emergency Medical Services
• Pre-Health Club
• Pre-Veterinary Club
• Saint Lawrence River Alliance

Learn More About Student Life

Alumni Network 

St. Lawrence graduates are big thinkers, problem solvers, and fearless leaders at companies and organizations across the country and world. Our alumni network is the second-most influential source for recent graduate employment (only behind internships).

Explore the Power of our Alumni Network

Outcomes

For all of our alumni, the quest for evidence and answers doesn’t stop after Commencement. Some choose to make this activity a profession. You can find them in the field or the lab, using their talents to communicate the importance of their research and engage others in their work.

Graduate School Placement

St. Lawrence students who studied chemistry have gone on to study at a number of well-regarded institutions, including:

• Albert Einstein College of Medicine
• Columbia University
• Cornell University
• Perkin Elmer
• University of California, Berkeley
• University of California, San Diego
• University of Washington
• University of Wisconsin-Madison
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• University of Virginia 
• Vanderbilt University

Learn About Success After St. Lawrence