LU chemistry professor awarded $200,000 Research Grant

Dr. Sylvestre Twagirayezu, assistant professor of chemistry, has been awarded a National Science Foundation grant of $249,682 to develop detection technology for long-chain fluorinated compounds for environmental trace analysis.

Lamar's Chemistry undergraduate program is designed to train you to become a professional chemist with American Chemical Society certification. You'll be qualified to obtain employment in industry or education, or you may choose to enter postgraduate programs in professional or academic areas. The department also provides service courses for sciences, engineering, pre-health sciences, pre-professional, education and non-technical majors. The Master of Science program in Chemistry prepares you for advanced graduate studies or entry into industrial or educational positions.

Departmental Mission

  • Ensure quality instruction as a primary focus
  • Provide a positive learning environment
  • Promote scholarship by mentoring students
  • Maintain a faculty of teacher scholars

Explore Degrees

The department offers programs leading to B.S., B.A. and M.S. degrees in Chemistry, a B.S. in Forensic Chemistry and a B.A. in Biochemistry.

Explore Chemistry Degrees
Research Areas

Research

The Chemistry and Biochemistry Department has active research programs in several areas. You are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to participate in these programs. 

Faculty Research Areas

What can I do with a Chemistry major?

Chemistry majors learn to think creatively, troubleshoot complex problems, perform detailed analyses and make decisions based on research. These skills are valuable in any workplace.

Chemistry Careers Median Annual Wages

Biochemists: $50,500 to $82,000
Chemists: $48,000 to $89,000

Chemistry jobs include:
  • Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing
  • Federal government, excluding postal service
  • Research and development in the physical, engineering and life sciences
  • Testing laboratories
  • Colleges, universities and professional schools; state, local and private 

About 25% of chemistry graduates go on to work in a directly-related field, generally in the private, for-profit sector. The job outlook in this field is good, and most positions pay well and are accessible with a bachelor's degree.

Chemistry Careers
  • Biochemist
  • Engineers
  • College Professor
  • Dentist
  • Laboratory Tech
  • Pharmacist
  • FDA Inspector
  • Food Scientist
  • Toxicologist
  • Criminologist
  • Water Resources
  • Plant Manager
  • Geneticist
  • Medical Practitioner and more...