Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Rensselaer

The Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Rensselaer has a long history of innovation in education and for excellence in laboratory instruction.

In addition to a strong focus in the traditional areas of chemistry we offer courses and research programs in the rapidly developing frontiers of modern science, including biochemistry, biophysics and biotechnology, materials and polymer chemistry, and medicinal chemistry.

 

  • Program Spotlight

    B.S. in Chemistry

    At the forefront of research while being small enough for students to receive individual attention from faculty.

  • Program Spotlight

    Ph.D in Chemistry

    Research projects in emerging fields of science and technology that lie at the intersection between chemistry and biotechnology, energy sciences, physics, biochemistry, computational methods, material science and nanotechnology.

  • A number of awards are given to outstanding undergraduates to recognize exceptional performance.

  • The undergraduate laboratory program emphasizes the hands-on use of modern research-grade instruments that allow students to become familiar with real-world equipment and tecniques used in research and industry.

  • Student researchers play a critical role in the world-changing discovery, innovation, and breakthroughs taking place across campus.

  • So you’re interested in chemistry?

    Perhaps you’re pretty sure that chemistry is the subject you want to major in, or, perhaps, it is just one of several possibilities.

    Perhaps you’re not sure what a chemist really does after college.

Announcements

Members of the campus community should note that, beginning Tuesday, January 2, 2024, Cogswell Stockroom will be conducting business hours as follows: Monday: 9:00AM - Noon Tuesday - Thursday: 10:00AM - Noon and 1:00PM - 5:30PM Friday: 1:00PM - 3:30PM

Jacob Shelley earned his B.S. in Chemistry from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ in 2005, and completed his Ph. D. at Indiana University under Prof. Gary Hieftje in 2011.

Fund for Undergraduate Summer Research established in memory of Professor James V. Crivello in recognition of his many years of service at both General Electric and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Upcoming Events

News

For the first time ever, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute will host the National Organic Chemistry Symposium (NOS) June 22-26, 2025 at the Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center. NOS is the premier event sponsored by the American Chemical Society’s Division of Organic Chemistry.

After serving as a professor of practice in chemistry at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) for four years and offering outstanding contributions to his field, Peter J. Bonitatibus Jr. is now an associate professor.

Wilfredo Colón, professor and associate dean of science for research, has been named head of the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology in the School of Science, effective April 1, 2015. 

Contact Information

Chemistry and Chemical Biology

120 Cogswell
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
110 8th Street, Troy, NY 12180

(518) 276-6456