Chemistry

From the molecular architecture of compounds to the vast array of chemical reactions that power our world, the study of chemistry is the means and method by which humans seek to comprehend the fundamental nature of matter.

Chemistry bridges the gap between the macroscopic and microscopic, allowing us to understand the principles that govern everything from the formation of new materials to the biochemical processes essential to life.

Supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health, LTU’s chemistry faculty and students are engaged in collaborative, cutting-edge research activities. The hands-on opportunities afforded to all students through our extensive course-based research experiences and our co-curricular Quest Program is a distinct advantage of LTU’s “theory and practice” approach. Throughout their coursework, students cultivate proficiency in scientific methodology and critical analysis, learning skills beneficial for diverse careers and future academic pursuits. With close faculty mentorship, students have the opportunity to participate in meaningful research projects, attend regional and national scientific conferences, and see their scholarly work published in peer-reviewed journals.

Graduates use their scientific expertise as a successful springboard to a variety of rewarding careers. Our alumni have become chemical engineers, pharmaceutical scientists, medical professionals (doctors, pharmacists, etc.), computational scientists, materials scientists, and educators. Chemistry opens the door to a world of opportunity, offering pathways to impactful and diverse professions.

Are you captivated by the idea of unraveling the mysteries of disease and developing cutting-edge therapies? Medicinal chemistry is an interdisciplinary field where science meets innovation to create life-changing medicines!

At LTU, faculty and students conduct hands-on, collaborative research projects to create new molecules that target specific disease pathways as well as to study the molecular mechanisms behind drug action. Using cutting-edge instrumentation, we create new medicines that could be used to treat cancer or bacterial infections. Whether you aspire to work in the pharmaceutical industry, a health-related profession, or academia, research experience in medicinal chemistry opens doors to a myriad of exciting career paths. Join us and become a catalyst for change in the quest for better medicines and improved human health.

Do you aspire to unravel the mysteries of how chemicals impact biological systems? Toxicology is an intriguing discipline at the interface of chemistry, biology, and environmental science that aims to safeguard human health and the environment.

At LTU, faculty and students investigate the safety of everyday chemicals as well as the efficacy of new pharmaceutical drugs. An ongoing project is related to bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical found in many plastics that is harmful to human health. Funded by the National Institutes of Health, our interdisciplinary project aims to create safer plastics through the creation and testing of novel bisphenols. Join us and learn more about protecting human health and environmental stewardship, equipping yourself with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our time.

Are you interested in exploring how molecules derived from nature can impact disease processes? Cancer research offers a captivating journey at the crossroads of biology, chemistry, and medical science, aiming to revolutionize cancer treatment.

At LTU, faculty and students are investigating the potential of resveratrol as a novel therapeutic against pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. These tumors present unique challenges, and resveratrol, a compound found in red grapes and berries, holds promise for its anti-cancer properties. Through interdisciplinary collaborations, we're unraveling the mechanisms by which resveratrol interferes with pathways involved in disease progression, aiming to develop innovative treatments that could transform patient care. Our labs are equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation, including a pipetting robot and gel imaging system, which makes our exciting work possible. Join us in this journey of discovery, where you'll gain insights into cutting-edge science and contribute to advancing treatments for one of the most challenging forms of cancer.

Would you like to help shape the future of cancer treatment by contributing to a research project that brings new hope and possibilities?

If you are intrigued by the idea of unraveling the mysteries of the disease and developing transformative therapies, research on cancer-associated cachexia is where science meets innovation to improve the lives of those battling cancer.

At LTU, faculty and students engage in in-silico and in-vitro research projects to understand the complex mechanisms behind cancer-associated cachexia and to develop novel interventions. By exploring how cancer disrupts metabolism and leads to severe weight and muscle loss, we aim to identify molecular targets and develop therapeutics against potential targets. Join us and harness the power of computational chemistry to help identify and develop better treatments for improved human health.

Did you know that the synthesis of urea fertilizer is the largest industrial process that converts carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, into a valuable commodity chemical?

Carbon dioxide is a waste product generated from the combustion of fossil fuels, and its conversion to urea can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while generating a profit.

At LTU, faculty and students develop innovative inorganic catalysts to facilitate the sustainable synthesis of urea fertilizer from carbon dioxide, thereby contributing to the mitigation of climate change. More specifically, we synthesize novel copper(II) complexes that demonstrate high efficacy as catalysts for the conversion of carbon dioxide and ammonia to urea fertilizer. To gain a comprehensive understanding of these inorganic compounds, we employ a range of advanced spectroscopic techniques, including powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction, spectrophotometry, and infrared spectroscopy. These analytical methods enable us to elucidate the structural features of the catalysts, which are crucial for optimizing their performance. Through hands-on experience in inorganic synthesis and analysis, our students acquire valuable skills and knowledge that prepare them for careers in green chemistry and materials science.

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