Adams State University chemistry majors receive personal attention and one-on-one mentorship from professors and staff, which ignites their passion and equates to academic and professional success. Students have opportunities for research and activities which prepare them well for the challenges of graduate school.
Adams State chemistry faculty Chris Adams, Ph.D., Umesh Bhattarai, Ph.D., Christy Miller, Ph.D., and Frank Novotny, Ph.D., continue to engage with chemistry alumni long after graduation. Pablo Maldonado, Class of 2020, earned a Bachelor of Science in cellular and molecular biology and a BA in allied health chemistry. He is currently working towards his Ph.D. in cellular and molecular biology at Colorado State University.
“The Chemistry Department did a stellar job of providing resources for students to acquire practical chemistry skills,” Maldonado said. “I know of graduate students who didn’t have access to a biochemistry lab course although they went to a fairly large institution.”
He and Alejandra Chavez, Class of 2021, recently judged a crazy sock competition organized by Novotny. “I remain in contact with the faculty because I learned so much from them and consider them friends,” Chavez said. “Not only just friends, they are great references and points of contact for guidance when it comes to choosing a career or educational opportunities.”
Novotny sent photos of current Adams State students who participated in the crazy sock competition for the chemistry alumni to pick their favorites. “I always thought the relationship between the chemistry professors and students was highly conducive to our success,” Maldonado added. “The support was immense and was critical in my journey to graduate school. I gained confidence and built longstanding relationships that influenced my decision to pursue a graduate degree.”
The fun activities help alleviate the stress of academics but the focus remains on providing a strong academic foundation for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students. Maldonado learned basic and fundamental chemical and biochemical lab skills. “The Chemistry Department prepared me well for graduate school.”
At Adams State, Chavez earned a double major in allied health chemistry and organismal biology and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in environmental science at Iowa State University. She appreciated the chemistry labs with special instruments including the gas chromatography- mass spectroscopy, flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer, and high-performance liquid chromatography.
“All the faculty wanted the best for each student and were readily available for assistance when needed,” Chavez said. “They pushed each individual out of their comfort zone but were patient with each student when they did not understand a concept.”
