UNK Chemistry Department

04/16/2026

Great job Ava!

We’re proud to celebrate Ava Kuehn for completing her semester in the KHS STEM Research Internship! 🎉 Through her hard work in AP STEM courses, she earned a spot in a competitive program and gained hands-on experience in Dr. Kristy Kounovsky-Shafer’s chemistry lab at UNK.

Ava contributed to real research while building valuable skills for her future in STEM. We’re excited to see what’s next—great job, Ava! 🧪✨

02/06/2026

A great article about one of our students.

Avery Lowther’s path to medicine began long before she arrived at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

It took shape in Ogallala, where personal experiences with health care showed her the impact physicians can have in rural communities. Both her mother and grandfather were diagnosed with cancer. Their experiences highlighted the significance of access to compassionate, high-quality care close to home.

Now a freshman pre-medical student at UNK, her interest in the profession first started developing when she entered high school and quickly became something deeper.

“Nebraska is my home,” she said. “It has given me safety, opportunities and so much more. The least I can do is give back by dedicating my life to being a physician in underserved areas.”

Ultimately, the impact she hopes to make goes beyond diagnoses and treatment plans.

“I know that someday there will be a little girl facing the reality of a loved one being diagnosed with cancer. I hope that I can change her feelings about cancer from sadness to strength by being the best provider I can be and advocating for the person she loves.”

FULL STORY: https://unknews.unk.edu/2026/02/05/loper-spotlight-unk-freshman-avery-lowther-is-committed-to-rural-health-care/

10/31/2025

Congratulations!!!

10/14/2025

Another group of students from the labs of Dr. Cao and Dr. Thomas presented in the organic section. Congratulations Haley, Sidney and Mason!

10/14/2025

Our next group of students are presenting in the Analytical section. Great job Jade Salgado, Samantha Bursaw, and Mason Taylor! We have one more group to present this afternoon.

10/14/2025

Yesterday one of our students, Nate Lilla, presented his poster at the Midwest Regional ACS meeting. Stay tuned for more posters today.

10/10/2025

Dr. Creston Myers is our Don Fox Memorial lecturer this year. He gave a wonderful talk this afternoon about “Chemistry and Eye.”

09/11/2025

A great article about one of our students!

08/20/2025

Congratulations Jeramie on all of your hard work!

05/15/2025

Congratulations Katie!

05/12/2025

Congratulations Jake!