BYU Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry - Graduate

BYU Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry - Graduate Brigham Young University Chemistry & Biochemistry Graduate Program. Planning to apply to graduate school? Visit chem.byu.edu for more information.

Here we share helpful hints when applying to our chemistry program. Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Brigham Young University has had a long tradition of excellence since its beginning in 1875 as Brigham Young Academy. The university has grown to an enrollment of 30,000 full-time students, one of the largest private universities in the United States. Students come to BYU from all 50 st

ates and 110 countries. The Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, with outstanding faculty, students, and support staff, is among the leading departments in research at BYU. It has had remarkable success in many areas including calorimetry, macrocycles, cancer therapy, and chromatography. One of the reasons for our research progress is highly qualified graduate students. BYU is sponsored and supported by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and welcomes students of all faiths who agree to live by the Church's high standards of moral integrity and excellence in academic scholarship and who will abstain from tobacco, alcohol, and other harmful substances. Admission to the university is nondiscriminatory, and students are admitted on a competitive basis without regard to sex, race, creed, religion, or disability, if they meet academic requirements and agree to abide by the university's standards of conduct. For more information on the Standards of Conduct at BYU, visit: http://registrar.byu.edu/catalog/2014-2015ucat/GeneralInfo/HonorCode.php

🚨Be there or be Square!!!🚨
09/01/2026

🚨Be there or be Square!!!🚨

Here is Krishna's story!🎉🎉🎉Raksha Bandhan (Sanskrit: रक्षाबन्धनम्, Rakṣābandhanam) is an Indian festival in which a sist...
09/01/2026

Here is Krishna's story!🎉🎉🎉
Raksha Bandhan (Sanskrit: रक्षाबन्धनम्, Rakṣābandhanam) is an Indian festival in which a sister ties a sacred thread, or rakhi, around her brother’s wrist as a symbol of protection. The name itself captures this meaning beautifully: rakṣā (रक्षा) means protection, while bandhana (बन्धन) means the act of tying or binding, and, by extension, a bond.
Historically, men were more often exposed to the dangers of warfare, travel, physical conflict, and the responsibility of protecting their families and communities. Sisters would therefore tie the rakhi as a symbolic safeguard for their brothers’ well-being and safe return. Over time, although most of those dangers have diminished, the tradition has endured, evolving from a ritual of protection into a celebration of the enduring bond between brother and sister.
Laurel does this for me for every year and is now officially my adopted baby sister!

We had such a great time at NSO here in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Graduate Program!!!🥳 The Scavenger Hunt was an ab...
08/31/2026

We had such a great time at NSO here in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Graduate Program!!!🥳 The Scavenger Hunt was an absolute hit and every team did such a great job! In fact, we want to highlight each one! 🎉
Starting out with Team 1!!!😎
Just as team one was continually searching for the correct next clue, we can continually search for Gods hand throughout our day. Looking for his hand will help us see how many miracles are happening right before our eyes!

Hats off to Dr. Ariel Denos on earning her PhD in Inorganic Chemistry! 🎓✨ Program: BiochemistryWhat’s Next: I will be ...
08/31/2026

Hats off to Dr. Ariel Denos on earning her PhD in Inorganic Chemistry! 🎓✨

Program: Biochemistry
What’s Next: I will be the full-time Momma of my wonderful children!

Why BYU? I had a research experience with BYU in 2018 and made some good connections with the professors here. Attending BYU also allowed me to stay close to my family, and I was excited to be in the environment that BYU establishes. I am really thankful to Dan Ess who helped me with my graduate application.

How has Grad School changed your life: Graduate school has helped me understand my strengths and has allowed me to have experience with many things I never thought I would do. It has also pushed me to do things I thought I never wanted to do, that I am now grateful that I have done.

What have you enjoyed most about being a graduate student: I have enjoyed my time as a Simmons-Center fellow, and the collaborations between disciplines and within the lab. I have realized the importance of communication not only within your own discipline, but with others, in the pursuit of knowledge.

Congratulations, Doctor! We can’t wait to see the incredible impact you make in the world!

Huge Congratulations to Anum Tahir for receiving the Excellence and Leadership in Mentoring award in Aug 2026 from the A...
08/28/2026

Huge Congratulations to Anum Tahir for receiving the Excellence and Leadership in Mentoring award in Aug 2026 from the American Chemical Society. 🎉🥳✨

Here at BYU, we strive to become strong disciples of Jesus Christ through word and action. Being a good leader and mentor to those around you is a strong example of being a disciple of Jesus Christ. We are SO proud of Anum and excited to see where her bright light shines next!🌟

Last but not least, Brecken Shakespeare🤩🤝Undergraduate Institution: Southern Utah UniversityFaculty Advisor: Professor A...
08/27/2026

Last but not least, Brecken Shakespeare🤩🤝
Undergraduate Institution: Southern Utah University
Faculty Advisor: Professor Austin
Research: This summer I contributed to the research in the Austin Lab where we investigated particle-surface interactions using a novel high-speed-rotor. We used this instrument, as well as techniques such as growing, sporulating, and removing spores from the rotor surfaces to elucidate the fundamental forces at the particle-surface interaction. This fundamental knowledge will help in many diverse applications, ranging from sterilization of medical devices to space exploration and analysis.

A bit about me: When I’m not in the lab, you’ll probably find me skateboarding at a local skatepark, playing soccer, playing pickleball with my wife, playing guitar, playing chess, or reading a Brandon Sanderson book. I love to be active both physically and mentally, so I enjoy most activities. The two genres that have got me through long, tedious data analyses, are jazz and indie rock. Bob Dylan was especially helpful throughout this internship.

The CGSA went up to Jordanelle State Park this past weekend for a Campout!! 🔥The group enjoyed lots of delicious food in...
08/26/2026

The CGSA went up to Jordanelle State Park this past weekend for a Campout!! 🔥
The group enjoyed lots of delicious food including walking tacos and scrambled eggs with hashbrowns and muffins!
You might wonder if God shows his hand in every situation, even in the woods! He truly did on this campout. It rained consistently throughout the night🌧, but by morning the rain was gone and the sun was shining😎. Everyone stayed dry and the group enjoyed a short hike before paddle boarding the afternoon away at the reservoir.🛶
The CGSA does many fun activities throughout the year! 🥳Coming up next is the CGSA Kick-off dinner on September 4th in the fishbowl! Get excited to look out for the Halloween party on October 30th!🎉✨

Here's Nicey Diansay!🎉Undergraduate Institution: Brigham Young University-HawaiiFaculty Advisor: Dr. Joshua Paul HurstRe...
08/26/2026

Here's Nicey Diansay!🎉
Undergraduate Institution: Brigham Young University-Hawaii
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Joshua Paul Hurst
Research: I worked alongside the Hurst Lab team, where we investigated ring-opening polymerization and how polymer dispersity influences self-assembly. Our research focused on synthesizing polymers mainly working with d-valerolactone as our primary monomer and employing different catalysts to study how we can systematically control and increase polymer dispersity. Our ultimate goal is to develop a framework for using polymer dispersity as a design tool to control self-assemble polymers and optimize future drug delivery systems! This research is exciting and has the potential to improve how drugs are delivered, making treatments more efficient and target specific.
A bit about me: Most days, you’ll find me in the lab, but outside of work I enjoy recharging by watercoloring and spending time outdoors—especially hiking. During this internship, I also discovered a love for canyoneering and rappelling. This summer was full of adventure! Even though my sea-level lungs were constantly screaming adjusting to the altitude. I had an amazing time exploring incredible places, embracing my inner science gremlin, and making great new friends along the way!

Our next intern: Jeffrey Carson👏👏👏Undergraduate Institution: Brigham Young University - IdahoFaculty Advisor: Dr. Wally ...
08/25/2026

Our next intern: Jeffrey Carson👏👏👏
Undergraduate Institution: Brigham Young University - Idaho
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Wally Paxton
Research: This summer I worked in Dr. Paxton's lab conducting research in Lipid Nanoparticles (LNPs). LNPs are a leading experimental non-viral delivery system for RNA therapeutics with applications in vaccines, genetic disorders, and cancers treatments. My mentor designed an amazing plan that gave me something to focus on and a road map of how to do it but still gave me freedom to experiment and try things for myself. The project was the addition of the surfactant O-Methyl-serine dodecylamide hydrochloride (MSDH) to the established lipid formulations of the Pfizer and Moderna LNPs. We hypothesized that the addition of MSDH would improve the performance of the known LNPs. We made many interesting observations. While our results did not definitively prove that MSDH produces more effective LNPs, they were promising and indicated that additional research is needed in this area.

A bit about me: When I'm not in the lab, I love to be outdoors and doing anything active. During this internship I have gone to Zions National Park twice, paddle boarding in Tibble Fork Reservoir and Salem Pond, rock climbing in Rock Canyon, and climbing Kyiv Peak and Mount Timpanogos. I also like playing pickleball, going to the movies, and enjoy a sauna or cold plunge.

Introducing Wyle Young🤩Undergraduate Institution: BYU- HawaiiFaculty Advisor: Dr. Roger HarrisonResearch: This summer I ...
08/24/2026

Introducing Wyle Young🤩
Undergraduate Institution: BYU- Hawaii
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Roger Harrison
Research: This summer I conducted research in the Harrison Lab, where I synthesized and characterized magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for bacterial capture applications. I explored multiple synthesis methods, including co-precipitation, hydrothermal synthesis, and thermal decomposition, and used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to evaluate the nanoparticles. I also performed bacterial capture studies to assess the nanoparticles' ability to bind and separate bacteria. This work contributes to the development of magnetic nanomaterials for rapid bacterial detection and biomedical applications.
A bit about me: I enjoy spending time with my wife and toddler, traveling, and trying out new recipes in the kitchen. I also love reading sci-fi books and watching movies. When I'm not in the lab, you'll probably find me exploring a museum, hiking a nearby trail, or searching for my next adventure. One thing that surprised me this summer was discovering how much I enjoy trying new things in the lab. Whether it was learning a new technique or troubleshooting an experiment, I found myself looking forward to the challenge. This internship taught me that research is as much about curiosity and persistence as it is about getting the "right" results.

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