Shippensburg University Department of Chemistry

Exciting things happening here at Franklin Science Center! The new air handler was delivered and is being installed. We are getting closer to Phase 1 of our renovation being completed!

So proud of our students presenting their research at the ACS meeting today! Well done!

Don't forget to register your young scientist for Chemistry Camp!

Shippensburg’s chemistry department gains widespread attention in viral video

Shippensburg University’s Chemistry Department recently made headlines on the American Chemical Society’s (ACS) YouTube channel, Reactions. Dr. John Richardson, Dr. Jeb Kegerreis and sophomore chemistry student, Rebekah Feight, were highlighted in the viral video, “Coke Just Revolutioned Coke,“ which reached one million views.

Their research investigated the sugar content and chemical composition of different types of sodas, specifically focusing on how the beverages that are advertised as containing cane sugar may differ from what is actually being consumed. The findings revealed discrepancies in labeling and chemical changes that affect sucrose levels in soft drinks.

Richardson and Kegerreis previously collaborated with ACS as consultants for the research presented in “Everyone is Wrong About Mexican Coke,” and encouraged Feight to expand upon the findings by conducting a detailed analysis of the soft beverages advertised as containing cane sugar (sucrose).

Read more and watch the video in the comments below

https://youtu.be/UC6bv6Ies3A?si=ffI897I9NksP099A

See our students and faculty doing great work!

Everyone is Wrong About American Coke Our last video about Mexican Coke made a bold claim: that Mexican Coke has no (unhydrolyzed) sugar in it. Two chemistry professors called us on that claim, s...

https://news.ship.edu/2025/10/24/chemistry-major-cole-pearson-earns-trish-baisden-award-at-nuclear-chemistry-summer-school/

Chemistry major Cole Pearson earns Trish Baisden Award at Nuclear Chemistry Summer School Chemistry major Cole Pearson earns Trish Baisden Award at Nuclear Chemistry Summer School

One of our amazing graduates!

Abbie Morgan ties for first at national chemistry competition

Morgan tied in first place alongside two students from the University of California-Davis and the University of Massachusetts in the Division of Agriculture and Food Chemistry’s (AGFD) Undergraduate Student Poster Competition.

Morgan’s research focused on improving the accuracy and efficiency of analyzing kombucha’s main components – such as sugar, organic acids and ethanol. Her project evaluated the use of “benchtop nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy,” which is both accessible and efficient in comparison to traditional lab methods.

Congratulations Abbie! Read more about her experience and the competition in the comments below!

The first Friday of the semester means a liquid nitrogen ice cream party! 🍨

Our summer research students showing off their hard work to the new Ship students! 🧫🧪🥽

Annual Chemistry Department Picnic and Student Recognition Program 🍔🌭