UMSL - Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

And another successful graduate of our Biochemistry and Biotechnology program. Congratulations, Sara!

Spring graduate Sara Williams lands job at Mercy with an eye on medical school - UMSL Daily The biochemistry and biotechnology major was part of the inaugural cohort of students from The Bahamas who made their way to UMSL through a partnership with the Ministry of Education.

Chris was chemistry department chair and is now Interim Chancellor. He appeared as a guest on “The Frank and Jill Show” on KTRS Radio. Interesting insights!

Interim Chancellor Chris Spilling discusses new role at UMSL, World Cup fan experience during guest appearance on KTRS - UMSL Daily Spilling joined hosts Frank Cusumano and Jill Farmer Monday morning on "The Frank and Jill Show."

Three of our chemistry professors (Eike Bauer, Stephen Holmes, Mike Nichols) were proud to participate in the CLIMB program, providing local high school students with a paid, hands-on summer research experience. It is a fantastic program that inspires the next generation of scientists!

If you are a local high school student with an interest in science, we encourage you to apply for next year's CLIMB program and take the first step toward an exciting research experience!

CLIMB program gives area high school students exposure to hands-on research work in UMSL labs - UMSL Daily Seven students from Hazelwood East and University City High Schools participated in the paid internship program as it marked its 12th year this summer.

Celebrating another outstanding student! 🎉 Meet John Bender, one of this year's recipients of the Ceil DeGutis Award, shared with Cristina Sinobas (featured in an earlier post). Congratulations, John and Cristina, on this well-deserved honor!

Our chemistry graduate students recently participated in the Midwest Retreat for Pathways in Chemistry! This program focuses on professional development, mentorship, and community building, helping support the next generation of chemists as they grow into future leaders in the field. We're proud to see our students taking advantage of this opportunity to build their careers, expand their networks, and develop as scientists!

Ayush performed research in Dr. Stine's lab - he won four awards when he entered his work in the 76th annual Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in May. Great achievement!

High school student Ayush Vasireddy gaining hands-on chemistry research experience using nanoporous gold at UMSL - UMSL Daily Marquette senior won four awards when he entered his work in the 76th annual Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in May.

The Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at UMSL is seeking a part-time Adjunct Instructor to teach CHEM 4212/5212 Instrumental Analysis during Fall 2026, covering key topics in analytical chemistry and instrumental methods for undergraduate and graduate students. Applicants should hold at least a master’s degree in Chemistry or a related field, with demonstrated expertise in analytical chemistry and effective teaching ability. More information here:
https://www.umsl.edu/chemistry/departmental-news/positions-available/positions-available.html

Please join us in congratulating Lol Barton on receiving a 2026 Chancellor’s Faculty Retiree of the Year Award!

This prestigious award honors retirees who remain actively engaged in service to the University of Missouri–St. Louis, their profession, and their community. Lol’s continued dedication and impact make him a truly deserving recipient.

Congratulations on this well-earned honor, Lol!

It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Sanford A. Asher on January 16. Sanford earned his BA degree from UMSL in 1971 before going on to receive his PhD in Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, and completing a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard University. He later served as a Distinguished Professor of Chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh.

In recognition of his outstanding accomplishments and contributions to science, Sanford gave the inaugural Distinguished Alumni Lecture of our department in 1988 and received a UMSL Distinguished Alumni Award in 2004. He will be remembered with great admiration and fondness by the many students, colleagues, and friends whose lives he touched.

Meet Carol Welch! She is the recipient of the Outstanding MS Student Degree Award. 🏆 Congratulations, Carol! 🎉👍