Chemistry and Biochemistry Stories & News

Bill Harwood blowing glass

From beakers to blown glass: UNI chemistry professor showcases art

Chemistry department head Bill Harwood is adding artist to his resume, as he has provided glass-blown artwork for a new exhibit at the UNI Gallery of Art.
Cassara Higgins

UNI alum and nuclear chemist Cassara Higgins will speak on 79 years after Oppenheimer

The UNI Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry is excited to welcome UNI alum Dr. Cassara Higgins as the guest speaker of this year’s Leland Wilson Lecture Series. Higgins is a 2016 graduate of UNI, who double-majored in Chemistry and Physics, who currently works as a nuclear chemist at Los Alamos National Lab in New Mexico. Higgins will present a talk titled “79 Years After Oppenheimer: Los Alamos National Lab’s Mission Today” at 7 p.m. Thursday, October 24, in the Lantz Auditorium in McCollum Science Hall. The event is free and open to the public.
halloween house

UNI to host Halloween House for children and families

The UNI Student Chapter of the American Chemical Society, in collaboration with students from other science departments, will be hosting a “Halloween House” Friday, October 25th from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., on the second floor of McCollum Science Hall. UNI students will be performing Halloween-themed science demonstrations and supervising hands-on activities in rooms such as the “Pirates’ Cove” “and “Frankenstein’s Lab."
Chemistry students in a cave

Taking field science underground

There’s a common misconception that science is a solitary act, one that only happens sitting inside of a lab. But Josh Sebree, associate professor of astrochemistry and astrobiology at UNI, is on a mission to show his students that that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Kate Mostek holding a firework in a store

Fireworks obsession sparks chemistry passion for UNI student

When the average person looks at a fireworks display, they probably aren’t thinking of the chemistry concepts behind the fiery spectacle. But that’s exactly what UNI senior chemistry major Kate Mostek does. Since her parents run a fireworks business, she has extensive knowledge of what it takes to put on an impressive show.

“Even the colors of fireworks are really chemistry dependent,” she explained. “Each color is made out of a different metal salt, and then you can brighten and dull the colors with different combinations.”

Nicole North

UNI grad Nicole North found path in the stars at NASA

For one University of Northern Iowa alum, her latest career accomplishment includes working with NASA.
Patrick Fier, Merck scientist and UNI alum, to speak on developing new medicines

Patrick Fier, Merck scientist and UNI alum, to speak on developing new medicines

The University of Northern Iowa Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry will welcome Patrick Fier to speak as part of this year’s Leland Wilson Lecture Series. Fier will present “The Importance of Organic Chemistry in Developing New Medicines” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3, in the Lantz Auditorium in McCollum Science Hall. The event is free and open to the public.
UNI Alum Dr. Kimryn Rathmell recognized for incredible contributions in kidney cancer research

UNI Alum Dr. Kimryn Rathmell recognized for incredible contributions in kidney cancer research

University of Northern Iowa alum Dr. Kimryn Rathmell (‘91) was elected this year to membership in the National Academy of Medicine (NAM), a prestigious, non-governmental organization that advises the nation and the world on important aspects of medical science, health care and public health.
WATCH: UNI’s biochemistry major turns one student’s passion into a career in STEM

WATCH: UNI’s biochemistry major turns one student’s passion into a career in STEM

A biochemistry degree from the University of Northern Iowa will set you on the path to success. If you’re on track to becoming a physician, you’ll be in great company since our biochemistry graduates have a 100% medical school acceptance rate. Hear from student Emma Pelligrino about her experiences in the program.
UNI student collecting samples at Wind Cave National Park

UNI associate professor to mark National Park Week with program on Wind Cave National Park research project

UNI student collecting samples at Wind Cave National Park

WIND CAVE NATIONAL PARK, SD – The University of Northern Iowa’s Josh Sebree, an Associate Professor with the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry will be hosting a program Tuesday, April 19, at 3 p.m. CDT on the Wind Cave National Park’s Facebook page in celebration of National Park Week.