Chemistry and Biochemistry Stories & News

Future doctors like Kyle Biscoglia get their start at UNI

Find out why future doctors like former triple major and student-athlete Kyle Biscoglia get their start at the University of Northern Iowa.

Student Research Symposium highlights growth through discovery

Student researchers move beyond the classroom to apply what they’ve learned in new ways and share the results of their work with the campus community.

UNI’s NASA-funded research in fluorescent caves could shed light on life beyond earth

UNI students involved in wind cave research presented at the American Chemical Society spring meeting, alongside researchers from across the globe.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.”

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

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.