Chemistry & Biochemistry

Colleges and Programs of Study

The Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry provides an intensive and versatile chemistry background for immediate employment and graduate school. Currently, there is a greater than 90% placement into professional schools, graduate schools and the workforce upon graduation.

We offer a rigorous academic curriculum aligned with the according to the American Chemical Society and American Society for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology.  Successful completion of this major signifies that a student has completed an integrated, rigorous program which includes introductory/foundational course work, and in-depth course work in chemistry or chemistry-related fields. The major emphasizes the laboratory experience and the development of professional skills needed to be an effective chemist, and it helps in the transition from undergraduate studies to professional studies or employment, as demonstrated by greater than 90% placement into professional schools, graduate schools, and the workforce upon graduation.

Program Learning Outcomes

Chemistry and Biochemistry Overview Video

 

  • SURE Grant

    SURE & Maier Summer Research Program- Application due March 14 (click for application)! 

    Do you want to be involved in a long-term research project that has the potential to transform the way you think about science and your future career as a researcher?

    West Virginia Wesleyan College is excited to host the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE)  and Maier research programs during summer 2025 to offer extended research experiences in the STEM areas (science, technology, engineering, and math). The SURE program will run for 8 weeks between May-July and is available to students from WVWC and other institutions around the state. Students will earn a stipend of $3,500 with free on-campus housing. Students will also be required to present their research at a state or regional scientific meeting (travel funds available).

    Interested? Apply!

    1. Consult the list of faculty involved below.
    2. Have a discussion with the faculty member of interest to see what projects they will be working on.
    3. Submit the application which will include a personal statement and unofficial transcripts.
    4. Application deadline is Tuesday, March 14. Successful applicants will be notified by the end of March.

    Participating Faculty

    Dr. Bruce Anthony

    Dr. Kim Bjorgo-Thorne

    Dr. Tracey Delaney

    Dr. Caleb Gibson

    Dr. Kathy Gregg

    Dr. Joseph Niederhauser

    Dr. Jesse Oldroyd

    Dr. Melanie Sal

    Dr. Joseph Wiest

  • Hyma & McLaughlin Chemistry Scholarship

    The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at West Virginia Wesleyan College is pleased to offer scholarship opportunities from two endowed funds: The Nicholas Hyma Memorial Chemistry Scholarship and the Nellie V. and M. Kathryn McLaughlin Chemistry Scholarship. The Hyma fund was established by contributions from former chemistry students in recognition of Professor Nicholas Hyma, an exceptional teacher and dedicated faculty member at Wesleyan from 1919-1956. The McLaughlin Chemistry Scholarship fund was provided through a generous gift from the estate of Nellie V. and M. Kathryn McLaughlin. These competitive scholarships provide up to $3,000 of financial aid to several outstanding chemistry students, and may be renewed for up to four years of full-time study provided that the student continues to fulfill chemistry major requirements, maintains a minimum 3.5 GPA in the chemistry major and maintains a 3.25 overall GPA.

    Click here to complete the scholarship application.

  • The McCuskey Fellowship Program

    Transform your West Virginia Wesleyan Experience with the McCuskey Fellowship!

    Apply now for the McCuskey Family Fellowship in undergraduate research for a scholarship to work with a faculty on a primary research fellowship for three years of study!  You’ll be a part of an unparalleled high-impact practice in designing and creating your research project over three years!

    Learn More Here!

  • Student Stories

    Senior biochemistry major Malaika Kimmons spent her summer at Duke University working on a cutting-edge research project to develop a better understanding of certain pediatric cancers. Her research focused on a mysterious class of RNA molecules, and sought to understand the way they may be related to cancer. Malaika worked with closely with Dr. Christian Stackhouse and Dr. Corinne Linardic, cancer experts associated with the Duke School of Medicine. Their work produced some exciting results which are included in a scientific patent application! We are proud of Malaika and excited to see what she does next!

  • Faculty

    Edward Wovchko, Professor
    B.S., Saint Vincent College
    Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh
    Email: wovchko@wvwc.edu

    Joanna Webb, Department Chair, Professor
    B.S., West Virginia Wesleyan College
    Ph.D., University of Virginia
    Email: webb_j@wvwc.edu
    Phone: 304-473-8356

    Kelsey Aldrich, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
    B.S., Grove City College
    Ph.D. Duquesne University
    Email: aldrich.k@wvwc.edu
    Phone: 304-473-8253

     

  • Majors
    • Chemistry – B.S., B.A.
    • Materials Chemistry – B.S.
    • Pharmaceutical Science – B.S.

      The BS in Pharmaceutical Science major is a collaborative program offered by Wesleyan and the West Virginia University School of Pharmacy (WVU SOP). This rigorous pre-pharmacy option is specially designed for students interested in matriculating to WVU for the Doctor of Pharmacy degree or its pharmaceutical science graduate program. For the BS degree, the coursework is a combination of Wesleyan and WVU SOP courses. Students will:

      1. Complete the Wesleyan requirements for the B.S. Pharmaceutical Science major in 3 years. This fulfills the prerequisites for application to WVU SOP but does not complete the graduation requirements.
      2. Matriculate to WVU SOP and complete the first year of coursework.
      3. Transfer WVU SOP coursework back to Wesleyan to complete the Wesleyan graduation requirements.

      The B.S. Pharmaceutical Science major Wesleyan requirements can be completed in three years, allowing matriculation to WVU SOP in the fourth year. The Wesleyan degree is officially earned after 18 hours of specific WVU SOP coursework is completed at WVU SOP and transferred back to Wesleyan. 

      Completion of the Wesleyan requirements for the B.S. Pharmaceutical Science major does not guarantee admission into the WVU School of Pharmacy. Students must formally apply, have a satisfactory Wesleyan GPA, achieve a satisfactory Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) score, and successfully interview. However, with hard work by the student and attentive advising by Wesleyan faculty, all of our applicants to date have been accepted.

  • Minors
    • Chemistry
    • Programs of Study