Majoring in
CHEMISTRY
and BIOCHEMISTRY
School of Humanities, Arts, and Sciences
The St. Catherine Experience provides an overview of opportunities in your major and the co-curriculum
at St. Catherine University. Use this guide in discussions with your academic advisor and other mentors
to choose those experiences that will best support your academic, career and personal goals. Please read
through this entire guide. Some tips and opportunities may be more relevant for you in different years.
Suggestions for making connections with your classmates, the
University and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
YEAR 1
Gateways
WHY STUDY CHEMISTRY?
A St. Kate’s rigorous chemistry program prepares you for a range of careers by providing you with solid background in research, which includes the structure of matter and laws that govern the combination or reaction of
elements. Our courses equip you with knowledge and skills employers seek, including the operation of laboratory
equipment. Many Chemistry majors enhance their degree by conducting research with a faculty member. This
sets their education apart from students who attend other institutions. At graduation, Chemistry majors have an
array of strong employment prospects and many career options to follow. Several St. Kate’s chemistry alumnae
have continued on to prestigious graduate programs, including Harvard, Caltech, Cornell and MIT.
Students will graduate with a valuable set of skills including:
Laboratory Skills
• Skilled with using instruments, glassware, and techniques commonly used in
laboratory settings
• Design experiments and write detailed laboratory reports
• Experience with state-of-the-art laboratory equipment
Problem-solving Skills
• Persevere with a healthy tolerance for frustration
• Draw appropriate and reasonable conclusions from the data collected
• Assess the uncertainty, precision, and significance of data using formal
statistical techniques
• Use commercial software designed for data manipulation and presentation
Communication Skills
• Communicate in a variety of formats commonly used by chemists;
present to audiences both formally and informally and poster sessions
• Writing skills for laboratory reports, research summaries
• Work effectively as a team member
Research Skills
• Conduct literature reviews, summarize, develop research proposals
• Ability to search reference sources and literature databases experience
• Develop a hypothesis regarding a significant chemical question, design a
method to test hypothesis, carry out proposed method, and evaluate results
Analytical and Critical Thinking Skills
• Obtain and analyze reports and synopsis
• Summarize information based on a clearly defined argument
• Organize and analyze data
• Identify solutions to complex problems
Career Paths for
Chemistry Majors
There are many areas chemistry
majors can apply their knowledge
and skills. These are just a few:
Healthcare: Physician, Physician’s
Assistant, Pharmacist, Dentist,
Veterinarian
Environmental Chemistry:
Pollution Control Agency Chemist, Environmental Engineering,
Toxicologist
Industrial Research/Development: Laboratory Chemist,
Research Scientist, Technical
Project Leader
Academic Research/Teaching:
University faculty member
Public Policy/Law: Government
Technical Analyst, Intellectual
Property Lawyer
Scholarship and Excellence | Lead and Influence | Engagement | Liberal Arts and Your Major | Social Justice and
ACADEMIC and ADVISING CONNECTIONS
Welcome to St. Kate’s
and the Department
of Chemistry
“We offer a rigorous major with
three tracks that address student’s interests. We are known
for close faculty-student contact
that takes place in the classroom, in our advising as well
with in the research we conduct
with our students.”
Gina Mancini-Samuelson,
Associate Professor
❑❑ Meet with your First-year Advisor fall semester — discuss your Mapworks Survey
results and identify resources to get on track for success.
❑❑ Engage in the TRW Salons: learn what it means to be a woman educated in the
liberal arts.
❑❑ Don’t miss the Chemistry Department Open House in the fall. Learn about this
major and the three concentrations: Core chemistry, American Chemical Society
(ACS) certified, and the Biochemistry.
❑❑ Attend a chemistry seminar (meets Friday afternoons). Hear presentations from
upper-division students, faculty and staff and learn more about this discipline.
❑❑ Meet with a faculty member to discuss options and requirements for the major.
❑❑ Explore the Chemistry and pre-professional clubs.
❑❑ Explore/plan for study abroad (sophomore year is best for chemistry majors).
❑❑ Strengthen your writing and math skills at the O’Neill Center for Academic
Development.
❑❑ Officially declare your major by April 1. Go to the Student tab in KateWay and
review your Academic Profile. Go to Change your Record to declare your major.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Consider ways to connect your major to your future career plans
Getting Ready to Register
for Next Term
ake sure you resolve any
M
“HOLDS” placed on your student
account which will prevent you
from registering. Check the HOLD
link on KateWay. Holds are placed
on your record for a variety of
reasons; refer to the HOLD table
(see Registration Help – Holds) to
determine your course of action.
eview the Department of ChemisR
try Program Planning Sheet. Draft
a list of courses to take next term.
eet with your assigned advisor
M
to confirm or change your course
plan. As you consider minors or
double majors, go to Degree
Evaluation and conduct “What If”
scenarios to see what courses
are necessary.
F irst year and sophomore students
must obtain a PIN number from
their advisor in order to register;
junior and seniors students should
meet with their advisor prior to
every registration to insure they
are meeting graduation requirements and positioned
eclare your major by April 1;
D
go to the Student tab on KateWay;
review your academic profile. To
officially declare, go to Change
your record” to indicate your
major.
❑❑ Shadow or conduct an informational interview with a Chemistry alum. Obtain
names from faculty within the department or from the Career Development staff;
sample questions are available in Career Development.
❑❑ Apply for student employment, internships and jobs. Log into KatieCareer and
completing your profile. Consider openings in the Chemistry Department.
You’ll need a resume and cover letter to apply; Career Development can help
you with this.
SOCIAL JUSTICE and SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
Learn about St. Kate’s mission of social justice
❑❑ Take advantage of opportunities in Campus Ministry: sing, play an instrument,
perform liturgical dance. Explore faith-in-action through volunteering or go on a
Justice Learning and Outreach trip (January or March). Contact Campus Ministry.
❑❑ Develop a daily practice for reflection time; visit the Chapel or interfaith prayer
room in Campus Ministry.
❑❑ Act on St. Kate’s commitment to justice through service-learning opportunities
such as Volunteers in Action, Justice Learning & Outreach trips coordinated by
Campus Ministry and off-campus student employment such as America Reads
coordinated by the Center for Community Work and Learning. Review courses
offered each term that offer a service-learning component.
❑❑ Attend the Myser Initiative on Catholic Identity Award and Lecture Series which
brings an outstanding Catholic speaker to campus to deepen the understanding of,
respect for and appreciation of the University’s Catholic identity and heritage.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Get Involved in Campus Life
❑❑ Attend the annual Activities Fair in September. Join the Chemistry Club! Activities
have included touring the Science Museum, social gatherings, alumnae picnics,
and periodic table cookie sales. The club also organizes Chemistry Week. Other
clubs that may be of interest include the Medical Interest Group or the Biology
Club. Another fair takes place during February.
❑❑ Attend an event at The O’Shaughnessy — one of the Twin Cities’ premier theater
venues — right on campus!
❑❑ Develop financial management skills; attend the college-wide, Money Management speaker series or register for the two-credit Financial Management course,
INDI 2994: Personal Financial Fitness (for first and second year students only.)
❑❑ Use your St. Kate’s Involvement Planner to help manage your time.
Spiritual Development | Meaningful Mentoring | Diversity and Global Perspectives | Preparing for the Future |
Suggestions for making connections to your developing
career goals.
YEAR 2
Pathways
ACADEMIC and ADVISING CONNECTIONS
❑❑ As a second year student at St. Kate’s, be sure to attend the Second Year Celebration
program in the fall, an important initiation as a scholar at St. Catherine University.
❑❑ If you have not done so, declare chemistry major and select a faculty advisor.
❑❑ Investigate Goldwater Scholarship.
❑❑ Enhance your major through employment as a TA or stockroom assistant in the
chemistry department.
❑❑ Work with your advisor to plan for research opportunities.
❑❑ Talk with staff in the Office of Global Studies to plan a study-abroad experience.
The sophomore year is the best time to study abroad as a Chemistry major;
consider a J-term or summer as options.
❑❑ Take advantage of the faculty’s “open door policy.” Stop in and learn about the
course offerings and share your specific interests to build your major. Discuss
possibilities for double majoring. Explore with your advisor how to integrate your
interests with another major at St. Kate’s.
❑❑ Continue to earn a strong GPA to be considered for academic opportunities and
programs available including: Dean’s List, Phi Beta Kappa, Antonian Honor’s
Program, prestigious post graduate scholarships, fellowships and awards and
membership into Iota Sigma Pi, the National Honor Society for Women Chemists.
❑❑ Explore the application process for the Goldwater and Truman Scholarships for
your undergraduate education. The application is expensive and require careful
planning and mentoring. Contact Dr. Lynda Szymanski, Professor of Psychology
and Director of Collaborative Undergraduate Research, x6625, laszymanski@
stkate.edu for more information.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
❑❑ Appreciate the collegiality of the Chemistry community with the ACTC and
University of Minnesota faculty and students. Take advantage of talks taking place
on other campuses and the ways in which research is shared. Watch for opportunities to attend discussions posted in the department.
❑❑ Attend monthly meetings of the Minnesota Section of the American Chemical
Society (mnacs.org).
❑❑ Learn financial management skills; consider taking a financial management course.
Consider enrolling in the 2-credit INDI 2994 course: Personal Financial Fitness.
Learn how to develop and live on a budget. These are life skills for everyone.
Student Employment
Opportunities
Stockroom Assistants, Graders
and Lab Assistants: Student
employment in the Chemistry
Department requires students to
have taken CHEM 1110, CHEM
1120, and CHEM 1010 in order
to be familiar with the work
required in these positions. If you
have performed well in these
classes, inquire with faculty within
the department. These positions
provide excellent opportunities
to build skills and knowledge to
enhance your resume. Contact
Sharon Eischens, Laboratory
Coordinator and Chemistry
Stockroom Supervisor directly
at [email protected].
Chemistry Tutors: The O’Neill
Learning Center offers a number
of positions for students with an
excellence grasp of chemistry
content and interpersonal skills.
Contact the O’Neill Learning
Center for more information.
Departmental Scholarships
Jordan Scholarship Award: The Helen Jordan Scholarship is named after this alumna to support a junior or senior chemistry
majors who demonstrates both high academic ability as well as financial need. Award is $3000 per year.
Sister Marie James: This award has been established in memory of St. Marie James Gibbons, former Chemistry faculty member, who also served as Department Chair and the Dean of Students. This scholarship recognizes and commemorates her commitment to students by awarding approximately $2000 to a promising first-year student who has completed her first year.
Sister Mary Thompson Scholarship: This scholarship honors of St. May Thompson, long-time Chemistry faculty member
and past Department Chair. Sister Mary Thompson was nationally recognized for her efforts on behalf of women in science
and to inspire women to pursue careers in science and medicine. This award of $6-7000 is for a junior or senior Chemistry
major planning a career in science or medicine.
STEM Scholarships: Open to students interested in explore STEM majors (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), Physics,
and Computer Science) For more information, go to http://minerva.stkate.edu/internal/nsf_app.nsf/application
Department faculty review eligible students (with input from Financial Aid for the Jordan) and select recipients. Students are
notified each spring.
Scholarship and Excellence | Lead and Influence | Engagement | Liberal Arts and Your Major | Social Justice and
SOCIAL JUSTICE and SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
Junior/Senior Seminar:
CHEM 4850: Seminar
A unique course to St. Kate’s —
designed to prepare you for your
professional life after graduation!
The Junior/Senior Seminar meets
every Friday afternoon and
is required for all juniors and
seniors. Topics covered include
how to conduct library and
online literature searches, responsible conduct in the workplace,
how to present a scientific or
technical talk at a professional
conference. Also included are
weekly presentations from students, faculty and guest speakers
on a range of topics from the
discipline of chemistry. All junior
and senior Chemistry majors
present a series of short seminars.
These seminars are designed
to provide career-related skills
for success.
❑❑ Enroll in a service-learning course (designated on the course schedule). Apply classroom theory to practice.
❑❑ Attend the Chili and Cornbread events offered in Multicultural and International
Programs and Services (MIPS) office to discuss important and engaging topics on
diversity and inclusion.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT and STUDENT EMPLOYMENT
❑❑ Build your leadership skills. Take a leadership role in Student Senate, club or
organization, LEAD Team, Students Who Are Parents (SWAP), Social Events and
Experiences for Katie’s (SEEK). Serve as a Student Center Student Building Coordinator, an Orientation Leader or in other campus employment positions.
❑❑ Consider serving as a teaching assistant, research assistant or program assistant.
Explore the Assistantship Mentoring Program (AMP) opportunities with faculty
in your department. Expand your degree and your resume by participating in this
unique program.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
❑❑ Conduct informational interviews with Chemistry alums. Contact Career
Development staff to help you develop these contacts. Also, talk to your professors;
invite them to share their wisdom, reflections and their own personal networks.
❑❑ Plan to attend the Annual Career Opportunities Fair and the Government and
Non-Profit Career Fair (fall) and Minnesota Private College Job and Internship Fair
(spring) to consider a summer internship or job.
❑❑ Wondering how you will use your Chemistry major after you graduate? Focus on
your career development and learn important career-related skills by enrolling in
INDI 2000: Career Development for Women. This 2 credit course is offered fall and
spring semesters as well as during J-term.
Study Abroad Experiences
Go abroad. Get hired! Seven out of ten jobs today include an international component. Employers look for skills, abilities and
qualities that result from international experience: cooperative problem solving, tolerance for ambiguity, respect for diversity,
open-mindedness, self-reliance and adaptability.
The best time for Chemistry majors to study abroad is during the SOPHOMORE year, when programs offer Chemistry
courses (such as Organic Chemistry) are most equivalent to the St. Kate’s curriculum. Liberal arts courses like Fine Arts,
History and Literature are also available and exciting to take abroad. Start planning during your first year for best results.
January term options for elective or liberal arts requirements are available anytime.
1. Meet with staff in Global Studies early in your academic planning for best options. Your advisor, the Department Chair
and Global Studies staff have information on the best study abroad programs for completing major courses and staying
on track towards graduation.
2. Attend the Study Abroad Fair in February. Application deadline for spring semester is October 1; for summer, fall or
year, March 1. J-term priority application deadline is mid-April.
Options for your Chemistry Major/Minor:
Three concentration options for Chemistry majors:
1) A
merican Chemical Society (ACS) certified concentration requires a 4-credit research component and certifies you
as a professional chemist upon graduation.
2) C
ore Chemistry concentration provides the students with a more interdisciplinary foundation for pursing the physical
sciences or graduate school.
3) B
iochemistry concentration requires Biology supporting courses and prepares students for careers in dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, medicine, medical technology, and graduate programs in the biological sciences.
A Chemistry minor requires six chemistry classes: CHEM 1110: General Chemistry I; CHEM 1120: General Chemistry II;
CHEM 2010: Organic Chemistry I; CHEM 2020 Organic Chemistry II; CHEM 3000: Quantitative Analysis or
CHEM 4000: Advanced Inorganic Chemistry; and one additional course 3000 or above.
Secondary Teaching Lincensure: Students can also receive certification to teach Chemistry at the secondary school level by
completing the Core chemistry concentration with additional courses in Education and science.
Spiritual Development | Meaningful Mentoring | Diversity and Global Perspectives | Preparing for the Future |
Suggestions for making connections to your major.
YEAR 3
Avenues
“The St. Kate’s chemistry curriculum includes a green chemistry component. The green chemistry movement aims at
using and developing cost effective methods to do chemistry in ways that minimizes the exposure and use of hazardous
substances. Green chemistry theory is introduced in general chemistry and is part of semester long projects in second year
organic chemistry labs. In addition students often attend seminars on green chemistry at off campus events.”
James Wollack, Assistant Professor
ACADEMIC and ADVISING CONNECTIONS
❑❑ Participate in the weekly Chemistry Seminars.
❑❑ Participate in an undergraduate research project.
❑❑ Work with your advisor to plan graduate and professional school applications.
❑❑ Become involved in the Chemistry Club.
❑❑ Discuss your areas of interest for research with your advisor. Enroll in CHEM 4912
or 4914 to conduct a 2 or 4 credit research project. This is especially important for
those students interested in graduate study.
❑❑ Discuss opportunities to present a paper or research you have conducted at the
Sister Seraphim Gibbons Symposium (on-campus) or at a professional conference.
❑❑ Continue to strive for a strong GPA that will enable you to be considered for
membership in Iota Sigma Pi, the National Honor Society for Women Chemists,
Dean’s List, Pi Beta Kappa, and/or Honor’s Program.
❑❑ Talk with a faculty member about opportunities to conduct research during
the summer in the Undergraduate Collaborative Research program. Share your
interest with faculty member(s) and plan early so that you do not miss deadlines.
❑❑ Complete and submit the “Declaration of Intent to Graduate” form by May 15 if
you are graduating in December of the next academic year. Go to KateWay, My
Education tab.
Internships: Why, When and How?
Chemistry students who are on track for pre-professional programs may want to consider conducting an internship. Talk
with your Chemistry and Pre-professional advisor about opportunities and best timing. Take advantage of the resources
available in the Career Development Office to plan your internship. Make an appointment with the Internship Director
regardless of where you are in the process. Check out the Internship IDEAS Books in the Career Development Office to
review options.
Laura Zirngible, Internship Director, Career Development, 460 CDC
Professional Development Opportunities for Chemistry Majors:
Consider these opportunities to get involved in Professional Organizations.
Join the Minnesota Section of the American Chemical Society (mnacs.org), our MN-ACS Facebook Group, and our MN-ACS
LinkedIn Group to network with other area chemists and chemistry professionals.
Consider attending and/or presenting a poster at one of the ACS National Meeting & Exposition. Each meeting features
more than 7,000 presentations organized into technical symposia that highlight important research advances.
Consider attending and/or presenting a poster or oral presentation of your research at the Minnesota Academy of Science
Winchell Undergraduate Research Symposium. This meeting provides the opportunity for individuals involved in science in
Minnesota to talk with colleagues in colleges, industry, and government and to hear or present the results of research with
other students. The event allows undergraduate students to present their research to a broad audience. The Winchell Symposium is open to all undergraduate students with advisor-approved research to present.
Scholarship and Excellence | Lead and Influence | Engagement | Liberal Arts and Your Major | Social Justice and
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Department of
Chemistry Faculty
John Dwyer
Professor & Department Chair
[email protected]
Kim Ha
Assistant Professor
[email protected]
Donald Deal
Instructor
[email protected]
Daron E. Janzen
Associate Professor
[email protected]
Alexandra Jones
Assistant Professor
[email protected]
Annalisa Jordan
Assistant Professor
[email protected]
Gina Mancini-Samuelson
Associate Professor
[email protected]
❑❑ Attend the Annual Career Opportunities Fair and Government & Non-Profit Career
Fair (fall) to explore opportunities. Practice your interviewing skills for internships
and employment opportunities.
❑❑ If you are considering graduate school, utilize the graduate school resources in the
Career Development library or on the Career Development web site. Attend the
Graduate School Fair in October. Start the application process early — consider
the application process like taking a course! Talk with a career counselor about the
pro’s and con’s of attending graduate school right after graduation.
❑❑ Finalize a draft of your resume with a career counselor.
❑❑ Consider creating an electronic portfolio to highlight your skills and accomplishments. See the eFolioMinnesota web site at: efoliominnesota.com for information.
Wondering what to include in a portfolio? Meet with one of the career counselors
in Career Development.
❑❑ Attend the annual Minnesota Private College Job & Internship Fair to help find
summer employment and/or a summer internship. Secure an internship for the
summer (spring).
LEADERSHIP and STUDENT EMPLOYMENT
❑❑ Serve as an officer in Chemistry Club or any other club or organization that you
are part of. Develop important leadership skills to enhance your resume.
❑❑ If you have not done so yet, inquire about serving as a TA in the department.
Inquire at O’Neill Learning Center to be a Chemistry Tutor. Add the important
skills of teaching, interpersonal skills, listening, and evaluation among your list of
transferable skills for your resume.
James W. Wollack
Assistant Professor
[email protected]
Strive to become your best….
Consider these academic, scholarly opportunities to build your resume and overall St. Catherine experience.
Strive to become a member of IOTA SIGMA PI, the National Honor Society for Women Chemists. Qualifications for membership: Undergraduate must have completed at least 4 semesters (or equivalent) of Chemistry with an average of 3.5 GPA or
have completed at least 6 semesters of Chemistry (or equivalent) with an average of 3.0 or above. Four semesters of Chemistry
typically includes two courses of General Chemistry with laboratory and two courses of Organic Chemistry with laboratory. Six
semester of Chemistry includes additional courses such as Biochemistry, Analytical or Physical Chemistry. Courses taken as AP,
IB or CLEP can apply to the six semesters but not to the four semesters. For more information go to: www.iotasigmapi.info and
click on Membership Criteria.
Challenge yourself academically by exploring opportunities in the ANTONIAN SCHOLARS HONORS PROGRAM. The Antonian
Scholars Honors Program offers students of superior ability and motivation an opportunity to study and work with peers and
faculty mentors in a specially designed program of the liberal arts. It is comprised of interdisciplinary honors seminars or a
combination of at least 2 seminars and pre-approved equivalents, and an independent research study conducted during the
senior year. Contact your advisor for more information or see the Antonian Scholars Honors web site.
PHI BETA KAPPA is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious undergraduate honor society which recognizes achievement in
the liberal arts. Founded in 1776 at the College of William and Mary, it currently has 262 chapters. In 1937, The College of
St. Catherine was the first Catholic college or university to be awarded a chapter. A potential member must major in liberal arts
and sciences; be of high moral character; rank in the top 10 percent of her class as a senior or the top 7 percent as a junior;
and demonstrate understanding of the liberal arts education. For more information, contact Art and Art History Professor Amy
Hamlin, Chapter President or Biology Professor Martha Phillips, Secretary.
POST GRADUATE NATIONAL FELLOWSHIPS AND SCHOLARSHIPS Students seeking post-graduate fellowships and scholarships, including Fulbright, Rhodes, Marshall and Rotary can receive expert advice through a mentoring program. They can
also receive funding to prepare materials for submission and interviews. The application process for these prestigious programs
takes thoughtful planning and mentoring from faculty. PLAN AHEAD. Contact Dr. Lynda Szymanski, Professor of Psychology
and Director of Collaborative Undergraduate Research, x6625, [email protected].
Spiritual Development | Meaningful Mentoring | Diversity and Global Perspectives | Preparing for the Future |
Suggestions for making connections to your profession
and to your life after graduation.
YEAR 4
Bridges
“There is a high demand for chemists. Our students do not have trouble finding jobs after graduation. On average about
one-third of our students go on to graduate school, one-third to into professional schools, for example medical or pharmacy
and medical fields and one-third find jobs in industry after graduation. Our graduates are very competitive.”
Gina Mancini-Samuelson, Associate Professor
ACADEMIC and ADVISING CONNECTIONS
❑❑ Apply to graduate and professional programs.
❑❑ Work with Career Development to develop your resume as well as a thoughtful job
search plan.
❑❑ Participate in weekly Chemistry Seminar.
❑❑ St. Kate’s Chemistry faculty have very strong connections with alums as well as
strong connections with businesses in the areas where St. Kate’s alum end up.
Faculty are well-connected with the U of M and with the ACTC schools. Talk to
faculty about making the most of networking connections in discussing your
future plans.
❑❑ Discuss the opportunity to present your research at the spring Sister Seraphim
Gibbons Undergraduate Research Symposium, an on-campus event that celebrates
student scholarship and collaborative research held each spring.
❑❑ Attend the annual Study Abroad Fair to explore post-graduate volunteer, service
and work opportunities abroad.
❑❑ Complete and submit the “Declaration of Intent to Graduate” form by November
30 if you are graduating in May. Go to KateWay, My Education tab. Meet with your
academic advisor to prepare for graduation by reviewing the Degree Evaluation
and the Academic Catalog. Make adjustments as necessary. (Go to Student tab in
KateWay, link to Degree Evaluation.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
❑❑ Connect with alums and attend events sponsored by professional organizations.
❑❑ Use your Career Development “Senior Planner” to help successfully plan this year.
❑❑ Identify faculty and staff on campus who could serve as references for your job
search. Make sure you develop appropriate time lines so that you are able to meet
deadlines for completed applications.
❑❑ Attend the Twin Cities Graduate School Fair in the fall. Make sure you are aware
of deadlines and application procedures if you plan to attend graduate or professional school. Complete graduate school applications if you hope to attend in fall
semester of the next year. Most doctoral program applications are due in December
or January for fall admittance. Master-level programs sometimes have later deadlines. Explore scholarship available for graduate school. View web sites in Career
Development and Financial Aid.
❑❑ Participate in the Annual Career Opportunities Fair and the Government & NonProfit Career Fair (fall) and the Minnesota Private College Job & Internship Fair
(spring) to network and secure employment in your field.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
❑❑ Mentor other students for leadership roles within the department and in student
organizations to which you belong.
❑❑ Serve as a TA in the department.
Here’s a sampling of what
St. Kate’s Chemistry Alum
are doing …
Hannah Kaup, NMR Technician,
Pace Analytical. (double major –
chemistry and biology)
Michelle Nyamushanya, SN
Business Systems Analyst, Be the
Match, National Donor Program.
(MBA and chemistry)
Jean Whaley, Senior Research
Investigator, Bristol-MyersSquibb. (received doctorate
from Harvard)
Shilpa Seshadri, Senior Clinical
database Developer, Medtronic.
Kim Paulsen, Research Scientist,
DiaSorin Inc.
Shannon Comer, Quality
Assurance Manager, Maple
Island Foods.
Sharon Koll, Clinical Lab
Scientist, Regions Hospital.
(double major – chemistry
and biology)
Deepa de Alwis, Agricultural
Chemical Advisor, Minnesota
Department of Agriculture &
Project Manager, Minnesota
Pollution Control Agency.
Jolynn Nelson, Quality
Professional, Synovis Surgical
Innovations, advisor of Baxter
International.
Kelsey Skodje, Ph.D. student
in Chemistry program at
Brown University.
Sarah Nelson, Ph.D. student in
Chemistry program at University
of Minnesota
Scholarship and Excellence | Lead and Influence | Engagement | Liberal Arts and Your Major | Social Justice and
SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
❑❑ Take time to reflect on the amazing education you have received; for the compassionate faculty who have nurtured your skills, knowledge, and passion for the arts,
for those who have provided meaningful mentoring throughout your education
and for the holistic education you have experienced at St. Kate’s.
“A student will walk out of this
program and succeed in whatever
field she wants to go into including graduate school. Students
love the challenge offered in
this program.”
A
nnalisa Jordan,
Assistant Professor
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
❑❑ Consider post-graduate service to further live out St. Kate’s commitment to social
justice. Learn about these opportunities in Center for Community Work and
Learning.
❑❑ Prepare to assume independent financial responsibility by understanding and
planning to repay your student loans. Attend the Money Management speaker
series to develop life skills of financial management.
❑❑ Celebrate graduation and all your accomplishments. Celebrate your own academic
achievements as well as those of your peers at the annual Honors and Awards
ceremony held early May.
❑❑ As you prepare for graduation, celebrate all your connections to the University,
including mentoring relationships with faculty and staff, and lifelong friendships
with your classmates.
❑❑ Become orientated to Alumnae Relations and learn how to become an active and
supportive alumna of the University.
Enhance your Chemistry Major
Consider these academic, scholarly opportunities to build your resume and overall St. Catherine experience.
❑❑ Become involved in a research project and then present your research at one of the regional or national conferences
including: the Minnesota Academy of Sciences annual meeting, the Winchell Undergraduate Symposium, National
Undergraduate Research Conference, the ACTC Undergraduate Research Symposium or the Green Chemistry and
Engineering Conference to name a few.
❑❑ Study abroad! Take chemistry in a study abroad program. See highlighted box of Study Abroad opportunities.
❑❑ Sister Seraphim Gibbons Undergraduate Research Symposium Each year, graduating students share findings from
their senior research with the University community. Past topics include “Glow Sticks,” “Metallothionein as a Bioindicator of Freshwater Metal Pollution,” “Eucalyptus Oil” and “The Synthesis of the Active Ingredient in Acne Medication:
Benzoyl Peroxide.”
❑❑ Mayo Innovation Scholars program. This program brings together students from a variety of undergraduate
disciplines to research Mayo Clinic invention ideas and create business plans for a medical product. Contact your advisor
for more information.
❑❑ Assistantship Mentoring Program (AMP). AMP is St. Kate’s innovative work-and-learning experience that pairs junior
or senior students with faculty or staff mentors to serve as a Research or Teaching Assistant while earning a competitive
wage. Inquire with department faculty and be aware of fall and spring deadlines posted on the Daily Update.
❑❑ Apply for the Undergraduate Summer Research Program. Work side-by-side with a faculty member on original
research and earn a generous stipend in one of these great opportunities to add to your resume and/or experience for
graduate school. Year-long and summer opportunities are available. Inquire with any of the History professors.
❑❑ Present/submit a paper for one of the University scholarships or monetary awards including the annual Awards for
Research and Creative Work (through the Abigail Quigley McCarthy Center for Women), Bonnie Jean and Joan Kelly
Student Excellence Awards in Creative & Scholarly Writing and the O’Leary McCarthy Scholarship for Excellence in
Undergraduate Writing. For more information on these two awards, go to Writing Intensive Program homepage on
KateWay, then Student Resource tab and Writing Awards.
❑❑ Inquire about Post Graduate National Fellowship and Scholarship opportunities. Students seeking post-graduate
fellowships and scholarships, including Fulbright, Rhodes, Marshall, Rotary and Goldwater can receive expert advice
through a mentoring program. They can also receive funding to prepare materials for submission and interviews. The
application process for these prestigious programs take thoughtful planning and mentoring from faculty. PLAN AHEAD.
Contact Dr. Lynda Szymanski, Professor of Psychology and Director of Collaborative Undergraduate Research, x6625,
[email protected].
Spiritual Development | Meaningful Mentoring | Diversity and Global Perspectives | Preparing for the Future |
01-11-2017
❑❑ Conduct an internship. See highlighted box of information about the Internship program and possibilities.