Message from the Chair

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Mississippi would like to thank you for your interest in our academic programs. We have prepared this website to acquaint you with our department. Information about the educational background, research interests, and recent publications of our faculty; descriptions of our state-of-the art research facilities; and detailed information about the various degree programs offered by the Department appear in other sections of this web site.

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is staffed with 26 outstanding faculty actively involved in research and instruction. A very favorable faculty-to-student ratio encourages close contact between students and their faculty mentors, and allows the mentors to give personalized attention to the academic and research progress of each of their students. Such attention is not possible in larger departments. Many of our faculty have won prestigious teaching awards.

Our graduate programs are designed to provide students with a solid theoretical background in chemistry and to introduce students to the joy of participating in a challenging, creative research program. Our faculty view graduate students as developing investigators and partners in their research enterprises and are committed to their success and development as independent scientists. The department provides financial support to help students travel to regional and national meetings. This presents opportunities for students to present papers or posters on their own research results and to network with potential postdoctoral mentors and other employers. The success of this strategy is unquestionable because many of our M.S. and Ph.D. graduates occupy high-profile positions in academia, government, and private industry.

James Cizdziel, Interim Department Chair and Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Vision Statement: The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Mississippi aspires to be a leading force for advancing society through the continuous pursuit of educational excellence and cutting-edge research in chemistry.

Research Mission Statement: The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Mississippi discovers, creates, understands and applies new knowledge in the chemical sciences to strengthen the state, region and nation intellectually, technologically and economically.

Educational Mission Statement: The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Mississippi provides an exceptional educational experience by teaching our students the skills and instilling in them the drive to meet the challenges and needs of the future.

Diversity Mission Statement: The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Mississippi embraces the rewards of a diverse and inclusive academic community.