About Us

Our Program

Chemistry is often called the “central science” because it is the place where the physical, applied, and life sciences intersect. We maintain our remarkable reputation because of our program's world-renowned faculty in the cornerstone disciplines of chemistry: analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. Our program offers a stimulating and diverse selection of undergraduate classes and labs that provide you with the skills and perspectives useful in any career.

Why study chemistry at UVM?

  • Our chemistry courses are taught by our best and most prestigious faculty in small-enrollment classes.
  • Students have the opportunity to perform research alongside faculty and graduate students.
  • Research opportunities exist in the summer for undergraduates finishing their sophomore and junior years.
  • The majority of our graduates go on to postgraduate degree programs at universities around the country.

Pre-Apply Now for Chemistry Graduate Program

The Department of Chemistry at the University of Vermont strives to be a welcoming and respectful environment for all people. We recognize that diverse teams solve problems best, and we are committed to cultivating an inclusive environment within our department that is consistent with the values articulated in “Our Common Ground.” Hate and discrimination have no place in our community or in our discipline, and we actively foster a welcoming and safe environment for diverse and divergent voices through a commitment to inclusion of all identities among our students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Through our own efforts, we aim to transform science, and specifically chemistry, from a place where individuals have been historically excluded due to their identity to a place where all are welcome, and all contributions are valued. We use the word diversity as described by the Inclusive STEM Teaching Project, “Individual differences (e.g., personality, prior knowledge, and life experiences) and group/social differences (e.g., race/ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation, country of origin, and ability, as well as cultural, political, religious, or other affiliations).” 

Student Spotlights

A Culture Honoring Scholarship

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Christopher Kenseth ’15

UVM mentors regularly assist students in receiving recognition for their research activities. In 2014, Christopher Kenseth ’15 was one of two UVM students to win a coveted Goldwater Scholarship, a nationally competitive award that recognizes sophomores and juniors who have done outstanding work in science, technology, math, or engineering (STEM) disciplines and who are on track to become leading researchers and innovators in their fields. Under the guidance of chemistry professor Petrucci, Kenseth focused his research on research focused on the physical and chemical characterization of secondary organic aerosols, how they are formed in the atmosphere, and how they affect air quality, climate patterns, and human health.

Combining Passion with Purpose

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Summer Averill

Summer Averill’s interest in chemistry blossomed while taking AP Chemistry at her high school. Ecstatic to continue her studies in chemistry at UVM, she found many opportunities in the organic chemistry lab of UVM assistant professor Adam Whalley. “Summer has been working closely with one of my fifth-year graduate students, Robert Miller, and together they have developed a new and efficient method for the synthesis and functionalization of a highly strained molecule known as tetrabenzo[8]circulene,” Whalley said. “This advancement will now allow us to begin testing this molecule as the active component in devices such as transistors and solar cells."


 

Exploring the Nexus of Design and Science

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Alex Taylor

Alex Taylor's personal pursuits in theatrical design, entrepreneurship, and storytelling seemed at odds with his academic interests in chemistry. Ultimately it was his appreciation for the liberal arts and the guidance of Giuseppe Petrucci, a professor of analytical chemistry, that would help Taylor find sure footing at the nexus of design and science. Under Petrucci's advisement, Taylor embraced the dichotomy and created a scientific podcast, “Hidden Ocean,” for his thesis that explores marine chemistry through stories and interviews with scientists. “I’m seeing my two seemingly separate paths converge,” he says. Taylor graduated in 2020 with honors in chemistry, work experience at a Burlington chemistry startup, and more than 40 theatrical designs under his belt through his own company, ParadigmX. Next, he’s headed to Berlin, Germany; “where I’ll be evolving my company to provide innovative storytelling through design for a number of clients in the chemical, photographic and startup spaces,” he says.