Chemistry & Biochemistry
The Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at Baylor University offers a unique combination of direct faculty-student training and mentoring, graduate student-operated instrumentation, and growth-focused education leading to impactful science. Our department operates in a close-knit and friendly community. We have research programs in the core areas of chemistry along with more interdisciplinary programs in chemical biology, bioinorganic chemistry, biomedical science and imaging, bioanalytical chemistry, and astrochemistry.
Areas of Study
Be Part of Cutting-Edge Research
Baylor's chemists and biochemists work across the entire array of molecular science: pioneering routes to synthesize the most complex organic molecules; designing pharmacons to improve health; synthesizing novel inorganic-organic hybrids; engineering new devices for nano-scale cellular imaging.
Learn Beside Incredible Faculty
By recruiting faculty from the best universities in the world, Baylor's department of chemistry and biochemistry is undergoing rapid expansion. The large faculty to student ratio, and medium-size research groups fosters close apprenticeship, where faculty work alongside graduate students.
Work in State-of-the-Art Facilities
The department is located in one of the largest, well-designed, and integrated science buildings in the world (see video above)! The department consists of well-laid out laboratories with separate office/lab areas, modern fume hoods, and extensive modern instrumentation. This includes all traditional instruments (NMR, MS, X-ray, LC-MS, microscopies for nano-scale science; all student-operated) in addition to more modern instruments including TLC-MS (Thin-Layer Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry), in situ IR reaction monitoring, and robotics for reaction optimization.
News
More NewsWhat started with a brave leap from Hong Kong in 1959 has grown into a multigenerational Baylor legacy.
When Nelson Yim (MS ’63) arrived at Baylor to study chemistry, he didn’t know the language, the culture, or what to expect. But he said “yes” to an opportunity that would change his life, and the lives of his future family.
Baylor students just keep upping the school record for Fulbright scholarship recipients. In 2019, BU set a new high with 7 Fulbrights; in 2022, that jumped to 14; and last year, 18 Bears were so honored.
Given that trend (and Baylor’s continued national recognition as a top Fulbright producer), it should come as no surprise that that record has fallen again. This spring, 23 Baylor students and recent alumni won the prestigious Fulbright awards — and that’s just the beginning when it comes to the list of BU students winning top national and international scholarships and fellowships.
A Baylor professor introduced an international audience at the Volta Foundation Battery Forum to advanced techniques that could drive future breakthroughs in energy storage science, leading to better and safer batteries.
Undergraduate Research and Scholarly Activities (URSA) Scholars Week 2025 highlighted the exceptional work of Baylor students, showcasing a diverse array of research projects across various disciplines.
Having Fun in the Heart of Texas
Baylor is Texas' oldest university and is located at its heart, nestled on the Brazos River in the city of Waco. In the past few years Waco has experienced an unprecedented boom in economic development and is now home to some of the best restaurants, coffee shops, and venues for sports and entertainment in all of Texas. And its still an inexpensive and friendly place to live!
Alumni Profiles
Postdoctoral Researcher at MIT
My time at Baylor during my Ph.D. studies gave me insight into expanding a research program. Baylor's burgeoning Chemistry Department had grown tremendously during my time as a graduate student....
Senior Lecturer, Univ. of Yaounde, Cameroon
During my stay as a Fulbright Scholar in the CPRIT Synthesis & Drug Lead Discovery Laboratory in 2016, I met committed graduate students and faculty working tirelessly to keep up with research and teaching activities....
Interim Chair & Professor, KUMC
My time as a Baylor Undergraduate Chemistry major prepared me well for graduate school and a career in academic research. I particularly remember the Honors General Chemistry courses taught by Dr. Pennington and....
Vice Pres Medicinal Chemistry, Aquinnah Pharmaceuticals
The Chemistry/Biochemistry Department is growing in all the best ways. The new labs and facilities available for research and teaching are first class, and the faculty are of the highest caliber....