Lakeland College

About Chemistry

In its most basic sense, chemistry is the science of taking things apart and putting things together - at the atomic and molecular levels. But this rather short definition encompasses a huge field of study. Chemists explore the structure and properties of the atoms and molecules that make up our physical world. They also study the reactions that produce compounds and think up new and useful ways of producing such compounds. Whether creating stronger fibers or more effective medicines, they help to bring useful, new things into existence.

Chemistry courses at Lakeland provide a comprehensive knowledge of chemistry and chemical processes. As a natural science offering, chemistry teaches students ways of knowing about the world through detailed observation, testable hypotheses, and controlled experiments. As a liberal-arts program, it develops analytical and critical-thinking skills, as well as the ability to communicate clearly and directly.

Lakeland's chemistry program provides students with hands-on training in the laboratory and in the field, preparing students for careers ranging from laboratory researcher to classroom instructor, product developer to regulatory official, pharmaceutical representative to forensic scientist.

Students who major in Chemistry will be able to:

• understand and work with the central concepts of chemical reactions, including the thermodynamics, kinetics, syntheses, and mechanisms that produce those reactions;
• formulate and solve chemistry problems by applying the scientific method, particularly within a laboratory setting;
• write effective lab reports, which follow the forms and meet the expectations of scientific journals; and
• perform lab practices safely and professionally, employing up-to-date computer and instrumentation technology.

Chemistry Faculty

To learn more about Lakeland's Chemistry faculty, follow the link associated with their name.

Brian Frink

Dr. Brian Frink, Associate Professor Chemistry and Physics, holds a doctorate from Ohio State University. He began at Lakeland in 1999. Currently, Brian is developing a project-oriented...
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Kathy Rath Marr

Dr. Kathleen Rath Marr is the Chair of the Natural Sciences Division, a position that her father once held at the college. She is the author of Into the (Grether) Woods , a book that documents...
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Paul Pickhardt

Dr. Paul Pickhardt, Assistant Professor of Biology, holds a doctorate from Dartmouth College. He joined the faculty in 2006. An aquatic ecologist, Paul's research centers around the interactions...
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Jeffery Schwehm

Dr. Jeff Schwehm, Assistant Professor of Biochemistry, earned his Ph.D. from the University of Arkansas in 1999. He has been a member of the faculty since 2004. Jeff directs student research in...
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Gregory Smith

Dr. Greg Smith, Assistant Professor of Biology, holds a doctorate from the University of Oregon. He joined the faculty in 2003. Smith's research concerns the genetics, cellular structure, and...
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