Cutting-Edge Research and Innovative Education

Welcome to the Department of Chemistry—a center of global excellence in biological chemistry and materials chemistry research, and a leader in education across all chemical disciplines. For over 150 years, we have been home to the central science at UMass, and a destination for students from all around the world seeking the highest standards in teaching and research. We have a global reputation for in-house collaboration between faculty and across departments, and we boast a broad and interdisciplinary portfolio of research and teaching.

Haoze He near a stream

Dr. Haoze He's freshman lab students gain hands-on research experience in the community

In partnership with the Massachusetts Geological Survey, Dr. Haoze He works with teams of freshmen in his general chemistry lab to analyze Fort River water samples using EPA‑validated nutrient and metal assays. These analyses help to map how local land use affects water chemistry, producing data that pinpoints likely sources of bacterial contamination.

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Derek Maxwell

Derrick Maxwell BS '14 awarded the 2025 CNS Early Career Alumni Award

Having quickly made a name for himself in the carbon-neutral energy storage field, Amel Energy founder and CEO Dr. Maxwell has reconnected with the campus to pursue partnerships with faculty experts inside the Institute for Applied Life Science.

Dr. Kenrick Lewis

Alumnus Dr. Kenrick Lewis awarded Honorary DSc

Alumnus Dr. Kenrick Lewis (PhD ’77 ) was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science degree by the University of Alberta this past June for being one of the most impact chemists of his generation. One of his nominators said, "Everyone has likely used a product derived from Lewis's chemistry in the last 24 hours." 

Dr. Lewis is a trailblazer in Organometallic Chemistry, and his pioneering research with silicones began in the late 70’s. Paul J. Chirik, author of "Pioneers and Influencers: A Profile of Dr. Kenrick Lewis" stated, “… the next time you use a kitchen spatula, caulk your shower, or use any other of a host of silicone products, you might think of him and the teams of chemists that did the creative science to bring them to you.”

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Zhou Lin

Lin receives 2026 Flygare Award Lectureship in Spectroscopy

Prof. Zhou Lin has received a 2026 Flygare Award from the International Symposium on Molecular Spectroscopy (ISMS). Awarded biennially to early-career scientists within 10 years of their PhD, the honor recognizes outstanding contributions to molecular spectroscopy. Lin is recognized for independent work in computational spectroscopy combining quantum mechanics and machine learning and will present a Flygare Award Lecture at ISMS in Urbana, IL, in June 2026.

 

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