Chemistry and Biochemistry Department
Why Study Chemistry & Biochemistry at UNC Asheville?
Earn a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry & Biochemistry from the University of North Carolina Asheville and build a strong foundation for careers in research, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, environmental science, education, and more. Students can also explore complementary minors such as Biology, Environmental Studies, or Physics to broaden their scientific perspective, or enroll in individual courses as non-degree-seeking students to enhance their professional development. With hands-on lab experiences, faculty-mentored research, and a strong liberal arts foundation, UNC Asheville’s Chemistry program prepares students for graduate study, professional school, or direct entry into the scientific workforce.
Chemistry & Biochemistry Department Programs
Chemistry & Biochemistry
B.S. B.A. Minor Teacher Licensure
UNC Asheville’s Chemistry program blends classroom learning, lab work, and hands-on research to explore areas like organic, inorganic, analytical, and physical chemistry. With small class sizes, dedicated faculty mentorship, and access to modern instrumentation, students gain practical experience and a strong foundation for graduate study, professional schools, or careers in science, healthcare, and industry.
Career Outcomes
Career Outcomes
In addition to the breadth of skills you can expect to hone in foundational liberal arts and sciences courses, as a chemistry major, you learn how to analyze molecular structures and reactions, interpret data, and understand the interdisciplinary nature of science — preparing you for graduate programs and careers in medicine, veterinary science, teaching, government, and beyond. UNC Asheville chemistry & biochemistry graduates have attained careers in these fields and more, as well as admittance to prestigious schools in highly sought-after graduate programs.
Laboratory Experience
Laboratory Experience
Faculty Research Labs
UNC Asheville chemistry students gain exceptional access to faculty research laboratories housed in Zeis Hall, a modern $32 million science facility designed for discovery and innovation. Within these labs, undergraduates collaborate on real-world projects—whether synthesizing antivirulence molecules to combat antibiotic resistance in the McMahon Lab, probing the molecular mechanics of ATP synthase in the Steed Lab, developing new antibiotic screening methods in the Wolfe Lab, Making new solar cell materials in the Rech Lab, or Designing better catalytic systems for converting solar energy to high-value chemicals in the Lyu lab
Outside the Classroom
Outside the Classroom
Dexter Squibb Distinguished Lecture Series
This celebrated annual event in UNC Asheville’s Chemistry & Biochemistry department brings nationally renowned chemists to campus to inspire students, faculty, alumni, and community members with groundbreaking science and engaging dialogue. Past lectures have covered a wide array of topics—from quantum information science to environmental chemistry—delivered by leading experts, including Theodore Goodson III and Michelle Buchanan. For students, the Squibb Lectures offer a unique opportunity to connect with trailblazing scientists and explore cutting-edge advancements in the field.
Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarship Opportunities
The Chemistry Scholars program provides comprehensive support services for chemistry majors from their freshman year until graduation, including scholarships for eligible students pursuing a bachelor’s degree. These scholarships, awarded based on both academic merit and financial need, can fund up to 100% of students’ demonstrated financial need and are renewable for four years. The program also provides the best possible undergraduate education, with funding from the National Science Foundation.
The biochemistry and molecular biology I learned at UNC Asheville, along with a strong foundation in chemistry and science as a whole, has been pivotal to my work at Duke and my path toward medical genetics. My experience in Dr. Steed’s lab gave me the preparation and confidence to pursue this field, allowing me to lead my own research project and discover both the struggles and the joys of benchwork. I want to heal people and find cures for diseases where treatments are limited or nonexistent—and UNC Asheville gave me the tools to begin that journey.”
Chemistry & Biochemistry Department Faculty
By design, the Chemistry & Biochemistry Department at UNC Asheville provides students with ongoing access to their professors. Chemistry majors can expect personalized attention from faculty members and unique laboratory opportunities not typically available in undergraduate courses. Our faculty are dedicated to supporting students on their academic journey and look forward to opportunities to assist them in their independent research projects.
Herman Holt Jr., Ph.D.
Interim Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Office: 102 Zeis Hall
Phone: 232-5167
Email: hholt@unca.edu
Sally Wasileski, Ph.D.
Chair & Professor of Analytical and Computational Chemistry
Office Hours:
Tuesday 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Tuesday 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Wednesday 9:00 am – 10:00 am
And by appointment. Online (see Moodle for link)
Melanie Heying, Ph.D.
Chemistry Laboratory Manager
Office: 103 Zeis Hall
Phone:
Email: mheying@unca.edu
Angel Kaur, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Neuroscience
Office: 211 Zeis Hall
Phone: 232-5154
Email: akaur@unca.edu
Keith Krumpe, Ph.D.
Senior Administrator for Space Planning & Professor of Chemistry; Organic Chemistry
Office: 118D Phillips Hall
Phone:
Email: kkrumpe@unca.edu
Oksana Love, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor; Inorganic Chemistry
Office: 115 Zeis Hall
Phone:
Email: olove@unca.edu
Office Hours:
Monday 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Tuesday 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Friday 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
And by appointment. M, F online (See Moodle). T in-person.
Amanda Rollins Maxwell, M.D.
Pre-Health Professions Advising Coordinator & Lecturer
Office: 112 Zeis Hall
Phone:
Email: amaxwell@unca.edu
Office Hours:
Monday 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
Friday 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
Note: Monday’s office hours are in person in Zeis 103 and remote. Friday’s office hours are remote only. Office hours remote link: https://bit.ly/Maxwell_Open_Office
Caitlin McMahon, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor; Organic and Biochemistry
Office: 104 Zeis Hall
Phone: 251-6299
Email: cmcm@unca.edu
Jason Schmeltzer, Ph.D.
Senior Lecturer
Office: 114 Zeis Hall
Phone: 232-5172
Email: jschmelt@unca.edu
Office Hours:
Monday 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Tuesday 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Thursday 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Friday 12:45 pm – 1:45 pm
And by appointment. Online (see Moodle for link).
Ryan Steed, Ph.D.
Associate Professor; Biochemistry
Office: 110 Zeis Hall
Phone: 232-5122
Email: psteed@unca.edu
Office Hours:
Monday 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Wednesday 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Friday 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
And by appointment. Online (see Moodle for link) and limited in-person appointments
Amanda Wolfe, Ph.D.
Associate Professor; Medicinal Chemistry, GlaxoSmithKline Distinguished Professor in Molecular and Chemical Biology
Office: 111 Zeis Hall
Phone: 251-6957
Email: awolfe@unca.edu
Office Hours:
Monday 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Thursday 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
And by appointment. Online (see Moodle for link).
Phillip Montgomery, MS
Adjunct Lecturer in Chemistry
Office Hours:
Monday 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Wednesday 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Pin Lyu
Assistant Professor of Physical Chemistry
Office: 106 Zeis Hall
Phone: 232-5171
Email: plyu@unca.edu
Saman Majeed, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Office: 136 Zeis Hall
Phone: 350-4570
Email: smajeed@unca.edu
Office Hours:
Tuesday 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Thursday 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Sharon Withrow
Department Assistant for Atmospheric Sciences and Chemistry
Office: 102 Zeis Hall
Phone: 828.251.6443
Email: swithrow@unca.edu
Ready for What's Next?
Earn a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of North Carolina Asheville and prepare for a successful career in pharmaceuticals, environmental science, chemical engineering, education, medicine, and beyond.