Chemistry

Name: Miller, Kiley
Telephone: 830-792-7247
Price range: $$

Choose a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at Schreiner University in Kerrville, Texas. Explore either the Integrative or Biochemistry track, or follow a B.S. plan designed for students preparing for medical or dental school prerequisites.

What is chemistry?

Chemistry examines the substances that make up the world and how they change. At Schreiner, students build a foundation in general and organic chemistry, then study areas such as quantitative analysis, thermodynamics, inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, and instrumental methods. Coursework also introduces students to research, scientific writing, and laboratory techniques.

Why study chemistry at Schreiner?

Schreiner offers several ways to focus a chemistry degree. The Integrative tracks emphasize chemistry alongside mathematics and physics; the Biochemistry tracks combine chemistry with biology. Across the options, students encounter laboratory coursework, research, and a culminating internship or senior project.

What you’ll learn

All tracks begin with general chemistry and organic chemistry. From there, your courses depend on your degree and track:

Integrative: Study quantitative methods, thermodynamics, and inorganic chemistry. The B.S. track adds coursework in calculus, differential equations, university physics, and quantum mechanics.
Biochemistry: Explore genetics and the chemistry of biological systems. Courses include Biochemistry I and II; the B.S. track also includes cell biology or molecular biology.
B.S. Pre-Dental/Pre-Medical plan: Combine chemistry with biology, physics, mathematics, statistics, and psychology coursework.
Research and communication: Practice writing about chemistry and biochemistry, and learn how research questions are developed, investigated, and reported.
Laboratory courses accompany several upper-level subjects, including quantitative methods, instrumental analysis, thermodynamics, biochemistry, and inorganic chemistry.

What you can do with this degree

Schreiner identifies education and industry as areas where chemistry knowledge and laboratory techniques may be applied. The B.S. is the recommended plan for students considering graduate study in chemistry. Students considering medical, dental, veterinary, or pharmacy school can explore the relevant pre-professional coursework; requirements vary by school, and completing a Schreiner degree does not guarantee admission.

Learning beyond the classroom

Chemistry degree plans include an introduction to chemical research and a choice between a chemistry internship or senior project. In the research course, students work with an instructor to select a research problem, review literature, collect and analyze data, and write a paper. The catalog describes the internship as supervised field study or employment that applies prior learning in practical laboratory settings.

How the program works

Schreiner offers a B.A. and a B.S. in Chemistry, each with an Integrative or Biochemistry track. Schreiner also publishes a B.S. Chemistry plan for pre-dental and pre-medical preparation. The sample four-year plans beginning Fall 2026 show 120 credits for each option. Course selection and professional-school prerequisites should be reviewed with an academic advisor.

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Chemistry Faculty Members

Kiley Miller, PhD

Hi, my name is Kiley Miller. I am a former Schreiner University student (Class of 2000). I have been back on campus since 2006 with an opportunity to make an impact of the live of Schreiner University students, the same way that my faculty members here impacted me. I teach a variety of Chemistry courses from General Chemistry lecture and lab to upper-level Chemistry courses (Quantitative Analysis, Instrumental Analysis, Biochemistry 1/2, Intro to Chemical Research, and Internship/Senior Project in Chemistry). I am enthusiastic about the material because I think that the better, we understand
matter and the changes it undergoes (Chemistry), the better we will be at making decisions about our own nutrition, health, environment, as well as the informing those around us to make more informed decisions about their lives. My research interests revolve around Environmental Analysis. From the chemical characterization of the invasive Chinaberry tree fruit to the evaluation of the degradation of plastics used for fish habitats. I am actively involved in coaching, refereeing, and playing world football at our local club Hill Country United.

PhD in Bioengineering – Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2005

MA in Analytical Chemistry – University of Texas at Austin, 2002

BS in Chemistry – Schreiner University, 2000

Danette Vines, PhD

10 years of industrial experience in the pharmaceutical and dyestuff industry. Teaching experience: 20 years total- 15 years at Schreiner University teaching General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Inorganic Chemistry. Teaching Awards: Pinnacle Excellence in Teaching, Margaret Hosler Award for Excellence in Teaching. Research interests: Synthesis of small biologically active compounds. Outside interests: swimming, biking, pets including dogs, chickens, cats, and turtles. Family: Husband, Greg and Daughter, Nicole

PhD Organic Chemistry, Iowa State University

BSc Chemistry, McNeese State University, Summa Cum Laude

Vanessa Espinoza, PhD

Hi, my name is Vanessa Espinoza, and I’m excited to be a part of the Schreiner Chemistry faculty. I earned my B.S. in Chemistry and Physics from Texas Lutheran University and then attended Rice University in Houston, where I earned my Ph.D. in Chemistry. While at Rice, I taught general chemistry and obtained an additional teaching certificate focused on higher education.

I have always been passionate about teaching chemistry because there is power in knowledge. Whether or not you want to be a science major, I am convinced that taking chemistry classes will encourage you to think critically and look at the world differently. It’s my mission to help you have a positive experience with a subject that is not everyone’s favorite. I also aim to ensure that science is an inclusive space because it takes many minds with different backgrounds to move technology forward.

My research interests broadly encompass analyzing nanomaterials through a variety of spectroscopic techniques. More specifically, my research focuses on the physical sorting and tailoring of single-wall carbon nanotubes. Outside the lab and classroom, I enjoy spending time with my family, playing soccer, and traveling.

Victor A. Salinas, M.S.

My name is Victor Salinas, and I am a Schreiner alumnus (Class of 2012). After receiving a B.S. in Biology from Schreiner University, I earned an M.S. in Molecular Biology from Lehigh University in 2018. I’m thrilled to return to the Schreiner campus to share my passion for science through my role as instructor for General Chemistry lab. In my previous positions as classroom teacher and curriculum developer, as well as in my current positions as the K-12 science coordinator for Boerne ISD and Schreiner faculty, my goal has always been to make science engaging and accessible to all students. My Schreiner professors were instrumental in my development as a scientist and educator, and I’m thankful to have the opportunity to have an impact on the learning and Schreiner experience of this generation of students. Outside of work, most of my time is spent with my wife and two children, partaking in community theater productions and other community events.