Schreiner University offers courses leading to a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree and a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree with a major in Chemistry. The Chemistry program is committed to the liberal arts tradition with emphasis upon Chemistry as an area of free inquiry. Students are not expected simply to master current chemistry knowledge. Rather, they are encouraged to understand chemistry as a dynamic body of knowledge. Methods of producing new knowledge and using concepts to further understanding are two major goals of the program. A student with a BA degree in Chemistry with additional work in biology will meet all the requirements for medical, dental, veterinary and pharmacy schools. Those students wishing to pursue graduate studies in chemistry are encouraged to follow the BS degree plan. The Chemistry program includes courses and experiences that will give the student a wide variety of laboratory techniques that are essential for further investigations either in education or industry.

Degree Plans Offered

BA Chemistry – Integrative track

• The BA Chemistry – Integrative track focuses Chemistry. Students earning this degree complete 33 hours of the Schreiner University Core Curriculum; 24-30 hours of lower level (2000 or below) Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics; and 28 hours of upper-level Chemistry. There are 6 hours of upper-level electives where students can take Quantum Mechanics or Biochemistry. This leaves a substantial number of hours (29-35) dedicated to electives for students to be able to minor in another subject of their choosing.

BA Chemistry – Biochemistry track

• The BA Chemistry – Biochemistry track focuses on the interaction of Biology and Chemistry. Students earning this degree complete 33 hours of the Schreiner University Core Curriculum; 23-29 hours of lower level (2000 or below) Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics; and 24 hours of upper-level Chemistry (which includes Biochemistry) and/or Biology. There are 6 hours of upper-level electives where students can take Instrumental Analysis, Thermodynamics, Quantum Mechanics or Inorganic Chemistry. This leaves a substantial number of hours (34-40) dedicated to electives for students to be able to minor in another subject of their choosing.

BS Chemistry – Integrative track

• The BS Chemistry – Integrative track focuses on Chemistry. Students earning this degree complete 33 hours of the Schreiner University Core Curriculum;
  32-38 hours of lower level (2000 or below) Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics; and 30 hours of upper-level Chemistry. This leaves 19-25 hours dedicated to electives for students to explore further a variety of subjects or a specific subject of their choosing.

BS Chemistry – Biochemistry track

• The BS Chemistry – Biochemistry track focuses on the interaction of Biology and Chemistry. Students earning this degree complete 33 hours of
  the Schreiner University Core Curriculum; 35-41 hours of lower level (2000 or below) Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics; and 26 hours of upper-level Biology and Chemistry (which includes Biochemistry). There are 4 hours of upper-level electives where students can explore Cellular or Molecular Biology. This leaves 20-26 hours dedicated to electives for students to explore further a variety of subjects or a specific subject of their choosing.

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

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.