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Chemistry trains for life, not just the lab By Betsey Norgard | Both B.A. and B.S. degrees | Chemistry training is "rigorous" | Faculty is supportive, collaborative | Augsburg partners with 3M" | Chemistry, as it relates to changes in all kinds of matter, trains students for careers in many and varied professions. Paul Mueller's medical work has led him to explore roles of spirituality and prayer in healing. Clayton McNeff's job description includes serving as principal investigator in research to develop new materials for analytical processes. Carolyn Sampson has taught children about chemistry as a museum volunteer. These chemistry alumni credit their Augsburg education with preparing them well in their vocations, a preparation that included more than what they learned in chemistry labs. 
Of the more than 450 Augsburg chemistry graduates in three decades, over 100 continued for advanced degrees in health sciences - about 65% are M.D.s; others are dentists, pharmacists, physician assistants, etc. A similar number received advanced degrees in chemistry and related fields - 90% of them are Ph.D.s. Both B.A. and B.S. degrees The bachelor of science major, approved by the American Chemical Society, provides depth in chemistry, other sciences and math for students pursuing graduate studies in chemistry or seeking positions as industrial chemists. Paul Mueller '84, a summa cum laude B.A. graduate, teaches medicine at Mayo Medical School in Rochester, Minn., and is a consultant in internal medicine at the Mayo Clinic. He credits the liberal arts emphasis as ideal preparation for his medical career. "Medical science is an inexact science, and clinical medicine even more so. Understanding disease is not the same as understanding suffering. This key aspect of medicine requires a sound (education) in the humanities/liberal arts," said Mueller. Clayton McNeff, a 1991 cum laude chemistry B.S. major, earned a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry at the University of Minnesota. He teamed up with a professor and fellow student to found ZirChrom Separations, Inc., a company that produces materials for chemical analysis. "I feel that Augsburg prepared me well to pursue a higher degree in analytical chemistry as well as a career as an entrepreneur," he said. Chemistry training is "rigorous" In order to graduate with distinction, chemistry majors must carry out research under the direction of a Ph.D. or M.D. Joan Kunz, chemistry department chair, values this research collaboration. Last spring, she and a student, Kelly Dorweiler, collaborated on making a new boron-nitrogen molecule and presented the results at two research conferences. "Kelly learned a lot of chemistry doing the research, gained technical presentation and speaking skills, and made new contacts in the chemical community of Minnesota," said Kunz. "For me, research keeps me intellectually alive and perpetuates my enthusiasm for teaching chemistry." In addition, Augsburg offers courses uncommon among small, private colleges, e.g. polymer and medicinal chemistry. "Augsburg allowed me an opportunity to design and teach a focused course in the polymer specialty area," explained Assistant Professor Ron Fedie. "It has certainly kept me challenged and intrigued, and I find this, in turn, definitely transfers to the students." Fedie, whose doctorate is in physical/polymer chemistry, was chosen by the 1999 graduating class as the honored faculty member for the Division of Natural Science and Mathematics. Faculty is supportive, collaborative "The one-on-one interaction that I had with my professors was invaluable in my education. The faculty was conscientious, nurturing, challenging and collaborative all at once," he said. "We really emphasize cooperative team efforts, such as studying together in groups, and encourage a collaborative education - not competition," said Professor Arlin Gyberg, who has taught at Augsburg for 32 years. "Our open lab policy for upper division courses allows students to work flexible hours; this especially helps our working students." Augsburg partners with 3M Carolyn Sampson, a 1996 WEC chemistry graduate, learned about Augsburg in the 3M program. She returned to college at age 40, completed her degree during evenings and weekends, and is now an analytical chemist at Imation. Augsburg alumna and chemistry professor Sandra Olmsted '69 and her husband, Richard '69, both found their chemistry education at Augsburg equal to that of larger and more prestigious institutions - plus, they feel Augsburg equipped them well to adapt to a changing workplace. "Teaching and interacting with Augsburg students is a highlight of my vocation," said Sandra Olmsted. "Our students deserve the best we can give them. We're very excited as we look forward to providing them with a new facility." |
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