From researching sustainable energy generation to developing new antibiotics naturally produced by bacteria, our dedicated faculty are changing the world with chemistry. And now it’s your turn.
Why Study Chemistry at UNC Asheville?
Student and Alumni Spotlight
Mentorship and Exploration: See how UNC Asheville alumna and product design engineer Meagan Spencer found confidence with dedicated professors
“There are so many times where I’m working in the lab and reactions don’t turn out the way I wanted them to and I have no idea why. However, it’s so rewarding to look back at everything I’ve done and see all that I’ve accomplished at the end.”
Emma Founds, Class of ’22
Professors Amanda Wolfe and Brian Steed have been working with undergraduate research students to develop an antibiotic that treats Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a currently antibiotic-resistant bacteria transmitted through water or soil and from person to person via contaminated surfaces
Student-athlete Grace Volk received the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship in 2021
Chemistry Outside the Classroom
At UNC Asheville, hands-on learning is a key aspect of our liberal arts education. Our chemistry students have various opportunities to utilize their knowledge, discover their passions, and consider potential career paths. These include involvement in student clubs and organizations and attending events both on campus and in Asheville, such as our annual Squibb lectures.
Laboratory Experience
Chemistry majors can also look forward to utilizing our research lab facilities. For example, the $32 million Zeis Hall, which opened in 2009, is available for use and equipped with state-of-the-art teaching and undergraduate research labs.
Clubs and Organizations
Our 60+ student clubs include the Invasive Plant Management Club, the Women in STEM Club, the UNCA Plant Club, and the Chemistry Students Club, affiliated with the American Chemical Society and a part of the Western Carolinas local section of ACS. In the club, you have the opportunity to join as a student member and take part in National Chemistry Week, Chemists Celebrate Earth Day, Science Olympiad, and more.
Meet the 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 Dean of Special and Graduate Programs & Professor of Organic Chemistry
| Office: 102A Phillips Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6390 |
| Email: hholt@unca.edu |
Sally Wasileski, Ph.D.
Chair & Professor of Analytical and Computational Chemistry
| Office: 113 Zeis Hall |
| Phone: (828) 232-5169 |
| Email: swasiles@unca.edu |
John W. Brock, Ph.D.
Professor of Analytical Chemistry and Toxicology
| Office: 108 Zeis Hall |
| Phone: (828) 232-5173 |
| Email: jbrock1@unca.edu |
Melanie Heying, Ph.D.
Laboratory Manager
| Office: 107 Zeis Hall |
| Phone: (828) 258-7678 |
| Email: mheying@unca.edu |
Angel Kaur, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Neuroscience
| Office: 211 Zeis Hall |
| Phone: (828) 232-5154 |
| Email: akaur@unca.edu |
Oksana Love, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor; Inorganic Chemistry
| Office: 115 Zeis Hall |
| Phone: (828) 350-4571 |
| Email: olove@unca.edu |
Amanda Rollins Maxwell, M.D.
Pre-Health Professions Advising Coordinator & Lecturer
| Office: 112 Zeis Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-7207 |
| Email: amaxwell@unca.edu |
Amanda Rollins Maxwell, M.D.
Assistant Professor; Organic and Biochemistry
| Office: 104 Zeis Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6299 |
| Email: cmcm@unca.edu |
Jason Schmeltzer, Ph.D.
Senior Lecturer
| Office: 114 Zeis Hall |
| Phone: (828) 232-5172 |
| Email: jschmelt@unca.edu |
Ryan Steed, Ph.D.
Associate Professor; Biochemistry
| Office: 110 Zeis Hall |
| Phone: (828) 232-5122 |
| Email: psteed@unca.edu |
Amanda Wolfe, Ph.D.
Associate Professor; Medicinal Chemistry, GlaxoSmithKline Distinguished Professor in Molecular and Chemical Biology
| Office: 111 Zeis Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6957 |
| Email: awolfe@unca.edu |
Pin Lyu
Assistant Professor of Physical Chemistry
| Office: 106 Zeis Hall |
| Phone: (828) 232-5171 |
| Email: plyu@unca.edu |
Philip Shivokevich
Lecturer
| Office: 2500 University Heights |
| Phone: (828) 232-5194 |
| Email: pshivoke@unca.edu |
Sharon Withrow
Department Assistant
| Office: 102 Zeis Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6443 |
| Email: swithrow@unca.edu |
Chemistry Major Careers & 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 graduates have attained careers in these fields and more, as well as admittance to prestigious schools in highly sought-after graduate programs.
Of the recent graduates, approximately 30% have gone to Ph.D. programs at research intensive universities like Princeton University, University of Michigan, University of Colorado Boulder, and UNC Chapel Hill. About 35% have gone on to healthcare related professional programs (M.D., MPH, PharmD) at top institutions including Vanderbilt University, UNC Chapel Hill, Eastern Carolina University, and West Virginia University. In addition, 35% have found work in the chemical industry or in government research programs such as the National Institutes of Health Post-baccalaureate program.
Related Programs
The Catalyst for Your Success Starts in UNC Asheville’s Chemistry Major
UNC Asheville’s chemistry bachelor’s degree program ignites your path to success by offering a dynamic learning environment where you can reach your full potential. Through in-depth coursework you can tailor to your interests and collaborative research projects, you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and forge a brilliant future.
Contact Us
| Department of Chemistry |
| Phone: 828.251.6443 |
| Email: chemistry@unca.edu |
