Department of Chemistry
How can Otterbein University help you “find your element”? From your first chemistry class through your senior year, you will work directly with faculty in small courses and laboratory experiences. Opportunities abound for research with faculty at Otterbein and internships at companies in the Columbus area and throughout Ohio. Our rigorous curriculum is approved by the American Chemical Society and will prepare you for a wide range of post-graduate pathways. Otterbein Chemistry alumni can be found working in chemical industry, treating patients, managing high-tech companies, and conducting research as a graduate student or in academia, among many other activities.
To keep up with the latest news in the Department of Chemistry, check out our newsletter, Chemistry Matters, at the Otterbein Digital Commons.
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Check out our "Science Rules" video, where Otterbein students explain how Mentos and Diet Coke react to one another.
Student, Faculty, & Alumni Spotlights
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Students are encouraged from day one to interact with their faculty and fellow students; to find a way to further our learning both in and out of the classroom; and to finds ways to apply the knowledge we’ve been endowed with to help those we encounter throughout life.
Lily Nichols ’22
Chemistry B.S. & BMB double major with minors in Math & Physics.
I had never thought about a career in chemistry before Otterbein, but with the help and encouragement of the professors, I finally realized my true passion.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
I entered Otterbein as a Chemistry major with an unknown path, but I knew that the field was very diverse. The often-repeated mantra of my professors and mentors that I don’t need to know what to do with my life right now, and that there’s still time for me, is comforting.
Erin Kibby ’22
B.S. Chemistry major with a minor in English literary studies
As a Chemistry Major in the Honors Program, I am now taking on an Honors Thesis Project which requires research in a whole new way.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
This feeling of belonging in a community of people was new to me but having the capability to communicate with fellow peers in scientific language was beyond exciting. I have never felt more prepared and more supported for my future until meeting my chemistry teachers at Otterbein.
Carsyn Stobart ’21
Chemistry B.S. major
Being involved in organic research with Dr. Grote helped opened my eyes to not only the world of chemistry but the world of helpful mentors.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
The rigorous course work at Otterbein has prepared me for my future in dental school. I have formed habits that will allow me to succeed at the next level. The state-of-the-art lab facilities have helped develop my hand skills which will be very useful for dental school.
Noah Highfield ’22
B.A. in Chemistry, Pre-Professional Health Studies
At Otterbein, you will become a well-rounded student, be able to critically think, and apply what you have learned in the classroom to the real world.
Mentoring relationships will help you grow and find your path – join a research lab in your first year, present at a national scientific meeting and more!
WE ARE developing a new generation of STEM Scholars.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
I would most certainly not have become a Technical Fellow of a chemical company or have been given the responsibility of envisioning, championing, and overseeing a multimillion-dollar strategic technology research portfolio without my Otterbein experience.
Michael Huston ’86
Senior Technical Fellow at the Lubrizol Corporation
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
What Otterbein does best? First, builds a close sense of community and involvement. Second, ensures students feel valued and important, and third, brings students of all studies together. Through the Honors and Integrative Studies courses, I made a lot of friends in other majors.
Allie Weber ’15
Customer Support Manager at the CEM Corporation
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
I love that you can be whoever you want to be, and that you’ll be supported in those choices. I was able to study chemistry, ride for the equestrian team, and be a part of a sorority, without anyone telling me I couldn’t do it all. If you can dream it, you can do it at Otterbein.
Mallory Gasbarre ’17
Research Associate at Luna Innovations, Charlottesville
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
The internship I got during my time at Otterbein was the reason I got my current job at the same company. Research experience at Otterbein allowed me to become more confident in my laboratory skills and that was a very valuable experience.
Elizabeth Tinapple ’19
Analytical Chemist at S.E.A. Limited, A.S. from Columbus State Community College, B.S. from Otterbein
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
The techniques I learned in my organic chemistry lab are actual practical skills that I use in my synthesis job today. There is an abundance of lab experience to be had at Otterbein through coursework and independent research, and that prepared me for my career today.
Liz Isaac ’18
Chemist at the Lubrizol Corporation
Students at Otterbein have the opportunity to explore structural chemistry using sophisticated instrumentation not typically found at an undergraduate institution.
Dr. Dean Johnston
Professor, Chemistry
The Chemistry Department is a leader in the use of X-ray diffraction at the undergraduate level, providing students with hands-on experiences characterizing materials and determining the three-dimensional structures of molecules.
Department Features & Student Opportunities
Scholarships
We recognize and invest in talent through research funding and scholarships to fuel discovery and learning.
Teaching & Mentoring
Developing relationships with faculty who help you grow into a better version of yourself is a smarter way to learn.
Internships
We work with industry leaders to help you find meaningful learning experiences and catalyze your professional growth.
Student Research
We are innovators. Learn beyond the classroom by discovering new materials, developing new methods and more.
Student Organizations
Join our Otterbein STEM community, contribute to science outreach, and develop as a leader.
Travel Experiences
We are explorers. Push your boundaries as you travel the United States and the world.
Chemistry Department News
Why Traditional Grading is getting an F: Otterbein Champions Alternative Grading
News - February 27, 2026
By Drakko Harper ’26 Last summer, 26 STEM educators from various institutions across the United States met at Otterbein University for a workshop on implementing alternative grading practices in their courses. This new era of alternative grading was formed through the SCIENCE Collaborative, a resource for institutions to build a community that addresses the issues students face in trying to maintain their personal well-being, further their goals, and maximize the value and knowledge from their education. Passionate STEM professors and…
Professor John Tansey Named Fellow of National Scientific Society
News - January 12, 2024
Otterbein University congratulates Professor John Tansey, director of the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program, for being named a fellow of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB). The ASBMB will induct Tansey and 16 other members into the 2024 class at its annual meeting, Discover BMB, in San Antonio in March. ASBMB selects fellows based on their outstanding commitment to the ASBMB through participation in the society, as well as accomplishments in research, education, mentorship, diversity and inclusion, advocacy,…
National Media Recognize Otterbein University for Programs and Values
News - September 18, 2023
Otterbein University has been collecting honors this fall, as it is recognized in national publications for its programs and values, including U.S. News & World Report, Colleges of Distinction, and Washington Monthly. US News & World Report Otterbein University has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report for its academic excellence, commitment to undergraduate teaching, and focus on affordability, student success outcomes, and experiential learning. In the 2024 Best Colleges rankings by U.S. News & World Report, Otterbein has…Programs of Study in Chemistry
B.A. or B.S.
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
B.A. or B.S.
Pre-Professional Health Studies
Accreditors and Supporters
Contact Us
Science Center 236
155 W. Main St
Westerville, OH 43081
Administrative Assistant
Donna Rhodeback
614-823-1517
drhodeback@otterbein.edu