2025-2026 UH Mānoa Catalog
Department of Chemistry
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College of Natural Sciences
Bilger 239
2545 McCarthy Mall
Honolulu, HI 96822
Tel: (808) 956-7480
Fax: (808) 956-5908
Email: chemdept@hawaii.edu
Web: manoa.hawaii.edu/chem
Faculty
*J. T. Jarrett, PhD (Chair)—biochemistry, enzymology, structure and function of metalloenzymes
*R. Sun, PhD (Associate Chair)—computational chemistry, computational biophysics
*M. F. Cain, PhD—organometallic chemistry, catalysis, alternative energy processes, synthesis and ligand design
*E. Haglund, PhD—biochemistry and biophysics, protein structure, folding, and function
*J. Hyvl, PhD—organic and organometallic chemistry, catalysis, material chemistry
*C. M. Jensen, PhD—inorganic and organometallic chemistry, polyhydride and dihydrogen metal complexes, homogeneous catalysts, hydrogen storage materials
*R. I. Kaiser, PhD—physical chemistry, materials chemistry, reaction dynamics, chemistry in extraterrestrial environments
*K. K. Kumashiro, PhD—physical chemistry, solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance of proteins and peptides
Y. Li, PhD—synthetic chemistry, nanotechnology and nanocrystal frameworks, crystal-to-crystal structural transformations
*P. Raston, PhD—atmospheric chemistry, astrochemistry, combustion chemistry, and superfluidity
T. Sattasathuchana, PhD—computational and quantum chemistry, smart materials, solvent effects in chemical reactions, protein-ligand binding
*M. A. Tius, PhD—organic chemistry, synthesis of natural products, synthetic methods, medicinal chemistry
*P. G. Williams, PhD—organic and natural products chemistry
*Z. Zhang, PhD—organic chemistry, synthesis methodology development, medicinal chemistry
Cooperating Graduate Faculty
M. Dubarry, PhD—inorganic chemistry, solid-state electrochemistry, energy storage materials
N. Gaillard, PhD—solid-state chemistry, semiconducting thin films and nanostructures, renewable hydrogen production, solar fuels, photovoltaics
C. J. Simmons, PhD—inorganic chemistry, metal-dioxygen and Jahn-Teller copper complexes, structure determination by X-ray crystallography
* Graduate Faculty
The Academic Program
Chemistry (CHEM) stands at the crossroads between physics and biology. As biological processes are examined in ever finer detail, chemistry is increasingly called upon to provide the insights, techniques, and materials needed to understand the workings of living organisms, including ourselves. Chemistry is thus a popular major for those interested in biomedical careers. In another direction, chemistry is also essential to the search for solutions to the ecological problems created by the ever-expanding range of human activities. Chemists create new substances with new properties that find application throughout our civilization.
As a major, chemistry provides a solid foundation of scientific knowledge and experimental skills that enables one to specialize in many directions toward careers in research, teaching, business, or professional practice. Also, because virtually all constructed things we see and use in our daily lives involve chemistry, there is a huge pool of jobs for chemists in the manufacturing industries.
Undergraduate Study
Please see “Programs” section below for more information about our undergraduate programs.
Graduate Study
The department offers MS and PhD research and study opportunities in biochemistry, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, with specialized research opportunities in geochemistry and marine-related chemistry.
Intended candidates for the MS or PhD must present the minimum undergraduate preparation in general, organic, analytical, and physical chemistry courses. Foreign applicants for the MS and the PhD must take the GRE General Test.
Graduate study in chemistry consists of course work, independent study, teaching, and research. A thesis or dissertation based on original research is the most important part of the master’s or doctoral degree respectively. Candidates for advanced degrees are required to serve as teaching assistants for a portion of their program.
Additional details concerning MS and PhD degree requirements, as well as assistantships available to prospective students, are outlined in brochures available upon request from the department.
ProgramsBachelor’sMaster’sDoctorateMinor
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