Welcome to the cutting edge of science that will ignite your passion for innovation. Come learn how our unique student opportunities make IUP the best Pennsylvania university to earn your undergraduate degree.
At IUP, we understand that not every university’s degree is created equal. We focus on student opportunities such as an integrated leadership minor, undergraduate research, internships, and guaranteed graduate school admissions to achieve a near 100 percent employment and graduate school placement rate.
Chemistry Education, Chemistry, BS
Certified Degrees: The department undergoes a rigorous review by the American Chemical Society to offer certified degrees, the gold standard for biochemistry and chemistry programs.
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Support Our Students
The Physics and Pre-Engineering clubs will host the 2026 Physics Olympics on Friday, March 20, welcoming high school students from across the region to campus for a day of hands-on physics challenges, teamwork, and exploration of STEM pathways.
On November 6, 2025, members of the Physics Club and Pre-Engineering Club visited the University of Pittsburgh for an immersive tour of its engineering facilities. The visit introduced students to Pitt’s academic environment, research opportunities, and transfer pathways.
Indiana University of Pennsylvania celebrates alumnus Sky Semone for his recent publication in Physical Review B, a leading journal in condensed matter physics. His collaborative work with IUP professor Gregory Kenning advances the understanding of spin glasses and highlights the power of early research engagement and mentorship at IUP.
Howard M. “Skip” Kingston ’73, M’75—an IUP distinguished alumnus and scholar in residence in the Madia Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Physics—has earned his fourth R&D 100 Award, one of the world’s most prestigious recognitions for technological innovation. The award honors Thor’s Hammer, a breakthrough technology that increases the sensitivity of any mass spectrometer by roughly 100-fold.
Undergraduate student Belinda Lin Xu presented her summer research at the MD Anderson Cancer Center, where she investigated the role of the protein NONO in enhancing oncolytic virus therapies for glioblastoma.
Retired chemistry professor Pothen Varughese has turned his passion into five gold medals in National Senior Games men’s doubles pickleball. Combining his love of science, sport, and community, he helped build Indiana’s thriving pickleball scene and continues to inspire others to stay active, connected, and lifelong learners.
Undergraduate student Parker Bradley’s publication on antibacterial photoactive ruthenium complexes in the highly regarded journal Inorganic Chemistry Communications highlights his growing success as a young researcher.
Alumnus Greg Kenning Jr. ’24 returned to IUP to present “REUs: What They Are and How to Get Them,” sharing insights from his experiences in multiple NSF-funded research programs and offering practical advice for students interested in applying.
Danijel “Dan” Babić, a first-generation college student, has forged an inspiring path from IUP physics to aerospace studies in Barcelona, Spain.
Physics Club is back! Join the IUP Physics Club for its first meeting on September 17 (7:00 p.m., Kopch 457) and the “Nano Talk” seminar on September 19 (11:20 a.m., Kopch 102).
