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The best thing about studying chemistry and biochemistry is that you master the science of the matter around you and how they interact with living things. The best thing about studying chemistry and biochemistry at the University of Northern Iowa is that you’ll get to do so much more than learn advanced techniques and develop as a scientist. From day one, you’ll be immersed in experiences and impactful research that’ll take you far as a graduate.
The University of Northern Iowa is the best in the US Midwest, ranking second in the “Top Public Schools Regional University (Midwest)” category (US News & World Report). At its Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, you will experience the full impact of UNI’s legacy of excellence since its founding in 1876. Built on decades of experience, the department is where professors and staff know what it takes to provide the most impactful in-class and out-of-class activities that will prepare students to be successful graduates.
Class sizes are small, averaging 20 students and allowing professors to give tailored-for-you guidance. It’s a great way to get comfortable at UNI and to fully enjoy the department’s dynamic community. It won’t be long before you start getting more competent and confident – and that’s when it’s the right time to seize the many opportunities to use the department’s state-of-the-art instrumentation, conduct research with faculty, and complete an internship in this exciting field.
Students from the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry get the rare opportunity to explore one of the oldest caves at the Wind Cave National Park. Source: University of Northern Iowa
“Coming from another part of the world with a completely different education system, the small class sizes definitely enhanced my learning journey at UNI,” says graduate Pratima Raut. “It was much easier for me to build a rapport with professors and peers, and I was more comfortable and had the opportunity to ask questions, seek advice, and share my ideas with them.”
Raut hails from Lalitpur, Nepal, where her passion for chemistry kicked off in high school. She was at a crossroads between two interests: a fascination with understanding complex biological systems through chemical interactions, and a desire to contribute to health and science. Therein came biochemistry, which merged both.
Wanting to study abroad when she completed high school, UNI stood out as a top choice for her. Her brother had studied here and only had good things to say, so in 2016, she packed her bags and flew to UNI’s beautiful campus in Cedar Falls, Iowa. “UNI was one of the best decisions I made,” says Raut. “International admissions made the entire application and admission process very easy, and the staff helped me through every step.”
As an undergraduate student, Raut wanted to learn everything possible. This being UNI, she found many opportunities to do so. She developed an independent research project as all chemistry undergraduates do, took on a summer research programme right after her freshman year, and participated in a field research project at the Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota, facilitated by a NASA scientist — one of the oldest caves in the world that only three universities have access to.
Unlike other schools, UNI provides many opportunities for undergraduates to conduct research alongside professors, operate state-of-the-art equipment, and gain hands-on experience in a laboratory setting. These research projects span a wide range of areas, from catalysts and new techniques for organic synthesis and cancer assays to protein function and the breakdown of DNA repair mechanisms.
“UNI offers great value for the education and other opportunities it provides,” says Kashif Shaikh. “I participated in numerous research projects as an undergraduate student at UNI and presented the findings from those projects at regional and national conferences.”
Shaikh — from Karachi, Pakistan — attended UNI as a biochemistry major with a minor in biology, since he wanted to contribute to the field of biomedicine. He was attracted to the direct mentorship students received from the faculty.
The University of Northern Iowa has access to industry-par instrumentation to advance their innovative research. Source: University of Northern Iowa
Beyond experiences and graduate success, there are many other compelling reasons for international students to join UNI. First, it’s the #17 best-value school for international students in the US, according to College Factual. Second, students in STEM-designated programmes get up to three years of Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the US upon graduation. UNI’s program is also approved by the American Chemical Society, which ensures you get the intellectual, experimental and communication skills to become effective scientific professionals.
“Going to UNI was instrumental to successfully starting graduate school,” says Shaikh. “Numerous faculty members wrote me recommendation letters and suggested different graduate programmes that would be a good fit for me.”
In January 2025, Shaikh will be starting a position at the University of Pennsylvania as a postdoctoral scholar, where his research focuses on how the bacteria that live in the gut regulate the immune system.
His success mirrors the many achievements of the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry alumni. Many have received national or international recognition through pioneering research projects. These include the developer behind the Molnupiravir anti-Covid treatment, the innovator of new analytical techniques to forensic science, the creator of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug Celebrex, and the Director of the US National Cancer Institute.
Apply to the University of Northern Iowa Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry today.
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