Enquire to study in the UK 
The world is changing, and the chemistry industry is changing with it. The American Chemistry Council (ACC) predicts that global chemical production will jump by 3.5% in 2025, a welcome increase after a 0.3% rise in 2023. However, to sustain this growth, chemical companies must focus on decarbonisation and develop sustainable practices.
This shift is vital because, according to the World Economic Forum, the industry generates 2% of total CO2 emissions while consuming 14% of the world’s oil and 8% of its gas supplies. And with over 95% of manufactured goods depending on chemical products, the industry’s impact spans virtually every sector. Research and development is required in many areas, including materials for energy conversion and new approaches in medical care, in order to decrease consumption and diversify production.
Recognising these challenges, Tulane University’s Department of Chemistry is aligning its research toward innovations in renewable energy and medicine.
The Tulane chemistry experience
Since its founding in 1834, Tulane’s Department of Chemistry has been a leader in research and education. The department’s PhD program aims to provide students with state-of-the-art intellectual and technical tools that they will need to have meaningful and successful careers as scientists within the field of chemistry or in allied disciplines within the physical or health sciences.
Students can specialise in sub-disciplines like bio-organic, biophysical, inorganic, and synthetic organic chemistry, with additional focus on crystallography, spectroscopy, and quantum theory. But what really sets Tulane apart is its ability to offer both the resources of a big university along with the keen support of a smaller school.
As PhD graduate Layla Qasim says, “The sky’s the limit. The programme is very flexible, the university offers unique opportunities for leadership, and the professors are very bright and motivated.”
The Department of Chemistry includes 14 research faculty and three lecturers; they have been trained at the top universities for their subjects. Source: Tulane University
Your pathway to academic and research excellence
At Tulane University, the goal is simple: to create and share knowledge that empowers people and communities. Thanks to an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio, you will benefit from a collaborative environment where you can discuss ideas and develop research strategies with all faculty but especially with your research mentor.
For instance, graduate Che Wu is grateful to his advisor James Donahue, for going above and beyond with his help. “He was really responsive and clear when communicating, but what strikes me the most is his genuine enthusiasm for chemistry, which inspired me to stay in the field even after graduation,” says Wu.
It’s the same for Addison Fraker, a third-year at Tulane. “My advisor, Alex McSkimming, is always open to listening to my ideas and offering his own to best shape my project. He provides constructive feedback that pushes me to be a better chemist and to learn from my experiments,” she says.
The department is consistently adding new faculty to expand its research efforts. One of the latest additions is Dan Straus, who is advancing new methods for magnetic and electro-optic materials. Then there is Wenxiao Guo, who is building a team to conduct electrochemistry research focused on converting carbon dioxide into storable fuels. Tulane is in the process of hiring two additional faculty this spring.
To support their work, Tulane provides access to some of the most advanced equipment in the field, including excellent NMR facilities, mass spectrometers and ultrafast optical spectroscopy tools. The university is heavily investing in better facilities and hiring new faculty, particularly in sustainability and medicinal chemistry, to continue to make meaningful contributions to the world.
Researchers at Tulane are working on a range of projects, including creating new ways to improve solar cell technology and designing bioresponsive “smart” therapeutics. Source: Tulane University
Building skills, confidence, and connections
It’s not just the faculty that attracts students to Tulane University though. It’s the environment that fosters personal and professional growth too.
For Mario José González Martínez, Tulane wasn’t the obvious choice — at first. But a visit to the campus and conversations with graduate students changed his mind. “Their friendliness, along with a fellowship offer, felt like signs that Tulane was the right choice,” he says.
Since then, Martínez has had no regrets. “I learned to better handle pressure, whether academic or research-related,” he shares. “My Principal Investigator (Nathalie Busschaert) helped me see failure as part of the process and the importance of perseverance. Some courses even push you out of your academic comfort zone, reinforcing new knowledge and perspectives.”
Wu echoes this sentiment. “Students from different research groups have many opportunities to come together in a relaxed atmosphere, thanks to regular departmental meetings and seasonal events,” he explains. “People here are very open to collaboration and incredibly helpful in providing instructions and training.”
This spirit of collaboration enhances the Tulane learning experience, preparing students for real-world success. For Toheeb Oluokun, hands-on laboratory work has been integral to his development. “The programme has deepened my knowledge of ligand synthesis and complex design, including their characterisation, which is central to my specialisation,” he notes.
Qasim attributes much of her growth to Tulane as well, highlighting both technical and leadership skills as key outcomes. In Professor Igor Rubtsov’s lab, Qasim encountered advanced challenges that required knowledge of programming, optics, and quantum mechanics. “These skills were entirely new to me, but under Professor Rubtsov’s guidance, I learned how to approach complex problems systematically,” she shares.
Leadership training was equally impactful for Qasim. “I had the chance to lead a Gordon Research Seminar, manage teams, and mentor graduate students — experiences that have been critical to my success as a technology leader,” she says.
Through its commitment to collaboration and comprehensive skill-building, Tulane ensures that students are not just prepared for their chosen fields but also equipped to tackle challenges, adapt to change, and lead with confidence in their professional journeys.
Follow Tulane University on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn
