Interested in applying to the Chemistry Graduate Programme at the University of Massachusetts Amherst? Register for the UMass Chemistry Informational Webinar on November 18 to learn more.
For some students, life after university can be uncertain. But for those in UMass Amherst’s PhD chemistry programme, opportunities after graduation are something to look forward to, not worry about.
Trisha Brady is set to graduate in 2026, and she feels ready to build a career mentoring and sharing science with others. She credits her advisors for the crucial role they have played in this journey, coaching her to clearly communicate her research, and empowering her to take on mentoring roles have strengthened her leadership and interpersonal skills.
This combination of formal and informal training, she reflects, has been crucial in preparing her for a future where inquiry and guidance go hand in hand. “My time here has provided me with countless opportunities to develop those skills,” she says.
At UMass Amherst, you’ll work with world-class researchers on cutting-edge projects and help push the limits of chemical knowledge. Source: University of Massachusetts Amherst
Breaking boundaries in chemistry and beyond
At UMass Amherst’s Department of Chemistry, you step into a community built on discovery and collaboration. Known worldwide for its expertise in the chemistry of life systems, materials for sustainability, and the modelling of complex systems, the department hosts one of the university’s largest PhD programmes, where 150 graduate students work across 20 research groups to develop groundbreaking solutions to global challenges.
“Coming into the program, I was passionate about analytical chemistry, which I first discovered in my undergraduate research in Forensic Science. At the same time, I was eager to dive into biochemistry and protein structure, a field that was new to me. Working with two advisors, Professor Jeanne Hardy and Professor Richard Vachet, has allowed me to pursue projects in both areas,” says Brady.
What’s more, with access to state-of-the-art facilities, you will develop technical and research skills that, as Professor Hardy notes, “truly differentiate students when they are searching for jobs.”
Step off campus, and the possibilities only grow. Located in the Pioneer Valley, just 90 miles from Boston, a global biopharmaceutical hub, you’ll be positioned to connect with industry leaders who shape the future.
“Our department has hundreds of connections to biotech leaders, and we maintain ties with them in myriad ways. We have many industrial collaborations in our lab and often incorporate industrial experts in our courses, such as Drug Design, Frontiers in Biotechnology, and Applied Analytical Chemistry,” says Professor Hardy.
But it’s not just after graduation that you can work with these companies. Many students start while still at UMass Amherst, thanks to the department’s interdisciplinary programmes and industry links.
Bringing together 32,000 students and over 200 programmes, UMass Amherst offers a rich cultural experience in a scenic rural setting. Source: University of Massachusetts Amherst
Beyond the lab
One example is the Biotechnology Training Programme (BTP), which brings together students from engineering and the life sciences to learn quantitative biotechnology skills and explore the commercial side of biotechnology through internships and industry interactions. “Our internship programme helps students sharpen their job search skills while gaining real-world industrial experience,” explains Professor Hardy.
When Brady worked with Dextera, she was responsible for “moving the project forward and adapting to the company’s specific needs, which was a great learning experience,” she says. Professor Hardy adds that such opportunities pay off: “Students who perform internships almost always get offers for permanent jobs from their internship experience.”
Challenging as it may be for students to balance academics and specialised hands-on training, the department’s supportive community makes all the difference. “There are always opportunities for collaborating and sharing knowledge, and because of this I’ve made friends in labs across the department,” says Brady. “It’s great because I feel comfortable just walking into a different lab if I need help with my project or learning a new technique.”
Faculty go the extra mile to support students personally and academically as well. “My advisors have been incredibly supportive, particularly by helping me balance my research with my passion for teaching and mentoring,” Brady says.
Through the department, she’s had the chance to mentor prospective and first-year students, as well as a local high school student. These experiences have been key in preparing her for a future where she can fuse her love of science and teaching.
At the same time, the department is always evolving to align with developments in industry and academia. One highlight is a student-centred second-year core course which integrates strategic design thinking with mindfulness practices. “We want our students to be healthy, vigorous, and have excellent support from peers and faculty throughout their PhD,” Professor Hardy explains.
Striking a careful balance between academic rigour and practical experience, the department equips students to thrive long after graduation.
Follow the Department of Chemistry at the University of Massachusetts Amherst on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube
