Department of Chemistry

Antecedent Departments

Chemistry, Physics and Electrical Engineering (1954–1955)
Chemistry (1955–1960)
Chemistry and Physiology (1960–1967)
Chemistry (1968–1975)
Chemistry and Biological Sciences (1975–1980)
Chemistry (1980–Present)

Department Heads 1954–1956 Col James V.G. Wilson 1955–1961 Col William T. Woodyard 1961–1962 Lt Col Harrison E. Kee Jr. 1962–1965 Col Woodyard 1965–1966 Col Robert H. Brundin 1966–1968 Lt Col Charles K. Arpke 1968–1969 Lt Col Alfred D. Norton 1969–1970 Lt Col John R. Comerford 1970–1979 Col Robert W. Lamb 1979–1980 Lt Col David W. Seegmiller 1980–1986 Col Harvey W. Schiller 1986–2002 Col Hans J. Mueh 2002–2003 Col Clifford M. Uttermoehlen 2003–2005 Col Timothy J. Brotherton 2005–2010 Col Michael E. Van Valkenburg 2010–2011 Dr Donald M. Bird 2011–1015 Col Van Valkenburg 2015–2016 Col John M. Garver 2016–2018 Col Van Valkenburg 2018– Col Tasha L. Pravecek		Permanent Professors Bill Woodyard Bob Lamb   < Harvey Schiller Hans Mueh   Mike Van Valkenburg

The Department Today:

The department provides all cadets with a fundamental education in chemistry. From developing the materials that extend the life of our aircraft fleet, to understanding space sensor and satellite technology, to analyzing chemical and biological warfare data, to improving personal body armor, chemistry is critical to Air Force operational mission success and is at the forefront of research programs. The department also provides a comprehensive curriculum for cadets interested in chemistry, biochemistry, or materials chemistry.

Curriculum:

The department offers 29 courses in Chemistry.
    Core Courses: 
         Chem 100. General Chemistry I Lecture and Lab
         Chem 200. General Chemistry II Lecture and Lab (Basic Science Option)
         Chem 222. Analytical Chemistry (Advanced STEM Choice)
         Chem 350. Chemistry of Weapons (Advanced STEM Choice)
    Majors:  Chemistry
         Biochemistry
    Minor:  Materials Chemistry

Noteworthy:

The Chemistry Research Center focuses on next-generation, high-performance materials to meet operational Air Force and DoD mission partner needs. Major projects include material for new solar/green technologies, stimuli-responsive coatings for chemical warfare nerve agent detection, and high temperature resins and high-strength fibers for next-generation solid rocket motor casings.