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Department of Chemistry

Faculty

Michael R. Salazar (2001). Professor of Chemistry and Department Chair. B.S., New Mexico State University; Ph.D., University of Utah; Additional study, Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Michael Hayes (2009). Professor of Chemistry. B.S., Union University; Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin.

Tamara (Betsy) Caceres (2019). Associate Professor of Chemistry. B.Pharm., Universidad Central del Este, Dominican Republic; Ph.D., Utah State University 

Breanna von Dollen (2024) Assistant Professor of Chemistry. B.S., University of Tennessee at Martin; M.S., University of Memphis; Ph.D., University of Memphis.

Will Ward (2026). Instructional Staff. Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University.

 

Staff

Donald Gordon (2021). Stockroom Coordinator. B.S., Union University.

Jennifer Hughes (2026). Academic Secretary for Biology and Chemistry. B.A., Union University.

Curriculum

The chemistry program at Union University seeks to serve effectively all students, recognizing different needs, interests, and career goals. The faculty seeks to help students understand the physical world, the methods by which it may be studied, and its relationship to other aspects of the human experience. It is the intention of the faculty to create an environment in which students are challenged to acquire skills in problem solving utilizing the modern methods of science and to study in-depth the chemical processes which characterize life systems while developing an inquiring attitude toward scientific exploration. The curriculum is intended to provide liberal arts students with a working knowledge of science and to meet the needs of students who wish to:

  • continue study in chemistry at the graduate level;
  • teach science at the elementary or secondary school level;
  • prepare to enter a health science profession such as medicine, dentistry, medical technology, pharmacy, nursing, physical therapy, or other allied health fields; or
  • become a professional/industrial chemist.

Students who complete the chemistry or biochemistry degree as described below or upon their coursework being approved by the chair of the department, will receive degrees that are certified by the American Chemical Society. Our certified programs offer students a broad-based and rigorous chemistry education that provides them the intellectual, experimental, and communication skills necessary to become successful scientific professionals.

Undergraduate student membership in the American Chemical Society is required for courses at the 200 level or higher.

Students pursuing a major in Chemistry or Biochemistry must complete MAT 211, MAT 212; PHY 231, PHY 232, and meet one of the following sets of requirements:

Assessment of Majors

The Department utilizes standardized tests of the American Chemical Society as final examinations for the first and/or second semester of all one-year (two-semester) courses. These courses include General (CHE 111 and CHE 112), Organic (CHE 314 and CHE 315), and Physical (CHE 317 and CHE 318). Standardized examinations are also used as the final examination in Fundamentals (CHE 105), Analytical (CHE 211), Biochemistry (CHE 319 and CHE 329), and Inorganic (CHE 335). Examination results are used to monitor progress of students as a group through their course of study at Union. Strengths and weaknesses of courses are also assessed by comparing class averages with national norms. Students are required to complete a research project (CHE 424) and give a seminar to faculty and colleagues (CHE 498).

Student Organizations

Student Members of the American Chemical Society is organized to better acquaint students interested in chemical science with professional opportunities in the field and the mechanics of preparing and presenting technical material. The organization instills professional pride in the chemical sciences, while stimulating awareness of the responsibilities and challenges of the modern chemist. Membership is open to any student pursuing an undergraduate degree in chemistry, biology, or physics.

Sigma Zeta is a national honorary science society for those who have completed 15 hours in natural science and mathematics and with a minimum 3.0 GPA in these courses. Membership advantages include recognition for academic achievements by the Sigma Zeta Honor Award, participation in nationally recognized research projects, and a means of cooperation in similar areas of interest by students of different colleges.

Student Awards

The Chemistry Research Award is given by the faculty of the Department of Chemistry to the student who presents the best research paper of the year. The research must have been an original piece of work and must have been presented at a state, regional, or national professional chemistry meeting prior to graduation.

The C.R.C. Freshman Chemistry Award, given to encourage and sustain interest in the sciences, is awarded in recognition of outstanding scholastic achievement in Freshman Chemistry.

Whiteaker Freshman Chemistry Award. The Chemistry Department selects a freshman chemistry major or minor to receive this award based on outstanding scholastic achievement, financial need, Christian service, and school spirit.

Chemistry Endowed Scholarships

  • Charles and Janice Baldwin Endowed Scholarship-Recipients must demonstrate a loving, Christian character and be in good academic standing. The recipient will be recommended from the Dept. of Chemistry based on the following principles: 1. Preference will be given to Chemistry Majors who plan careers in chemistry (including chemistry education). 2. The scholarship will be awarded to an exceptional junior or senior student. 3. Selection will be based on scholastic achievement, financial need, leadership in academic and professional activities, and Christian service. The award made to the student will be allocated over the full academic year according to Union University's established policies. If there is no qualified student, the Office of Student Financial Aid may select a needy and deserving student according to institutional policies.
  • Phelan B. Brasher Scholarship- This fund is to be permanently invested, and the interest used to assist financially deserving and capable students who are majoring in Chemistry.
  • Christian Educator Scholarship-In recognition of the need for Christian educated lay-persons, it is desired that this scholarship be used to provide Christian education for deserving students preparing for lay-vocations.
  • Robert E. Gurley Scholarship- Recipients of the Robert E. Gurley Scholarship must be of good moral character with ability to articulate his or her Christian faith. The recipient must be a student from West Tennessee or Pemiscot County, Missouri who is majoring in Chemistry. If the recipient is from West Tennessee, first preference will be given to students residing in Henderson or Decatur counties. The recipient must have been in the top %5 of their graduating class and must maintain a minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA and a 3.5 major GPA. The recipient will be awarded on the basis of need with first preference going to students with both parents deceased. Each recipient selected by the University's Financial Aid Committee must demonstrate genuine potential to achieve a degree and plan to enter the teaching profession or medical school upon graduation. If no student is found, the earnings will be re-invested back into the fund to be awarded in the next academic year.
  • June B. White Chemistry Scholarship- The scholarship will be awarded to an exception junior or senior student majoring in chemistry. Selection will be based on scholastic achievement, financial need, leadership in academic and professional activities, and Christian service.
  • Chemistry Department Scholarship- Awarded by the Chemistry Department.
  • Kermit and Bettye Whiteaker Scholarship- The Whiteaker's desire to assist Union University students is based on need and Christian character. Preference shall be given to female students pursuing pre-med/pre-dental or science studies, though not restricted to these.
  • Dr. Kermit Whiteaker Scholarship- Selection will be based on outstanding scholastic achievement by a freshman biology major or minor; financial need, in consultation with the Office of Student Financial Aid; Christian service, school spirit, and conscientious academic pursuits. Preference shall be given to students pursuing careers in the health profession.