WKU Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

08/25/2026

Meet our 2026-2027 ambassadors: Nicole Richards, Mon Theint, Pha Nguyen, and Sonny Blackwell!

08/23/2026

We are excited to begin the fall 2026 semester. Making ice cream with liquid nitrogen was a success.

08/20/2026

Congratulations to Lindsay Johnson, Madona May, and Stephanie Earls for being named unsung heros in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry! We appreciate you so much and are incredibly thankful for all you do.

08/06/2026

Alumni Spotlight: Ms. Susan Morgan-Brenner
• MAE, Chemistry Education, WKU 2006
• BS, Medical Technology, WKU 1986
• BS, Chemistry/Biology, WKU 1985

After graduation in 1986, I became a special chemistry medical technologist in reference labs in Nashville, later specializing in cytogenetics. I became a high school dual-credit chemistry teacher in 1998, achieving national certification and recertification. I have taught various evening chemistry classes at WKU and was involved in the summer VAMPY program for over a decade. I retired from high school instruction in 2024 and currently hold a part-time position teaching Chem 109 at WKU’s Glasgow and main campuses. I was highly encouraged by Mr. Larry Byrd and Dr. Lowell Shank to obtain my master’s degree to continue my dual-credit affiliation at WKU. During this time, I made many lasting professional relationships and experienced travel/continuing education opportunities through the chemistry department. Recently, I have experienced wonderful interactions with Carnetta Skipworth and Dr. Nee in maintaining my connection with WKU chemistry. I am thankful for the support shown to be by the WKU chemistry department for over 45 years.

08/05/2026

Lindsay Johnson is the Chemical and Equipment Stockroom Manager for the Dept. of Chemistry and Biochemistry. She was a recipient of the Christopher Ware Staff Star Award this month. Dr. Nee, Department Chair, prepared a speech dedicated to Lindsay’s character. He states, “That job is not one job, it is like four. She is the face of safety and welcomes all students and staff members with questions and concerns.”

We want to congratulate Lindsay for this outstanding recognition!

07/14/2026

We have alumni working for the Environmental Protection Agency, the Kentucky State Police, in higher education, and more. You can work as a graduate assistant while earning your MS in chemistry. Reach out to us with questions at [email protected].

06/30/2026

APSI Chemistry 2026, led by Mrs. Jordan Rose, brought together chemistry teachers from different high schools for a week of learning and collaboration at WKU. They had the opportunity to experience one of WKU’s chemistry labs while gaining practical teaching strategies, engaging in hands-on activities, and sharing ideas to prepare for the upcoming school year. It was an exciting opportunity to strengthen chemistry education through collaboration.

06/23/2026

05/13/2026

Candice Schlabach was awarded the Outstanding Chemistry Major Award. She is an exceptional undergraduate whose outstanding academic achievement and professional growth distinguished her at WKU. Since 2023, she has contributed over 1,800 hours to an NSF-funded research project and coauthored two peer-reviewed publications, including a first-author paper. She has presented her work at both national and regional conferences and secured competitive funding, including a WKU FUSE grant and the U.S. Department of State’s Critical Language Scholarship. Intellectually curious, resilient, and highly collaborative, Candice exemplifies excellence in research, the classroom, and global engagement. Upon graduation, she will continue her medical study at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine.

05/12/2026

Nicole Richards, one of the Neil Skean Lab Assistant Award recipients, has been a TA for CHEM 106 as well as a tutor and has provided excellent work in every regard. Through teaching the CHEM 106 labs, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, including helping other TA’s ensure the lab runs smoothly. She also generates new ideas and materials that can be used to further her students’ education. While she stays busy as a TA, a tutor, and a student, she also helps the chemistry and biochemistry department as an ambassador. In everything she does, she brings forward an element of excellence and leadership, paving the way of success for her, her students, and those around her.