Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics

The Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics is where curiosity sparks discovery and innovation drives results. Students work alongside faculty on research ranging from medical diagnostics to space exploration and advanced materials. Our graduates excel at NASA, Sanford Research and Fortune 500 companies, enter top medical and graduate schools, and inspire future scientists as educators.

From advanced materials to cancer biology, nuclear physics to science education, chemistry, biochemistry and physics research tackles big questions with real-world impact — in partnership with NASA, Sanford Research and leading universities nationwide.
Learn how our researchers are pioneering ultraearly detection and immune-system-based therapy development for cancer. Check our departmental goal for 2035.
From first-year students to senior capstones, undergraduates work side by side with faculty on projects that span molecules to galaxies.
- Luke Knutson '23, chemistry and biochemistry double major, talks about his research experience at SDSU in the lab of Darci Fink.
Student Clubs
Whether you’re connecting with peers who share your passion, exploring new ideas or making an impact through outreach, these organizations offer a place to learn, lead and belong.

We are here to help! Meet the members of the Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics.

As early as the 1880s!
From the first sparks of chemistry in 1884 to the birth of graduate research in 1944, each milestone in SDState’s science story feels like a photograph worth revisiting — moments where classrooms, labs and ideas came alive to shape the future.
