Biochemistry concerns the study of the chemical processes inherent in biological systems, while chemical biology involves the application of chemical techniques to study and manipulate biological systems. Both of these disciplines span chemistry, cell biology, molecular biology and biophysics.  Examples include studying chemical modifications on proteins and RNAs, selective labeling of proteins in a cell, or synthesizing small molecules that modulate certain biological processes. By understanding complex biological systems at the chemical level and developing synthetic compounds that can alter biological processes, biochemists and chemical biologists can develop new therapeutics to tackle human diseases or to probe biological pathways.

Meet our Faculty

Many of our Faculty have vibrant research labs where life changing research happens. Both graduate and undergraduate students have the opportunity to work with their professors in meaningful award winning research. You’ll find the labs within the faculty members individual profiles.