Careers in Organic Chemistry Dr. Laurie Starkey Chemistry Department Cal Poly Pomona [e-mail]

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Careers in Organic Chemistry Dr. Laurie
StarkeyChemistry DepartmentCal Poly
Pomonalsstarkey_at_csupomona.edu
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The Periodic Table
Organic Chemistry!
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What Can I Do with a Chemistry Degree?
B.S. Chemistry
Medical School
Pharmacy School
VetSchool
LawSchool
Job in Industry
Graduate School (M.S. or Ph.D.)
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Organic Chemistry's Biggest Hits
Shelter
Paint and coatings
Plastics
Synthetic carpeting
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Organic Chemistry's Biggest Hits
Transportation
Rubber tires
Plastic components
Antifreeze Superior lubricants
High-performance and clean-burning gasolines
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Organic Chemistry's Biggest Hits
Recreation
High-strength, advanced materials tennis rackets,
skis, golf clubs, golf balls, rollerblades,
bicycles
CDs and DVDs
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Organic Chemistry's Biggest Hits
Apparel
Synthetic fibers
Cleaning aids
Dyes
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Organic Chemistry's Biggest Hits
Health and Beauty
Soaps Detergents
Pharmaceuticals
Vitamins
Cosmetics and fragrances
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Organic Chemistry's Biggest Hits
Food
Fertilizers
Plant protection
Preservatives Packaging
Refrigeration media
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Organic Chemistry's Biggest Hits
Waste
Waste minimization
Recycling
Sewage treatment
Water treatment chemicals
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Understanding Line Drawings
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Variety of Organic Compounds
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Flavors Fragrances
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Color Chemistry
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Organic Polymers
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Taxol Application of Organic Synthesis
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Synthesis of Taxol
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Career Choices vs. Academic Degree
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About me
School Graduated High School 1987 Univ. of
Connecticut (B.S. - Chemistry) 1991 UCLA (Ph.D. -
Organic Chemistry) 1996 Chemistry-Related Work
(while in school) Chesebrough-Ponds (Summer
Internship) 1989 Bristol-Myers Squibb (Summer
Internship) 1990 Bristol-Myers Squibb (Summer
Internship) 1991 UCLA Teaching Assistant
(TA) 1991-2 UCLA Research Assistant
(RA) 1992-6 Note you get paid to get your Ph.D.
degree!! Work after Ph.D. Cal Poly Pomona
(Assistant Professor) 1996 CPP Tenure Associate
Professor 2001 Kids born 2002 and
2004 CPP Full Professor 2007
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Preparation to be a Chemist

• Skills Needed
• Self-motivated, time management
• Good math skills
• Good with your hands

• In College
• Good grades (and GRE)
• Take/audit advanced classes
• Get to know your professors
• Undergraduate research
• Summer internships/REU
• Volunteer work (service)
• Join clubs

• In High School
• Good grades (and SAT)
• AP, honors courses
• Get to know your teachers
• Summer part-time jobs
• Volunteer work (service)
• Extra-curricular activities

All this will build a strong resume and help you
get into the job or graduate school of your
choice.