Ripon biology students win awards for research at WiSER conference
Ripon College’s biology senior seminar students took home awards for their research at the inaugural WiSER conference in early October. WiSER is a consortium of […]
“Ripon taught me to take advantage of the opportunities presented to you. You never know what will have a lasting impact on your life; for all you know, it could be advantageous for your career or could lay the foundations for an everlasting friendship.”
Abigail majored in chemistry with minors in English and psychology, and published four research journal publications working with chemistry faculty during her time at Ripon. After getting accepted to several chemistry Ph.D. programs, Abigail is currently attending graduate school at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
Abigail Stitgen '22, Ph.D. Student at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Achieve More
5
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP OR HONORABLE MENTION WINNERS IN THE LAST 7 YEARS
>95%
ACCEPTANCE RATE INTO Ph.D. GRADUATE PROGRAMS (TUITION-FREE, SALARY INCLUDED)
77%
5-YR AVG ACCEPTANCE RATE TO MEDICAL SCHOOL
Department Mission Statement
Modern biochemistry explores life processes at the molecular level and connects experimental data to the bioinformatics space. The biochemistry major presents the theory, concepts and laboratory experiences of biochemistry in an intimate environment that allows for the personal professional development of students through both individual and team-based approaches. The department’s program is framed within the liberal arts model where we consider multiple perspectives to enhance our understanding of phenomena. Throughout the biochemistry curriculum, students advance in their problem-solving, critical thinking, laboratory safety, communication, and ethical skills and become prepared for careers as productive scientists and for lives as responsible citizens.
At a Glance
Ripon College’s biochemistry program is distinctive in that organic chemistry is the initial course. This provides an accessible introduction to chemistry while also providing new experiences in chemical synthesis for students with advanced high school preparation. This unique curriculum is especially important for biochemistry majors as organic chemistry forms the basis of all understanding of biochemistry.
Expect to Experience
- Hands-on research with state-of-the-art instrumentation used by students at all levels, including three mass spectrometers for advanced organic and biomedical analysis and characterization. Instrumental characterization of inorganic and physical chemical properties are performed throughout the curriculum.
- One-on-one research opportunities with Ripon biochemistry faculty, often resulting in publication and available for interested students regardless of major
- Opportunities to travel to National American Chemical Society meetings all over the country to present research and to network
- Personal advising and individualized course navigation, including study-abroad opportunities, to ensure your readiness for future career and educational goals
Leave Empowered To
Students who complete the biochemistry program graduate with the skills necessary to:
- Thrive in elite graduate programs and medical schools across the country from having experienced intense personal involvement with both science content and scientists
- Effectively communicate scientific concepts and results through both oral and written formats
- Become a critical reader of scientific journals, prepare and create experiments from this research, and work independently and in teams to effectively advance knowledge
- Leverage a vast professional network of alumni across the entire scientific space through personal professional contacts made available by our lifelong relationships with alumni
Latest News
Work by Bob Wallace, two students published in journal Hydrobiologia
Bob Wallace, professor emeritus of biology at Ripon College, and two students recently had research published in the journal Hydrobiologia. Samara Kusztyb ’22, a native […]
Collaborative faculty-student research brings real-world skills into graduate work of Brianna Bembenek ’22
Collaborative research work between Ripon College professors and a student has resulted in a conference presentation and publication in the journal Behavioural Brain Research. “Decrease […]
Faculty
Byron, Colleen
Professor of Chemistry, L. Leone Oyster 1919 Chair in Chemistry
Kainz, Mark
Professor of Biology, Patricia and Philip McCullough Class of 1969 Professor in Biology
Nell, Bryan
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Willoughby, Patrick
Associate Professor of Chemistry
Advising
Ripon College faculty and professional staff are dedicated to helping you reach your goals, whatever they may be and however often they may change along the way. It’s part of our value statement to you.
As a student at Ripon, you will be assigned a faculty adviser based on your area(s) of interest. You will meet with your faculty adviser throughout your time as a student to discuss your current aspirations, plan your course schedule and plot a future trajectory. We also work collaboratively with Ripon College Career and Professional Development to help match your interests and skills to concrete goals and construct a plan for professional success offering personalized career counseling, off-campus learning opportunities and an online job board with potential to connect with local, national and international employers.
Advising at RiponRequirements
| Requirements for a Major in Biochemistry | |
|---|---|
| Core Courses |
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| Prerequisites |
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| Additional Criteria | Students majoring in Biochemistry cannot also earn a major or a minor in Biology, Chemistry, or Biomedical Science.
Majors must complete a research project which culminates in a substantial written thesis. Except in unusual circumstances, an experimental project is required. This thesis project can be initiated after the student’s exposure to the introductory core, but must be essentially complete at the end of the fall semester of the senior year. A directed summer research project, either at Ripon, on another campus, or in an industrial laboratory, also could provide the basis for an acceptable thesis. It is expected that the project will be the equivalent of a minimum of four semester hours of credit. Students planning to pursue graduate work should select advanced courses and independent study based on their post-graduation interests and also should seriously consider the potential value of advanced mathematics, advanced physics, and additional advanced biology courses. Students should discuss the possibilities with members of the department before registration. |
Career Tracks
Our graduates are enrolled in a variety of graduate programs and medical schools at some of the nation’s most prestigious research universities. Examples of positions occupied by our alumni include principal research investigator, wheat geneticist, physical chemistry professor, experience manager, pharmaceutical sales representative, environmental health specialist, radiation oncologist, project manager, senior scientist, vaccine researcher, chemical engineer, pharmacist, analytical chemist, clinical research specialist, pediatrician, patent litigation lawyer and small business owner.
| Graduate and Medical Schools Attended by Ripon College Graduates | ||
|---|---|---|
| Baylor College of Medicine | Purdue University | University of Minnesota |
| Colorado State University | Scripps | University of Oregon |
| Duke University | UCLA | University of Pennsylvania |
| Harvard University | University of Arizona | University of Tennessee |
| Iowa State University | University of California-Irvine | University of Washington |
| Miami of Ohio | University of Illinois | University of Wisconsin |
| Northwestern University | University of Iowa | Washington State University |
| Penn State | University of Massachusetts | Yale University |
| Ph.D.'s Earned by Ripon College Chemistry Majors | ||
|---|---|---|
| Analytical Chemistry | Immunology | Organic Chemistry |
| Biochemistry | Inorganic Chemistry | Physical Chemistry |
| Chemical Biology | Materials Science | Polymer Science and Engineering |
| Chemical Oceanography | Molecular Biology | |
Unique Opportunities
Ripon College is here to provide unique experiences that will enhance your studies.
Collaborative Research Opportunities
Research opportunities and internships, in collaboration with Ripon College professors. Paid summer internships are available through our Summer Opportunities for Advanced Research (SOAR) Program, and often this collaborative work is published.
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program
The purpose of this program is to ensure quality, vitality and diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce of the United States. The five-year fellowship provides three years of financial support inclusive of an annual stipend of $37,000 for graduate students. Ripon College faculty have a track record of success in working with interested students to secure this and other research grants.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
The Oak Ridge Science Semester enables students to join ongoing investigations at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee in research areas as diverse as astrophysics, cell biology, DNA sequencing, genetic mutagenesis, parallel computing, robotics, toxicology and more.
Facilities
Franzen Science Center Coming Fall 2024!
Breaking ground in spring of 2023, the Franzen Science Center is a complete renovation of Farr Hall including 19,000 square feet of new construction featuring new laboratory, classroom and collaboration spaces throughout. The space, originally built in 1961, is designed to meet the STEM learning needs of science students today and with the flexibility to adapt to needs in the future. Click here to learn more about Ripon's ongoing investment in our campus.
Farr Hall of Science
Home to the science department, Farr Hall contains classrooms, labs, faculty offices, Bear Auditorium and a greenhouse. Departmental instrumentation includes LC/MS, GC/MS, 300 MHz NMR, FTIR, digital polarimetry with campus wide spectroscopic and molecular biology instrumentation available.