School of Science
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Where Molecular Insight Sparks Scientific Innovation
Chemistry and biochemistry students investigate the structure, properties, and reactivity of matter to understand and transform the world at the molecular level. Through rigorous coursework, hands-on laboratory experiences, and collaborative research with expert faculty, the program prepares future scientists, health professionals, and industry leaders to drive discovery across academia, medicine, and technology.
Degree Programs
Select a degree program to take a look at the curriculum, course requirements, and application process.
The undergraduate programs in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at Hampton University have approved/certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS) since September 1970, demonstrating a long‑standing commitment to providing a rigorous and comprehensive undergraduate chemistry curriculum in adherence to national standards for excellence in chemical education.
News Spotlight
- Chemistry and Biochemistry News
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Hampton University proudly celebrates the outstanding accomplishments of our graduating Class of 2026. These scholars have demonstrated excellence, resilience, leadership, and a deep...
Exploring molecules, solving global challenges.
Research is central to the student experience in Chemistry and Biochemistry, giving you invaluable opportunities to investigate chemical processes, study biological systems at the molecular level, and contribute to innovative solutions in medicine, environmental science, materials development, and forensic analysis. With access to well-equipped research laboratories in Turner Hall, you’ll work alongside expert faculty who will guide you through projects that build technical proficiency and scientific confidence.
Advance Your Path in Chemistry and Biochemistry
Strengthen your academic journey with opportunities designed to enhance research experience, career preparation, and student success. The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers special programs that support undergraduate research, academic development, and professional growth, with some initiatives providing financial assistance for selected participants.
Scholarship Opportunities
American Chemical Society Catalyst Scholarship
Undergraduate scholarships to support students – the scientists of tomorrow who will use the transforming power of chemistry to address global challenges.
Department of Defense STEM Scholarship
The Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program is a unique opportunity for STEM students to advance their education and jumpstart their careers. SMART provides merit-based scholarships to bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral students pursuing STEM degrees.
Virginia Space Grant Consortium Research Scholarships
The Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC) Undergraduate STEM Research Scholarship Program provides awards of up to $8,500 to rising juniors and seniors who are enrolled full-time in a program of study in STEM and have a specific faculty-mentored research project that has NASA or aerospace relevance.
How to Get Started
Let your advisor know you’d like to explore the opportunities listed above. Together, you can review your academic progress, clarify your career goals, and map out a personalized timeline.
Our Team Members
Dr. Kesete Ghebreyessus
Chairperson, Professor
Our research focuses on the design and synthesis of novel photo-responsive hybrid organic-inorganic materials. We use tunable arylazopyrazole based molecular switches to synthesize photo-switchable materials for application in switchable catalysis, soft nanoscale materials development, photo-pharmacology, and solar energy storage. The ongoing research activities are inspired by using light to achieve desired structure-function relationships of the photoactive materials.
- Photo-responsive supramolecular soft materials and photomechanical actuators
- Hybrid organic-inorganic materials for catalytic and biological applications
- Nanomaterials synthesis and characterization
Professional Experiences
- 2023-present Chair and Associate Professor, Hampton University, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
- 2018 – 2023 Associate Professor, Hampton University, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
- 2005 – 2017 Assistant Professor, Hampton University, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
- 2003 – 2005 Postdoctoral Research Associate, Iowa State University
- 1998 – 2003 Research/teaching assistant, University of Nevada-Reno
- 1996 – 1998 Research/teaching assistant, Clark Atlanta University
Teaching Experiences
- Associate Professor: 2018-present Hampton University Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
- Assistant Professor: 2005-2017 Hampton University Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
- Instructor: undergraduate general chemistry for science majors Iowa State University Ames, IA Fall term 2004
- 1998-2003: Teaching assistant, introductory general chemistry and advanced inorganic chemistry lab courses, University of Nevada-Reno, NV.
- 1996-1998: Teaching assistant, introductory general chemistry lab courses, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA.
Professional Societies
- American Chemical Society (2000 – present)
- American Chemical Society Inorganic Division (2000-present)
- American Chemical Society Hampton roads local section (2005-present)
Honors and Awards
- 2016-2017 Nomination for the Edward L. Hamm Jr. distinguished teaching award Hampton University
- Outstanding performance on graduate research award Department of Chemistry, University of Nevada-Reno (2003)
- Special recognition and award for participating in a student poster competition, US department of Energy (1998)
External Funding
- Granting Agency: National Science Foundation (NSF)
- Targeted Infusing Project: Integrating Chemistry Research with Analytical and Forensic Chemistry Education to Enhance Undergraduate Research, Pedagogy, and Workforce Development
- PI: Kesete Ghebreyessus; Amount: $399,940.00; Time period: Sept 2025- Aug 2028
- Granting Agency: National Science Foundation (NSF)
- Title: Major Instrumentation-Single Crystal X-ray Diffractometer for research and Education at an HBCU
- Co-PI: Kesete Ghebreyessus; Amount: $349,989.00; Time period: Sept 2021- Aug 2024
- Granting Agency: National Science Foundation
- Title: Hampton-Brandeis Partnership for Research and Education in Materials (PREM-NSF)
- Co-PI: Kesete Ghebreyessus Amount: $3.6 mil; Time period: Sept 2018- Aug 2024
- Granting Agency: Army Research Office (ARO)
- Title: Inorganic perovskite materials for optoelectronic applications
- Co-PI: Kesete Ghebreyessus; Amount: $600,000; Time period: Sept 2018- Aug 2022
- Granting Agency: National Science Foundation (NSF)
- Title: Hampton-Brandeis Partnership for Research and Education in Materials (PREM)
- Thrust II Lead: Kesete Ghebreyessus
- Amount: $1.26 mil; Time period: Sept 2015- Aug 2018
- Granting Agency: Army Research Office (ARO)-Major Instrumentation
- Title: Purchase of Microwave Reactors for Implementation of Small-scale Microwave-accelerated Organic Chemistry Laboratory Program in Undergraduate Curriculum and Synthetic Chemistry Research at HU
- Co-PI: Kesete Ghebreyessus; Amount: $223,376; Time period: Sept 2014- Aug 2016
- Granting Agency: Hampton University Faculty Research Fund Title: Photo-switchable Metal-based Anticancer Agents
- PI: Kesete Ghebreyessus; Amount: $5000, Time period: Sept 2013- Aug 2015
- Granting Agency: National Science Foundation (NSF)-Major Research Instrumentation
- Title: Purchase of 400 MHz Magnetic Resonance Instrument for Teaching and Research at HU
- Co-PI: Kesete Ghebreyessus; Amount: $308, 800.00; Time period: Sept 2007- Aug 2010
- Granting Agency: National Science Foundation (NSF)
- Title: Center of Research Excellence in Science and Technology (CREST)
- Senior Personnel: Kesete Ghebreyessus
- Amount: $10.0 mil; Time period: Sept 2006- Aug 2011
- Granting Agency: American Chemical Society Scholars Program Title: Undergraduate student scholarship; Amount: $30,000; time 2017-2020
- Granting Agency: United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Title: Undergraduate student scholarship; Amount: $25,000; time 2010-2012
Dr. Addmore Shonhai
Professor
Areas of Expertise: Proteins of Malaria and E. coli, Nanoparticles
Mr. Ashton Smith
Administrative Assistant
Dr. Bhausaheb Dhokale
Assistant Professor
Areas of Expertise: Organic Chemistry, Electrochemistry, Membranes, and Photochemistry
Dr. Edmund Moses Ndip
Professor
Areas of Expertise: Physical Chemistry, Computational Materials Science, Molecular Spectroscopy, Computer Assisted Instruction
Dr. Graham Chakafana
Assistant Professor
Areas of Expertise: Protein Structure and Function, Drug Discovery
Dr. Insu Hahn
Associate Professor
Areas of Expertise: Biomedical proteomics, lipidomics, and metabolomics using mass spectrometry; computational chemistry of biochemical molecules, and medicinal and natural product chemistry.
Dr. Isai T. Urasa
Professor Emeritus
Areas of Expertise: Analytical and Environmental Chemistry
Mr. Karl von Schmidt-Pauli
Laboratory Manager
Dr. Mengistu Shukare
Assistant Professor
Dr. Michelle Kimberly Waddell
Assistant Professor
Areas of Expertise: Peptide synthesis, organic synthesis, bio-organic chemistry and chemistry education
Dr. Muhammad Malik
Assistant Professor
Areas of Expertise: Cold Plasma, Organic Ion-exchangers
Dr. Peter N. Njoki
Professor
Areas of Expertise: Nanoscience, Materials chemistry, Catalysis, Renewable Energy, Electrochemistry and Nano-Forensic Chemistry
Dr. Thabiso Kunene
Assistant Professor
Areas of Expertise: Electroanalytical Chemistry, Electrochemical Atomic Layer Deposition, Vapor Phase Synthesis and Atomic Layer Deposition
Dr. Yohannes Getahun
Assistant Professor
Areas of Expertise: Material Chemistry and Nanotechnology
Your support fuels innovation in the School of Science. Contributions help create state‑of‑the‑art learning environments by funding new laboratories and providing advanced equipment that empowers students and faculty to push the boundaries of research and technology.