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Math, Science, and Technology

Chemistry

Merritt Chemistry

Chemistry is the science of the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter, especially of atomic and molecular systems. Students may take courses to prepare for a chemistry major, fulfill general education requirements, and meet prerequisites for related courses and programs.

Department Overview

Chemistry is the science of the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter, especially of atomic and molecular systems. Students may take courses to prepare for a chemistry major, to fulfill general education requirements, and to meet prerequisites for related courses and programs.

Chemistry is a central and significant program on campus. The mission of the chemistry department is to provide students with a strong foundation in chemistry in an accessible, engaging manner. This foundation aims to serve students in their future programs of study and aligns with all aspects of the college's mission statement.

Career options include the medical, health, engineering, industrial, governmental, environmental, and teaching fields.

Faculty & Staff

Jennifer Shanoski, Ph.D.

Jennifer ShanoskiBuilding S-410
jshanoski@peralta.edu
(510) 436-2620

(Mason) You-Chi Wu
Bob Holloway
Kaitlin Duffey, M.Sc.

Kaitlin Duffeykduffey@peralta.edu

Kaitlin fell in love with chemistry during her freshman year at the University of South Carolina. Her academic journey led her to building lasers, growing plankton, working at a synchrotron, and flying on a NASA plane. However, she found her true passion in teaching. Kaitlin received her Master’s Degree in Chemistry from UC Berkeley in 2013 and has been teaching at Merritt College ever since. She loves putting complex ideas into simple language, integrating art and science, and making chemistry fun. When she is not teaching she can be found dancing, cooking, practicing guitar, or looking at bugs.

Beverly Symmank
Laura Cooper, M.Sc.
Corey Meadows
Isaac Stormer
Jacob Schlegel
John Kluesener
Joseph Lipson

Contact Information

Arja McCray

Department Co-Chair
Arja McCray, Ph.D.
Building S-426
amccray@peralta.edu
(510) 436-2584

Jennifer Shanoski

Department Co-Chair
Jennifer Shanoski
jshanoski@peralta.edus

Diane Chang

Interim Dean of Division II: Math, Science, Technology, and Allied Health
Diane Chang
Building S-441
dtchang@peralta.edu
(510) 436-2426

Assistant to the Dean
Aaliyah Anderson
aaliyahanderson@peralta.edu
Building S-438
(510) 436-2409

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