Grow Beyond the Lab
Scholarships
Semmes Distinguished Scholars in Science Scholarship
Trinity University selects two or three outstanding incoming first-year students to be Semmes Distinguished Scholars in Science. This full-tuition scholarship, designed for four years of undergraduate study, is accompanied by a $5,000 stipend for research, materials, and professional travel. The scholarship is renewable provided awarded students maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA and major in a STEM field.
McGavock Scholarship
Provided to one junior and one senior major in the chemistry department each year in recognition of academic performance and need.
McNair Scholars Program
Provides funding for undergraduate research and an array of academic and career counseling services and cultural enrichment experiences to prepare well-qualified undergraduate students for success in doctoral studies, starting in the sophomore year.
Learn more about our scholarships
Study Abroad
The chemistry course requirements are highly sequential and so careful, advanced planning must be made in order to accomplish a semester of study abroad.
Develop a deep understanding of international issues through intercultural learning in a complex world.
Today, cross-cultural understanding is as much a practical necessity as an educational standard. Study abroad is an embodiment of the liberal arts ideals and a sign of the initiative and breadth often looked for by employers.
Student Organizations
Students have opportunities to get involved with activities through several organizations on-campus. These service organizations promote scientific literacy, public outreach, career and professional development, inclusion and diversity, and faculty/student interaction.
- American Chemical Society Student Affiliates (Chemistry Club)
- American Institute for Chemical Engineers
- American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Trinity Women in Science and Technology (TWIST).
Lecture Series and Events
Chemistry Seminars
The department maintains a regular chemistry seminar program that hosts a range of scientists who spend the day on campus visiting with students and faculty and delivering a seminar. These weekly chemistry and biochemistry seminars are held on Thursdays at 4 p.m. in CSI 437.
William Crews McGavock Lecture Series and Symposium Day
Every year, the chemistry department hosts one or more distinguished scientists as part of the William Crews McGavock Lecture Series, and we host a distinguished alumnus for the McGavock Symposium Day celebration.
William Crews McGavock, former chair of the chemistry department and the professor who established the chemistry major, was active in academia and campus life at Trinity from 1939-1972. The McGavock Lecture Series honors his dedication to chemistry and scientific education.
McGavock Lecturers have included:
- 2024 Prof. Rigoberto Hernandez, John Hopkins University
- 2023 Prof. Squire Booker, Penn State
Prof. Amanda Hargrove, Duke University
Student Awards and Recognition
Outstanding Achievement Awards
The chemistry department awards students for outstanding performance in general chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, and biochemistry courses, as well as for outstanding service as a laboratory assistant, peer tutor, and/or stockroom assistant.
Graduating Senior Awards
In addition, there are several awards to recognize the achievements of graduating seniors in coursework, research, and service, including the top departmental honor, the William Crews McGavock Award for Outstanding Research.