Student and Alumni Stories

Nicholas Parenti, MCS ’23

Biological Chemistry
Research Specialist, Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania

Hear how Nicholas Parenti leveraged his capstone and coursework into opportunities including grant-funded research, awards, and a fellowship.

Read Nick’s story >

Honey Shah, MCS ’23

Organic chemistry
Researcher, The Wistar Institute

Discover how Honey supports her chemical studies—as an engaged member of the Penn community and as the recipient of a 2022 Axalta Bright Futures scholarship.

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Brian Roberts, MCS ’19

Organic Chemistry

Discover how conducting biochemical research in a local lab gave Brian Roberts a deeper understanding of the scientific process.

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Michael Persun, MCS '17

Environmental and Organic Chemistry
Chemistry Instructor, US Coast Guard Academy

Gain insight from Michael on professors, extracurricular activities and the incredible guest speakers and lecturers who come to Penn.

Watch Michael's video >

Jungmi Park, MCS ’19

Materials-Organic Chemistry
PhD candidate, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Explore how Jungmi Park applies organic chemistry methods to her capstone research in an inorganic nanomaterials lab at Penn.

Read Jungmi’s story >

Yannan Lin, MCS ‘17

Bio-inorganic Chemistry
PhD candidate, University of Pennsylvania

Learn about faculty-to-student and peer-to-peer relationships from Yannan, an international student from China.

Watch Yannan's video >

Rahul Goel, MCS '17

Organic Chemistry
Director, Mahima Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd.

Hear about professional development opportunities, on-campus research groups and the work Rahul is doing in medical science.

Watch Rahul's video >

Zhenyao Fang, MCS ’19

Physical Chemistry
PhD candidate, University of Pennsylvania

Learn how computational methods help Zhenyao Fang bridge chemistry and physics in a theoretical chemistry lab at Penn.

Read Zhenyao’s story >

Katherine Elbert, MCS '16

Materials
2017 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow
Senior Research Specialist, Dow Chemical Company

Discover Katherine’s advice on carving a career path and taking advantage of the program’s interdisciplinary curriculum.

Watch Katherine’s video >

Suzanne Dettling, MCS ’19

Organic Chemistry
Specialist, Global Vaccine Technical Operations at Merck

Find out what Suzanne Dettling learned from combining her master’s in organic chemistry with an interest in neuroscience.

Read Suzanne’s story >

Aaron Brodsky, MCS ’23

Biological Chemistry
Research Specialist, Clinical Vector Core, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

Learn how Aaron’s part-time studies enhance his full-time work, and vice versa, in the cutting-edge field of gene therapy.

Read Aaron’s story >

Trisha Bhagde, MCS ’19

Physical Chemistry
PhD candidate, University of Pennsylvania

See how physical chemistry crystallized Trisha Bhagde’s academic ambitions and drive to research atmospheric change.

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Theoretical and technical expertise

A blend of core concentration courses and electives allows students to create an individualized academic schedule.

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Am I eligible to apply?

Admissions to the master's program is highly selective. Learn more about applicant qualifications.

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Creating the right chemistry

See how our Master of Chemical Sciences program makes it possible for students to link their academics to industry experience.

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