JBU’s chemistry program encourages independent thought and creativity, gives practice in the experimental method, and provides training in laboratory techniques.
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Students can work with faculty on their research initiatives or conduct their own undergraduate research projects to ultimately publish in national scientific journals.
JBU labs are capped at 20 students so that professors can provide students with focused guidance.
JBU labs use state-of-the-art technology and tools for research and exploration: an aquarium, a greenhouse, radioisotope lab, tissue culture lab, research lab, and an anatomy and physiology lab.
Human anatomy students participate in cadaver dissection. JBU is one of only two universities in the state of Arkansas that make cadaver dissection available to undergraduate students.
JBU has two course tracks for students interested in the medical field: Pre-Professional Studies for areas of medicine, dentistry, optometry, veterinary medicine, etc., and Allied Heath for fields like nursing, physician's assistant, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.
Chemistry students can scuba dive in the Florida Keys, experiment on human and animal organ systems, and learn surgical procedures and experimental manipulation of live non-human vertebrate specimens.
Over 75 percent of JBU students who apply to schools of health professions are accepted. The success rate approaches 100 percent upon reapplication the following year.
Bell Science Hall, located on the west side of campus, is the home to most chemistry classes and labs.
The lobby in Bell Science Hall is a common area for students to gather to study and hang out.
The Chemistry Department makes multiple lab environments available to students, including a General Chemistry Lab, an Organic Lab, an Instrumental Lab, and a research room.
All lab equipment is made available to students in the classroom and for undergraduate research.
Dr. Susan Newton served as faculty at John Brown University from 1991 to 1994 and returned to teaching in 2005. Dr. Newton's courses include Organic Chemistry class, Earth Science, Physical Science, Inorganic Chemistry and Biochemistry classes.
Dr. Newton was drawn to the study of Chemistry because of the incredible evidence of design. As she continues learning in the field she more deeply affirms that what exists in nature did not come about by random coincidence.
The classroom is not just a place of work for Dr. Newton, but a place to fulfill a calling in her life. She appreciates that other professors in the division also see their position as something more than just a job.
To make learning chemistry fun, Dr. Newton incorporates practicality and competition to keep her students attention. She applies the principals of chemistry to things they will see in daily life, and creates competition through drills that require students to recall information taught in class.
In 2015, Dr. Jill Ellenbarger joined the Division of Natural Science as an Assistant Professor of Chemistry. Dr. Ellenbarger teaches General Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Fundamentals of Chemistry, and Physical Science. Through teaching and research, she engages with her students to help them expand their understanding and love of chemistry and to encourage them to consider the integration of their faith and study of science.
As a professor of chemistry, she is inspired by her love for architecture and supramolecular chemistry. Dr. Ellenbarger has enjoyed leading a student research team in designing urea-based receptors to selectively identify anionic water contaminants. She delights in mentoring students as they learn to solve these challenges using computational chemistry methods.
When not in the classroom, Dr. Ellenbarger appreciates anything that involves creativity, ice cream, and the outdoors.
Dean of Faculty DevelopmentDirector, Office for the Advancement of Teaching, Learning, and ScholarshipProfessor of Chemistry
Dr. Carla Swearingen came to John Brown University in 2005 as an Assistant Professor of Chemistry. Dr. Swearingen's course load includes General Chemistry I and II, Advanced Analytical Chemistry, Fundamentals of Chemistry, Physical Science.
Dr. Swearingen works with undergraduate students on an ongoing research project looking at nanotechnology. The students, together with Dr. Swearingen, modify gold nanotubes to detect low levels of environmental contaminants.
Chemistry caught Dr. Swearingen's interest because of the fulfillment she fills when she can answer the question "Why?" She uses her detail orientation to study the world at its smallest level.
Dr. Swearingen is excited to incorporate her faith into the study of Chemistry and pass that passion on to students. She seeks to glorify God as a chemist by educating the next generation of scientists, honoring creation by seeking environmentally sensitive chemistry methods, and pursuing the application of science to meet community
Jordan Rowe graduated from the natural sciences department at JBU and is in the third year of pharmacy school at the University of Arkansas (Little Rock). She also works as a pharmacy intern in a community pharmacy. “My education at JBU helped me be prepared for the level of difficulty and the pace of pharmacy school,” Rowe said. “I was able to score well on the PCAT which gave me my pick of the pharmacy schools where I applied.”
“I had the opportunity to compare JBU’s program to that of a state school in the U.S. and a national institution in Germany," she said. "In comparison, JBU promotes a much stronger learning interface and guarantees a more hands-on education by encouraging independent thought and creativity.” Rebecca is currently working with nanoreactor adhesive chemistry at Henkel International in Germany.
Biotechnology depends on the ability to alter chemical structures for materials and organisms like agriculture, livestock, pharmaceuticals, or other industries.
This job requires managing technical chemical information for researchers, industry professionals, students, and professors.
A degree in chemistry lays a solid foundation for any medical career. Students interested in further medical training have the option of joining one JBU's pre-medical studies tracks.
Government agencies, private industries, pharmaceutical companies and independent researchers look for students with a solid science foundation.
Forestry, environmental management, renewable energy or environmental research are all possible options for those interested in the field of ecology.
Students can easily use their knowledge in chemistry for non-profit organizations that deal with agricultural, ecological, or environmental humanitarian work.
Prepare to conduct research and educate others about chemistry. To teach chemistry on a collegiate level, an advanced degree is required.
Many students choose to continue their study in a particular field of interest with an advanced degree.
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