1. Careers in Organic Chemistry Dr
Careers in Organic Chemistry Dr. Laurie Starkey Chemistry Department Cal Poly Pomona

2. The Periodic Table
Organic Chemistry!

3. What Can I Do with a Chemistry Degree?
B.S. Chemistry
Medical
School
Pharmacy
School
Vet School
Law School
Job in
Industry
Graduate School
(M.S. or Ph.D.)

4. Organic Chemistry's Biggest Hits
Shelter
Paint and coatings
Plastics
Synthetic carpeting

5. Organic Chemistry's Biggest Hits
Transportation
Rubber tires
Plastic components
Antifreeze
Superior lubricants
High-performance and clean-burning gasolines

6. Organic Chemistry's Biggest Hits
Recreation
High-strength, advanced materials
tennis rackets, skis,
golf clubs, golf balls,
rollerblades, bicycles
CD’s and DVD’s

7. Organic Chemistry's Biggest Hits
Apparel
Synthetic fibers
Cleaning aids
Dyes

8. Organic Chemistry's Biggest Hits
Health and
Beauty
Soaps & Detergents
Pharmaceuticals
Vitamins
Cosmetics and fragrances

9. Organic Chemistry's Biggest Hits
Food
Fertilizers
Plant protection
Preservatives
Packaging
Refrigeration media

10. Organic Chemistry's Biggest Hits
Waste
Waste minimization
Recycling
Sewage treatment
Water treatment
chemicals

11. Understanding Line Drawings

12. Variety of Organic Compounds

13. Flavors & Fragrances

14. Color Chemistry

15. Organic Polymers

16. Taxol: Application of Organic Synthesis

17. Synthesis of Taxol

18. Career Choices vs. Academic Degree

19. Note: you get paid to get your Ph.D. degree!!
About me…
School
Graduated High School
Univ. of Connecticut (B.S. - Chemistry) 1991
UCLA (Ph.D. - Organic Chemistry) 1996
Chemistry-Related Work (while in school)
Chesebrough-Pond’s (Summer Internship) 1989
Bristol-Myers Squibb (Summer Internship) 1990
Bristol-Myers Squibb (Summer Internship) 1991
UCLA Teaching Assistant (TA)
UCLA Research Assistant (RA)
Note: you get paid to get your Ph.D. degree!!
Work after Ph.D.
Cal Poly Pomona (Assistant Professor) 1996
CPP Tenure + Associate Professor Kids born: 2002 and 2004
CPP Full Professor

20. Preparation to be a Chemist
Skills Needed:
Self-motivated, time management
Good math skills
Good with your hands
In College:
Good grades (and GRE)
Take/audit advanced classes
Get to know your professors
Undergraduate research*
Summer internships/REU *
Volunteer work (service)
Join clubs
In High School:
Good grades (and SAT)
AP, honors courses
Get to know your teachers
Summer & part-time jobs
Volunteer work (service)
Extra-curricular activities
All this will build a strong resume and help you get into the job or graduate school of your choice.