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Basic Sciences Division

CHEMISTRY

Cadet in chemistry lab

Study the foundational principles of matter and energy that enable the U.S. Air Force to maintain technological superiority and enjoy the opportunity to conduct basic research impacting the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force and our DoD partners.

ABOUT US

From developing the materials that extend the life of our aircraft fleet, to understanding space sensor and satellite technology, to analyzing chemical and biological warfare data, chemistry is critical to Air Force and Space Force operational mission success and is at the forefront of many research programs.

Through the core curriculum, the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Department of Chemistry provides all cadets with a fundamental education in chemistry. Our department also provides a comprehensive curriculum for cadets interested in chemistry, biochemistry or engineering chemistry to pursue positions in research, development, graduate school or medical/dental school.

For an undergraduate-only institution, our laboratory facilities and equipment inventory are among the best in the country, including a broad range of state-of-the-art instruments that support learning and research efforts.

Chemistry Faculty and Staff

MAJORS & MINORS


Department News News From Around The Department


August 13, 2024

Medical minor ensures cadets remain prepared for grad school

Cadet 1st Class Kayla Kirkbride conducts research in the U.S. Air Force Academy Department of Biology Aug. 5, 2024. In addition to her Biology major, she is also pursuing a minor in the newly available Pre-Health Professions. The minor makes cadets more competitive when pursuing a graduate program in the medical, dental, nursing, physician assistant and physical therapy tracks. (U.S. Air Force photo by Dylan Smith) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – The Pre-Health Professions minor makes cadets more competitive for medical or dental graduate programs. The U.S. Air Force Academy...

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May 17, 2024

People-centered cadet discovers new mindset at Academy

Cadet 1st Class Abigail Worley poses for a photo in Polaris Hall May 8, 2024. Worley will graduate from the U.S. Air Force Academy May 30 with a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Zachary Vaughn) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – When Cadet 1st Class Abigail Worley graduates May 30, she will leave the U.S. Air Force Academy with more than a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry. She will take a new set of leadership skills and teamwork mentality into her U.S. Air Force medical officer...

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January 26, 2024

27-year chemistry professor puts cadets first

Dr. Kimberly Gardner, U.S. Air Force Academy associate chemistry professor, poses for a photo in a conference room on the Academy campus in Colorado Springs Jan. 21, 2024. (U.S. Air Force photo by Rayna Schmidt) By Katherine Spessa U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - In a conference room nestled among the classrooms and academic laboratories of Gregory Hall, cadets bring their individual readings to the table. The unique class Dr. Kimberly Gardner is teaching is more of a discussion than a lecture. The cadets choose their topics and what they read. Today, the discussion...

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HQ USAFA/DFC
2355 Fairchild Drive, Suite 2N-225
United States Air Force Academy, CO 80840
(719) 333-2960 | DSN 333-2960
(719) 333-2947 | DSN 333-2947