United States Air Force Academy

Go to home page
Basic Sciences Division

CHEMISTRY

Cadet in chemistry lab

Study the foundational principles of matter and energy that enable the Air Force to maintain technological superiority and enjoy the opportunity to conduct basic research impacting Air Force, 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


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...

Continue Reading People-centered cadet discovers new mindset at Academy

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...

Continue Reading 27-year chemistry professor puts cadets first

November 14, 2023

Academy cadet selected for postgraduate Rhodes Scholarship

U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet 1st Class Madelyn Letendre was selected for a Rhodes Scholarship, a fully funded postgraduate program in the United Kingdom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Justin Pacheco) U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet 1st Class Madelyn Letendre, Class of 2024, was selected for a highly competitive Rhodes Scholarship, a fully funded postgraduate program in the United Kingdom. The Rhodes Scholarship is the oldest international scholarship program enabling young people from around the world to study at the University of Oxford, according to the program’s website....

Continue Reading Academy cadet selected for postgraduate Rhodes Scholarship

See All News

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