Department of Chemistry and Geosciences

Faculty

BRUCE HEYEN (2016)
  Professor of Chemistry; Chair, Department of Chemistry and Geosciences
B.S., 1986, Abilene Christian University
M.S., 1988, Northwestern University
Ph.D., 1991, Northwestern University

CHARLES CARRIGAN (2004)
  Professor of Geology and Chemistry
B.S., 1996, Olivet Nazarene University
M.S., 2000, Vanderbilt University
Ph.D., 2005, University of Michigan

WILLA HARPER (2005)
  Professor of Chemistry
B.S., 1991, Olivet Nazarene University
Ph.D., 2002, Northern Illinois University

STEPHEN CASE (2008)
  Associate Professor of Astronomy
B.S., 2005, Olivet Nazarene University
M.A., 2007, University of Mississippi
Ph.D., 2014, University of Notre Dame

LUCAS HENDERSON (2023)
  Assistant Professor of Chemistry
B.S., 2017, Purdue University
Ph.D., 2023, Indiana University

MADELINE SHEPLEY (2023)
  Assistant Professor of Chemistry
B.S., 2017, Indiana University
M.S., 2023, Ball State University

The Department of Chemistry and Geosciences exists to provide instruction in Chemistry, Geology, Astronomy, Geography, and general Physical Science. Students develop logical thinking through application of scientific methodology. Harmonious integration of the physical sciences with personal faith is emphasized.

Career opportunities are very strong in Chemistry and Geology, specifically:

Chemistry graduates find success in chemical industry, medical fields, as well as education. Many graduates have gone on to earn a Ph.D. or a health professional degree. Chemistry majors have access to many instrumental techniques such as infrared, ultraviolet-visible, NMR, GC-MS, chromatography, microwave plasma atomic emission, fluorescence, and electrochemistry.  Geology graduates enter a variety of fields, including consulting, environmental, water resources, engineering, government agencies, petroleum and mineral industries, service industries, missions and education. Crises in energy, water, mineral resources, and earth hazards, as well as increased environmental concerns, place geologists in high demand. Olivet’s program is a balance of theory, lab skills and techniques, fieldwork and research. Department resources include a rock lab; collections of rocks, minerals and fossils; map and library holdings; many field and lab instruments for gathering geological data; telescopes and a planetarium. Sixty percent of Olivet’s geology graduates have earned graduate degrees.

The Department of Chemistry and Geosciences serves several groups of students:

1. Those interested in Chemistry who plan to enter the workplace directly, go on to graduate school, teach chemistry or gain necessary background for their career or general knowledge.
2. Students interested in medical and pharmaceutical professions.
3. Those choosing Geology as a career choice with entry directly from college, to enter a graduate program, to teach Earth and Space Science, or gain background needed for their own interests or majors.
4. Those choosing Geography or Environmental Science as a career choice to enter the workplace or graduate school.
5. Those choosing Forensic Science for a career will be employed in the field or entering a graduate program.
6. Those majoring in Elementary Education, Nursing, Biology, Engineering and other areas of study.
7. Those satisfying a laboratory General Education requirement (any of the introductory lab courses in the department).

Programs

• Chemistry Major, B.A.
• Chemistry Major, B.S.
• Earth and Space Sciences Major, B.A.
• Environmental Science Major, B.S.
• Geography Major, B.A.
• Geological Sciences Major, B.S.
• Physical Sciences Major, B.S.
• Science Education Major, B.S.

• Chemistry Minor
• Geography Minor
• Geological Sciences Minor