Special Programs and Opportunities

Seminar Series

Neckers Lecture Series 

The James and Jeanette Neckers Lectureship and Student Assistance Fund was established in 1984 by Dr. James W. and Jeanette Hoffman Neckers (’23) to support annual lectureships in chemistry. Through additional gifts from Dr. Neckers, the fund was expanded to include student summer research stipends and student scholarships. Take a look at the calendar for the schedule of these lectures.

Gentile Lectures

An annual interdisciplinary lectureship fund honors Dr. James Gentile, the former Dean for Natural and Applied Sciences. Take a look at the calendar for information on upcoming Gentile Lectures.

View all upcoming chemistry events 

Student Research

Collaborative Research

We’re one of the first colleges in the country to offer undergraduate student/faculty collaborative research in chemistry. A strong research program is integral to our department, and we offer many opportunities for students to participate.

Summer Research

Hope also offers paid research opportunities during the summer months through our Summer Undergraduate Research Function (SURF) program. For the past 25 years, Hope College has had a continually funded program through the National Science Foundation: Research Experiences for Undergraduates (NSF-REU). We host over 45 chemistry research students every summer, with more than a dozen research groups in chemistry.

Learn more about chemistry research opportunities  

Internships and Off-Campus Study

Are you looking for an internship in chemistry? Contact the internship coordinator at the Boerigter Center for Calling and Career to begin your search.

There are many off-campus study opportunities available to chemistry majors, including the Philadelphia Center program. Talk to your academic advisor and stop by the Fried Center for Global Engagement to plan for your off-campus study experience. In the past 10 years, over 100 chemistry majors have studied abroad through the campus May/June term program or for a full semester. Students have obtained chemistry training in Scotland, Germany, Sweden and Australia and general education requirements through numerous campus offerings.

Check out our off-campus study opportunities 

Student Clubs

Chemistry Club

Our student-run Chemistry Club is almost a century old. Started in 1924, the original goal was to promote fellowship among students. Dr. VanZyl acted as advisor to the first group of students. Today, our traditions continue. We welcome all Hope students — not just chemistry majors — to join us in volunteer work, science experiments with young students and group outings. Contact us at chemclub@hope.edu or on Facebook.

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) Club 

The student-led BMB Club volunteers in the Holland community, creates scientific activities for elementary students, meets to discuss biochemistry research and hosts off-campus speakers in biochemistry. The BMB Club was recently awarded a grant from the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology to support their work. For more information, email bmbclub@hope.edu.

Hope College Women in Science and Engineering Group (WiSE)

WiSE was started in 2017 to support and encourage female students in the sciences. WiSE activities include social events, community outreach and professional development. WiSE has hosted brunches and Thanksgiving socials bringing together students and faculty, as well as panel discussions with women professionals and young alumni. For more information, email wisehope@hope.edu.

Fostering a Community of Excellence in Science (FACES)

The FACES Mentoring Program at Hope College helps students to begin making connections and to get the support and guidance that they need. Our peer mentoring program eases the transition to the academic and social environment of Hope College and the Natural and Applied Sciences Division for underrepresented freshmen students and transfer students by providing one-to-one mentoring relationships and activities. For more information, email FACES@hope.edu.

additional student opportunities

Academic Success Center

Campus-wide office that empowers students with resources, skills, and knowledge to succeed. In addition, the Department of Chemistry works closely with the ASC to provide several special programs for first and second-year students.

Related Student Clubs

• Club Animalia — pre-vet club and a club for students who love animals 
• Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED) — pre-med club
• Tri-Beta Biology Club
• Mortar Board National Honor Society

RECENT Chemistry Double Major/Minors

• Business
• Biology
• Computer Science
• Dance
• Physics
• Language - Spanish, French, German
• Mathematics
• Ministry
• Music

Varsity and Club Sports Pursued by Chemistry Majors

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross country
• Football
• Soccer
• Hockey
• Track and field
• Swimming
• Lacrosse
• Volleyball
• Tennis
• Golf
• Ultimate frisbee

Other On-Campus Fun

Intramural sports, The Pull, Nykerk, and SO much more!