Department of Chemistry
Meet Our Students
BARRINGTON HENRY - Senior
Barrington Henry is a senior transfer student. He is an NIH-RISE Scholar. He conducts research in Dr. Alexander Samokhvalov's physical chemistry laboratory. His latest research abstract was entitled: "Synthesis, Purification, and Characterization of Aluminum Metal-Organic Framework MIL-160(Al) and Its Application in Chemotherapy".
Barrington in his own words...
Why did you choose chemistry as your major?
I didn't choose chemistry, chemistry chose me 😉.
What are the most important lessons you learned from chemistry?
Chemistry has taught me to keep an open mind and heart while traveling throughout life. Chemistry is more than just chemicals and drugs; it is the basis for the physical realm. Personally, I believe that if people are introduced to some of the more in-depth topics during youth, then their perspective on life would be completely altered.
How has being a chemistry major benefit you?
Being a chemistry major is proving to be worth my while as many new opportunities constantly arise. These opportunities include paid internships, attending conferences all expenses paid, and eventually a fully-funded Ph.D. degree.
Have you received any internship or job opportunities through the chemistry department?
Actually, I have received many opportunities through the chemistry department. In February 2020 I was fortunate enough to receive a paid internship offer which included becoming a part of the NIGMS-RISE organization. This is an excellent program where you can hone your skills and grow into the professional that you envision yourself as four years down the line. These experienced mentors teach with passion while cultivating a loving and supportive environment. Members get opportunities to travel to conferences and present their research findings both regionally and nationally. This circle is filled with winners 💯.
NYAH JOHNSON - Senior
Nyah Johnson is a senior chemistry major at Morgan State University. She is a participant in the LSAMP program. She conducts with Dr. McCarthy, associate professor, in the biochemistry lab. Nyah recently won 2nd Place at the Annual National Technical Association for her research with Dr.McCarthy. Her presentation was entitled: "A One-pot Enzymatic Synthesis of CMP-Sialic Acid Derivatives as Substrates for the Neisseria Meningitidis Serogroup W Capsule Polymerase".
See what Nyah has to say about her time at Morgan...
Which class have you most enjoyed?
My favorite class had to be Organic Chemistry, and when some people hear that they're like yeah she's crazy but Organic was the part of chemistry that really molded me into a better person. I was genuinely passionate about studying for it, and my professor was amazing at teaching it. I also enjoyed biochemistry, everything was well explained and studying was a breeze. Those two classes were definitely my most interesting and favorite classes.
What are some of the challenges of being a chemistry major?
In my opinion some of the challenges that come with being a chemistry major is lack of resiliency. You HAVE to be resilient, you have to be determined and you have to have confidence. I had none of these things but once I began to develop it I felt myself growing educationally. Chemistry can be tough, and you really have to be steadfast to accomplish it. There were many times when I wanted to switch majors and I mean I didn't care that it would keep me in school longer however, my mentors kept me grounded and staying was the best decision I could've ever made.
What do you enjoy most about chemistry?
My favorite part about chemistry would have to be understanding what I'm learning. Chemistry can be tough and accomplishing the goal of understanding really keeps me going. I also enjoy getting a deeper meaning of different processes, it answer's the why's that so often pop up in my head.
Have you received any internship or job opportunities through the chemistry department?
The Chemistry department has offered me so many opportunities and I will never stop being grateful for them. I've worked in the chemistry department in the main office providing assistance wherever needed, the department has offered me a job opportunity in a research lab AND access to a summer program cultivating my skills in research and presenting at conferences not to mention all these opportunities were paid. I owe a lot of my success to the Chemistry department.
Contact Information
Interim Chairperson:
Dr. Fasil Abebe
Graduate Program Coordinator:
Dr. Santosh Mandal
Administrative Assistant:
Morgan State University
Department of Chemistry
Spencer 318
1700 E. Cold Spring Lane
Baltimore, MD 21251
P: 443-885-3115
F: 443-885-8286
E: Email the Department
Contact Information
Interim Chairperson:
Dr. Fasil Abebe
Graduate Program Coordinator:
Dr. Santosh Mandal
Administrative Assistant:
Morgan State University
Department of Chemistry
Spencer 318
1700 E. Cold Spring Lane
Baltimore, MD 21251
P: 443-885-3115
F: 443-885-8286
E: Email the Department