LSU Chemistry Alumni
Where do our graduates go?
Our alumni are today’s pioneers in cutting-edge research at top chemical companies, universities, and colleges around the globe. They lead both as company presidents and academically as department chairs.
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51%
of PhD graduates since 2010 pursued careers in academia.
44%
of PhD graduates since 2010 pursued careers in industry.
Featured Alumni
LSU alums imbue teaching with the spirit of song and science
When LSU alumni Javoris Hollingsworth and Arlene Gordon-Hollingsworth had difficulty finding diverse and representative educational media for their children to watch, they took matters into their own hands, creating the animated internet series Gracie's Corner.
Elizabeth Balapitiya
PhD (LSU 2015)
Sr. RD&E Group Leader, Nalco Water | An Ecolab Company
Science started as a culinary experience for LSU alumna Dr. Elizabeth (Conner) Balapitiya. Throughout her childhood, each new recipe was a project that helped her develop a taste for science. Learn what influenced her decision to pursue a career in chemistry and her advice for current and incoming graduate students. | Learn more
Simon M. Mwongela
PhD (LSU 2005)
Associate Professor of Chemistry, Georgia Gwinnett College
For LSU alumnus Simon Mwongela, cultivating a love of science was a home-grown affair. Learn more about Dr. Mwongela, his research, and how he is preparing the next generation of chemists. | Learn more
Marc Loudon
BS (LSU 1964), PhD (University of California at Berkeley 1968)
Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs, College of Pharmacy, Nursing, and Health Sciences, Purdue University (retired)
Born and raised in Baton Rouge, a young Marc Loudon was a talented pianist and an aspiring musician. However, a high school chemistry teacher from Baton Rouge High, Mr. Hargrove, encouraged Loudon to pursue chemistry in college. In 1960, Loudon graduated from Baton Rouge High and enrolled at Louisiana State University as a chemistry major. | Read more
Kristie Adams
BS (LSU), PhD (LSU)
President and CEO of Steelyard Analytics
Dr. Adams is the President and CEO of Steelyard Analytics, the US daughter company of Spectral Service AG, based in Köln, Germany. Her story demonstrates resilience, passion, and determination. She never gave up on her dream and continues to change the world, one NMR sample at a time. | Read more
Andrés Villalpando
PhD (LSU 2016)
Plant Chemist, ExxonMobil Baton Rouge Chemical Plant
Near LSU’s main campus is ExxonMobil’s Baton Rouge Chemical Plant. Each year, the plant produces millions of gallons of isopropyl alcohol (IPA), a key ingredient in many disinfectant sprays, alcohol wipes, and medical hand sanitizers. In fact, ExxonMobil’s Baton Rouge Chemical Plant is home to the largest IPA production in the world. LSU Chemistry alumnus Andrés Villalpando serves as Plant Chemist for the IPA unit at the ExxonMobil Baton Rouge Chemical Plant. | Learn more