SUPPORT THE CHEMISTRY DEPARTMENT
Empowering Ideas. Inspiring Community. Building the Future
Gifts to the Sal and Judy Russo Biochemistry Research Fund provide summer research support for biochemistry students in the Chemistry Department. Your gift will enable an outstanding faculty-mentored research experience for those students by providing critical funding for student stipends, travel expenses, equipment, lab supplies, and publication costs. Sal will match the sum total of other contributions to the Endowment up to $5000. Thank you!
How Your Gift Makes a Difference
Our General Fund supports a wide range of programs and events that strengthen our community and advance knowledge, including:
Chemistry Department Seminar Series
We host renowned scientists and leading researchers who share cutting-edge discoveries and insights with our students and faculty.
Student Community-Building Events
Workshops, networking events, social gatherings, and collaborative programs that foster connection, mentorship, and belonging.
Educational & Professional Development Programs
Opportunities that enrich learning, spark innovation, and prepare students for future success.
Why Give?
Your contribution helps us:
- Bring world-class speakers to our campus
- Provide meaningful student engagement opportunities
- Create inclusive spaces for collaboration and growth
- Ensure programs remain accessible to all
Every gift—large or small—directly strengthens our academic and student community.
Give Now
Help Us Maintain State-of-the-Art Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Capabilities at WWU
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) is one of the most powerful analytical tools in modern science. From identifying small molecules to structural studies on polymers and proteins, NMR is central to discovery in chemistry, biochemistry, materials science, and related disciplines.
Today, we are seeking your support to help us upgrade our NMR facility, ensuring that our students and researchers continue to thrive with access to state-of-the-art technology.
Impact on Students
Each year, our NMR instrument directly supports:
- Hundreds of undergraduate students in laboratory courses.
- Graduate students conducting thesis and dissertation research.
- Hands-on training in advanced analytical techniques.
- Workforce preparation in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, energy, and materials industries.
Powering Research & Innovation
Our NMR facility supports research across multiple disciplines, including:
- Drug discovery and pharmaceutical development
- Biomolecular structure analysis
- Materials characterization
- Environmental chemistry
- Industry collaborations
Why Upgrade Now?
Our 300 MHz NMR has served our community well, but advancements in NMR technology now offer:
- Enhanced performance and resolution
- Greater automation for student training
- Improved data quality
- Expanded experimental capabilities
To remain at the forefront of education and research, modernization is essential.
Your Gift Makes a Direct Impact
Your support will help fund:
- Instrument acquisition and installation
- Facility improvements
- Student training and research access
- Long-term sustainability of the NMR program
Every contribution helps provide transformative learning experiences and fuels innovative
Make your gift now!
About
The Chemistry Department at Western offers courses for students who plan to major in Chemistry, Biochemistry and other physical, engineering and life sciences programs. The department offers M.S., B.S., and B.A. degrees in chemistry and biochemistry. Our Programs are designed to emphasize the fundamental principles of chemistry and their application to technological, societal, and industrial problems, to develop scientific reasoning, advanced hands-on laboratory skills, and to prepare students for success in graduate/professional programs, government, and industry.
Your Gift Makes A Difference to Our Students...
“2009. It was my freshman year in college, and being a scientist was the last thing I was envisioning for myself. I was a first generation college student, and the only goal I had for myself was to be the first in my family to graduate from college. I wasn't concerned with how or in what field, I would just graduate. 8 years later, and I am an NSF Graduate Research Fellow working on my PhD in biological sciences at Northwestern University-- and I now know, I was meant to be a scientist. What happened in the years in between that triggered such a sudden change? Mentorship. Mentorship and role models have brought me to where I am today. From my professors teaching me the basic concepts in the classroom, to my PI having faith and confidence in my lab skills, even to all of the department professors helping me with graduate school applications... These mentors and role models have been there for me no matter the highs, lows, and challenges I experienced. These mentors have continued cheering me on, even after graduation. My dream is to be like my mentors and teach, illuminate scientific opportunities for those who might not otherwise see them, and inspire the next generation of scientists.”
-- Anne d’Aquino, '14
