Why Study Biochemistry?
Biochemists work in the biomedical, biotechnological, pharmaceutical, agricultural research and chemical industries, as well as at university-affiliated research laboratories, hospital laboratories, and government research facilities. They support our understanding of health and disease; contribute innovative information to the technology revolution; and work with chemists, physicists, healthcare professionals, policy makers, engineers and other professionals.
Why Study Biochemistry at Eastern?
Biochemistry majors at Eastern develop a broad range of basic scientific knowledge, outstanding laboratory skills, superior quantitative analysis skills, and the ability to express scientific information in verbal and written forms. Faculty from the Physical Sciences and Biology departments teach this interdisciplinary major, including core requirements and electives. A variety of internship and undergraduate research opportunities provide hands-on learning opportunities and inform classroom learning. A minor in Biochemistry is also available to students in other majors.
Salary Potential
* U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Hands-on Learning
Undergraduate Research
Shayne Sampognaro ’19 uses a High Performance Liquid Chromatography instrument to isolate and purify a compound that has potential medical applications.
Biochemistry Club
The Biochemistry Club fosters scientific collaboration, education and professional opportunities in the field of Biochemistry. The club promotes undergraduate research opportunities, encourages career exploration and elevates community awareness.
Biochemistry Club
Internships
Biochemistry majors have interned at Bayer USA, the CT Department of Environmental Protection, Hamilton Sundstrand, Mystic Aquarium, Pfizer and other scientific organizations.
Career Options
Students who pursue undergraduate degrees in Biochemistry can have rewarding and successful careers in a variety of professional fields, including:
- Biochemical research
- Biopharmaceuticals
- Biotechnology
- Dental school
- Forensic science
- Genetics
- Graduate school in life science
- Medical school
- Proteomic research
- Veterinary school
Successful Alumni
Recent Eastern students who earned a bachelor’s degree or a minor in Biochemistry are at the following companies and professional/graduate schools:
- Dartmouth College
- Yale University
- Phoenix Environmental Laboratories
- Pfizer
- Alexion Pharmaceuticals
- Tufts University of Veterinary Medicine
- Wesleyan University
- Protein Science
- University of Chicago
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute
Alumni Testimonials
Rubius Therapeutics
Nick Shoenfelt ’11
Biochemistry major Nick Shoenfelt is a senior specialist at Rubius Therapeutics. “Eastern’s biochemistry program provided the scientific knowledge on which my career was built. It allowed me to get my foot in the door, as I had a deep understanding behind the manufacturing process.”
Senior Scientist
Justin Piro ’05
Biochemistry major Justin Piro received his Ph.D. at Dartmouth College, and is a principal research scientist at AbbVie Foundational Neuroscience Center. “The majority of my classes at Eastern included a strong lab component. I was doing what scientists do — getting outside of the classroom and working with the latest scientific equipment. Eastern really set the groundwork for me.”
Alcami
Jackie Lagasse ’14
Biochemistry major Jackie Lagasse is a shift supervisor at Alcami, a pharmaceutical organization in North Carolina. She works in a chemistry lab and tests the safety and quality of pharmaceutical products. “My biochemistry and physical chemistry classes enhanced my scientific problem-solving skills, which I use daily while developing or troubleshooting methods.”
Wesleyan University
Zane Lombardo ’16
Biochemistry major Zane Lombardo is pursuing a PhD in molecular biology and biochemistry at Wesleyan University. “Eastern was a great place for me to study biochemistry because the small class sizes allow for an abundance of individual attention from the extremely knowledgeable faculty. It also allows for plenty of opportunities to get your hands dirty in several different lab courses.”
Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences
Kirby Madden-Hennessey ’15
Kirby is pursuing a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences with a concentration in molecular biology and biochemistry at the University of Connecticut. She aspires to work in the cancer field. “Eastern is a good place to study biochemistry because of its great science building and small lab sizes. This really allows students to build meaningful relationships with their peers and professors.”
