Building Bonds
The chemistry program at Central College, housed in Vermeer Science Center, allows students to dive into research and academics that prepare them for rewarding careers. Jay Wackerly, associate professor of chemistry, guides students into real-world organic chemistry problem-solving. As Taylor Sanders ’17, DO, internal medicine resident, points out, “Professor Wackerly’s teaching strategies prepared me to become a doctor because he teaches you to look at problems holistically.”
Aside from teaching chemistry, Wackerly has secured National Science Foundation grants to fund student research. Jaxon Thompson ’24 enjoys hands-on laboratory, research and problem-solving skills as an undergraduate.
As the institutional lead at Central for the National Science Foundation’s EPSCoR grant, Wackerly shares his role in Meet the Team.
He also serves on the national board that writes organic chemistry questions for graduate admission exams. Who is better to prepare students for their next steps?
Learn more about the unique features of the chemistry program at Central!