Southeast Missouri State University’s Department of Chemistry and Physics provides students meaningful, real-world learning experiences through the department’s seminar series, where they engage with faculty, alumni and industry professionals to explore career possibilities.
Throughout the spring semester, the department is hosting a mix of speakers that includes SEMO faculty members, external experts, SEMO alumni and student researchers. All oral presentations are held in Rhodes 121 at 3:30 p.m. In addition to oral presentations, the series features poster sessions, an interactive research presentation format where students display and discuss their work with attendees in Magill Atrium. The spring 2026 session will include roughly 10 faculty and 30 student posters.
The following are scheduled throughout the spring semester:
- February 27: Dunya Sembukuttiarachchige, chemistry doctoral student at the University of Iowa College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- March 20: Dr. Jeff Woodford, chemistry professor at Missouri Western State University
- March 27: Recycled Poster Session featuring experienced presenters
- April 14: Dr. Michael Presho, associate professor of mathematics at SEMO
- April 24: Student Poster Session featuring original, current student research
The seminar series is supported through Funding for Results (FFR) grant funding secured by SEMO faculty Dr. Sarah Shaner, Dr. Garrett Casey and Dr. Joe Murphy, who launched the program in 2022. The grant has helped fund speaker travel, seminar refreshments and assessment efforts to measure the program’s impact on student learning and engagement.
“Providing students with opportunities to hear from scientists, researchers and alumni helps them see the many paths available to them,” said Murphy, associate professor of chemistry and physics. “This series strengthens our academic community while preparing students for graduate study and careers in the industry.”
The Department of Chemistry and Physics invites students, faculty and community members to attend the remaining seminars and poster sessions throughout the spring semester.
By connecting students with faculty mentors, alumni and industry professionals, SEMO continues to prioritize an experience-driven approach to education. Visit semo.edu/chemistry-physics today.