Recent Kennesaw State University (KSU) graduates Mary Smith and Anthony London have transitioned directly from their undergraduate studies in chemistry to positions in the industry. Both graduated in May from the College of Science and Mathematics with bachelor’s degrees in chemistry and are now employed in Marietta. Smith works as a laboratory chemist at Underwriters Laboratory Solutions (UL Solutions), while London is an analytical chemist with imat-uve, a German company.
Associate Professor of Chemistry Wei Zhou, who taught both students, noted their differing personalities but shared scientific curiosity. “Not all students know what their future will be when they choose a science major,” Zhou said. “But if you have a curious scientific mind, chemistry is a strong major, and once you get the research skills, you’ll find a solid career.” Zhou described London as inquisitive and eager to learn beyond textbooks, while Smith was characterized as quiet but quick to understand new material.
Smith continued her research with Zhou after completing coursework, learning instrument-based analytical procedures relevant to her current job. Zhou’s research group uses techniques such as gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). At UL Solutions, Smith applies HPLC to analyze airborne samples from various surfaces for clean emissions. She also conducted forensic chemistry research with Assistant Professor Mohammad Halim and received the department’s award for forensic chemistry upon graduation.
London uses GC-MS at imat-uve to test air quality samples from car interiors for hazardous fumes. He participated in a research project with Professor Mark Mitchell at KSU and received assistance from the SMART Center and Office of Student Career Services during his studies. London graduated with the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry’s award for research in physical chemistry.
Reflecting on her preparation at KSU, Smith said, “The background for the lab work and how to use the specific instruments that I use, I learned while at Kennesaw State. Most of the things I learned with Dr. Zhou are things I use on a daily basis.”
London took an unconventional route to his degree, returning to school after working various jobs outside academia. He began part-time studies at KSU in 2023 before moving to full-time enrollment in 2024. “I learned how to be a chemist at KSU, because Dr. Zhou and Dr. Mitchell prepared me well for this job,” London said. “And KSU has so many other resources to help students. It was definitely the right place for me.”
Both Smith and London earned lab safety micro-credentials offered by KSU, which contributed positively during their job searches.
Smith expressed appreciation for her professors’ enthusiasm: “Doing research is a big help into diving deeper into chemistry and finding what you like about it because it’s more than just labs and classes… Through research you really get a sense of what chemistry’s like.”
