Department Climate and Culture

The Department of Chemistry at Columbia University welcomes scholars from all backgrounds and values the unique experiences and perspectives individuals contribute to our academic community. We are committed to fostering a collaborative and supportive environment for research and education.

Columbia Chemistry’s Departmental Climate and Culture Committee, which includes faculty, graduate students, and postdocs among its members, works to improve departmental climate and community by creating, hosting, and promoting a number of cultural and scientific events that support academic and professional growth. These events include: an annual lecture in honor of trailblazing alumna Marie Maynard Daly, departmental coffee hours with various themes (e.g. mental health awareness), and celebrations for Dia De Los Muertos, Black History Month, Arab American History Month, AAPI Heritage Month, and Pride Month, among others.

Prospective and current students, as well as researchers, staff, and faculty members, are encouraged to contact the chair of the committee, Prof. Neel Shah, with any questions or recommendations. To learn more about department life, outreach activities, and student-led groups that support the academic and professional development of our community, please visit the following links:

Department Life

Student Organizations

Columbia Chemistry Outreach