The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry has a long history of recognizing and celebrating outstanding students.
Explore scholarships and awards below to learn more, donate to scholarship funds, and view award recipients.
This scholarships rewards first-generation STEM students for their leadership and academic efforts at NKU.
Nominations are submitted by faculty each spring, and awardees are honored each August at the Heather Bullen Summer Celebration of Research.
Follow the instructions below to support NKU's outstanding STEM majors.
Select "Other" and type in "Heather Bullen Award" when you donate.
Mail cash or check donations to:
Dr. Heather Bullen Scholarship Fund
Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
1 Nunn Drive
Highland Heights, KY 41099
Dr. Heather Bullen joined NKU in 2004 as an Analytical Chemist. She received her Ph.D. from Michigan State University and was a postdoctoral research associate at Iowa State University, Ames Laboratory-Department of Energy.
The Bullen Research Group conducted multidisciplinary research that involved the use of various analytical chemistry methods to study biofilms, which have a profound impact on industrial, food processing, and medical settings. Students used a variety of techniques to understand how biofilms form and aid in the discovery of ways to prevent them.
After her passing, NKU established a scholarship in her name to reward first generation STEM students for their leadership and academic efforts at NKU.
This scholarship recognizes the top department major that completed the General Chemistry course sequence (CHE 120/121) during the previous year.
Follow the instructions below to support NKU's outstanding Chemistry majors.
Select "Other" and type in "Laura Padolik General Chemistry Award" when you donate.
Mail cash or check donations to:
Dr. Laura Padolik Award Fund
Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
1 Nunn Drive
Highland Heights, KY 41099
Dr. Laura Padolik joined the department in 1993 as a temporary lecturer after receiving her PhD from OSU in 1990 and serving as a postdoctoral associate at UC from 1990-1992. Laura subsequently transitioned to a renewable lecture position in 1998 and was ultimately promoted to a senior lecturer in 2011. Focusing on our general chemistry courses, she taught well over 3000 students during her nearly 25 years in the department. She also coordinated the general chemistry program in the department since 2009. Throughout her time at NKU, Laura was willing to explore new pedagogical strategies, many times being one of the first in the department to implement them (e.g., clicker response systems, online homework systems, guided inquiry lab strategies). Graduates regularly listed her on exit surveys as one of the most impactful faculty associated with their college experience. Besides teaching, she was a department leader in student advising, serving as the department retention specialist from 2005-2014. During that time, Laura worked with all incoming freshman majors in the department and developed consistent advising strategies that led to significant retention increases in the department. She also regularly participated in department recruitment activities and served on various committees. Her efforts were recognized with the NKU Outstanding Academic Advisor Award (Secondary Role) in 2013 and the Michael C.C. Adams and Susan S. Adams Outstanding Non-Tenure Track Faculty Member Award in 2016.
After her passing, the department renamed our general chemistry award in her honor and establishing a memorial fund that recognizes the top department major that completed the general chemistry course sequence (CHE 120/121) during the previous year.
This scholarship recognizes students involved in undergraduate research within NKU's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
Department faculty select one or two rising seniors who have been active in department undergraduate research during their time at NKU. Recipients receive a scholarship and are recognized on a plaque outside the department office.
Albert Cooper was a noted scientist and educator. In 1978, shortly after his death, his wife Louis Cooper established the scholarship to recognize students involved in undergraduate research in the NKU Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
Department faculty select an outstanding senior (up to two students) that were exceptional in classwork, scholarship, and citizenry during their time at NKU.
Recipients receive a certificate, book of their choice, and recognition on a plaque outside the department office.
SAACS/GSE faculty advisor(s) select an outstanding student (may be two students) that exemplified leadership and service within the organization.
Recipients receive a certificate and cash award.
Analytical chemistry faculty select an outstanding student who has completed analytical chemistry lecture and lab.
Recipients receive a certificate and free one-year membership to the .
Biochemistry faculty select an outstanding student who has completed biochemistry lecture and lab.
Recipients receive a certificate.
Inorganic chemistry faculty select an outstanding student who demonstrated excellence in inorganic chemistry at the undergraduate level based on a combination of research, coursework, and/or motivation/interest/dedication and should have future plans that include a career in chemistry.
Recipients receive a certificate.
Organic chemistry faculty select an outstanding graduating senior who demonstrated excellence in organic chemistry based on a combination of research experience, coursework and a desire to pursue a career in chemistry.
Recipients receive a certificate and free one-year membership to the .
Physical chemistry faculty select an outstanding student who has completed physical chemistry.
Recipients receive a certificate.
