CHEM 93: Chemistry Unleashed-Exploring the Chemistry that Transforms our World
Chemistry is fundamental to understanding the natural world, driving technological innovation, advancing human health, and shaping the materials and processes that sustain modern life.
For the second year in a row, Dr. Teresa Nguyen, a physician in Anesthesiology at Stanford Medicine and affiliated faculty at the Stanford Institute of Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI), and Dr. Megan Brennan, an Advanced Lecturer in the Stanford Department of Chemistry, will co-lecture the Spring CHEM 93 seminar series: Chemistry Unleashed-Exploring the Chemistry that Transforms Our World.
Inspired by other successful seminar programs at Stanford University, Drs. Nguyen and Brennan aim to create a similar experience, bringing industry leaders from diverse fields to showcase the vast applications and opportunities abound in chemistry. Often regarded as a challenging discipline, they hope CHEM 93 will transform this perception—making chemistry more accessible to curious minds and highlighting its role as a springboard to a multitude of disciplines, providing the foundational knowledge that propels advancements in medicine, engineering, environmental science, and beyond.
In reflecting on her own experience, Dr. Nguyen shares, “This course was born from my own journey as a Stanford undergraduate, where chemistry initially felt abstract—something to memorize rather than experience. Even as a chemistry major, I often struggled to see how chemistry connected to everyday life. It wasn’t until I immersed myself in organic chemistry research, and later in drug discovery at Genentech, that the incredible relevance and power of chemical principles became vividly clear. Molecular structures, reactions from the classroom, and lab techniques suddenly translated directly into tangible, real-world outcomes—ultimately leading to new medicines. I was amazed that everything I had once assumed "I'd never use again" was actually at the heart of meaningful, impactful work. Now, as an anesthesiologist, chemistry continues to shape my daily practice, allowing me to alter physiology, consciousness, and patient well-being through precise molecular interactions.
My greatest hope, through this course, is to empower students to see chemistry not as isolated textbook knowledge, but as a powerful lens through which every experience—from skincare and taste, to aerospace and medicine—becomes deeper and more meaningful. By exploring chemistry across surprising and diverse industries, students will gain an intuitive understanding of the hidden molecular forces shaping their daily lives, while connecting personally with industry leaders, researchers, and innovators. Ultimately, this perspective won't just enrich their studies—it will open doors to inspiring career paths and transform how they experience the world around them. But even if none of this is achieved, my ultimate hope is students will walk away seeing their everyday lives through a slightly new lens -- from recognizing how each moment is quietly, yet powerfully, shaped by chemical bonds – this will give them the awe for the simple miracle of the moment.”
Following each seminar, students enrolled in the class will have the opportunity to network with the guest speaker over lunch. The distinguished list of speakers includes CEOs of space companies, rockstars, SVPs of biotech, as well as world leaders in psychedelic research!
Our spring lineup will include discussions on:
- Medicinal Chemistry: The Science of Drug Development
- Neurochemistry of Awe: Magic
- Physical Chemistry of Nuclear Propulsion
- The Biochemistry of Plants
- Skincare with Mother Science
- Ketamine: A Chemical Perspective
- Forensic Chemistry: Decoding Evidence Through Science or Molecular Clues
- Inside the Creative Mind: A Neurochemical Exploration
This year’s guest speakers will include a Senior Vice President of a biotech company, a CEO of a space company, SF’s voted best magician, a world leader in psychedelic psychiatry, a rockstar…and more!
To wrap up the quarter, we will have a special surprise guest for the final seminar. Last year, it was Skrillex!
Classes will be held on Tuesdays from 10:30-11:50 AM in Oshman Hall.
To learn more and enroll today, click on the Explore Courses link and stay tuned!