Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences and Forensic Science

Department Main Office:

Ward Beecher Science Hall, Room 4037

Youngstown State University

Youngstown, OH 44555

Department Chairperson:  Dr. David K. Asch (dkasch@ysu.edu) 330-941-3608

Academic Operations Specialist: Lisa DeVore (lldevore@ysu.edu), 330-941-3664

Welcome

The former departments of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, along with the Forensic Science program from the former Department of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences, have all merged together to form the new Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences.  Our new department is comprised of nearly 50 full- and part-time faculty members and technical and administrative staff. 

The department offers several degree programs, including BA, BS, and MS programs in Biological Sciences and Chemistry, a BS program in Biochemistry, and a BSAS program in Forensic Science.  To learn more about these programs and various tracks available within them (e.g., pre-medicine), visit the links below: 

Department Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences embraces the interdependent core aspects of undergraduate and graduate education, research and scholarship, and university and community service.  In education, the Department seeks to provide a comprehensive education meeting professional guidelines (e.g., American Chemical Society, American Society for Microbiology, Forensic Education Program Accreditation Committee, American Association of Medical Colleges, etc.) for students majoring in the departmental Divisions of Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Forensic Sciences, and allied disciplines in the Baccalaureate, Masters, and Ph.D. programs; and to educate the general student body about the vitality and significance of divisional disciplines as contemporary laboratory sciences.  In scholarship, the Department seeks to expand the boundaries of knowledge while simultaneously encouraging students to expand their intellectual horizons and develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills through faculty directed independent undergraduate and graduate research.  In service, faculty members are expected to be advisors, mentors, and career counselors to students and to use their expertise to support the University, the chemical, biological, and forensic science professions and the larger community. 

Division Coordinators

  • Chemistry Division:
    • ​Dr. Mike Serra,  Ward Beecher Hall 5053 
    • maserra@ysu.edu 330-941-3667
  • Forensic Science Division:

    Mr. Robert E. Wardle III, Ward Beecher Hall 5006 

    rewardle@ysu.edu, (330) 941-2274