PLU Chemistry Department

05/29/2026

Construction on the 2nd floor open lab in Rieke began this week, so we thought it might be fun to look back at the Rieke Lobby over the years to see how it's changed. The wooden donor wall, carved by Biology Professor Jens Knudsen in 1985, is still part of the lobby. 💛🖤

If you'd like to support the ongoing modernization of the chemistry lab, you can donate online at: plu.edu/give-chem

05/22/2026

Today's the day! We're excited for you, proud of you, a little bit nervous, and a lot hopeful. We can't wait to see you walk across the stage and celebrate the culmination of all your hard work. Congratulations, Class of 2026! 💛🖤🎓✨

04/28/2026

As part of our looking back at Rieke series, we wanted to share some science action shots from the 1980s-90s. Unsurprisingly, some things have changed, like computer size & hairstyles, but do you know what continues to this day? The PPE! Just look at that excellent safety goggle usage. 🥽👩‍🔬

If you'd like to support the ongoing modernization of the chemistry lab and the continuation of really stellar PPE, you can donate online at: plu.edu/give-chem

04/23/2026

Are you friends with a chemistry senior? Do you know what a Zwitterionic Monomer is? Maybe you're curious about what the capstones are like. Well, you can make friends, pick up chemistry lingo, and learn about capstones by attending the first half of the 2026 Chemistry Capstones on Friday the 24th. Visit the chemistry website for details on tomorrow's presentations. All are welcome!

https://www.plu.edu/chemistry/capstone-symposia/capstone-talks-2026/

04/15/2026

Next up in our Rieke highlight reel: Rieke construction photos! Rieke was completed in 1985 - same year as Back to the Future appeared in theaters, the hole in the ozone layer was discovered, the NES gaming system was released, and Michael Jordan was named NBA Rookie of the Year.

Anyone out there in the first graduating chemistry class to come out of Rieke? Anyone remember Rieke being built? Or hanging out in the building when it was brand new? Who can name their favorite NES game? 😉

If you'd like to support the ongoing modernization of the chemistry lab, you can give online at: plu.edu/give-chem

04/10/2026

PAID INTERNSHIP - Undergraduate Intern II - Technical Writer with Seattle Wastewater Treatment, $22.01 - $27.90 Hourly. The Technical Writer Intern will work with members of the Technical Communications and Training teams, as well as staff in other WTD workgroups, to produce a section of an operations guide to help wastewater treatment plant operators better understand new systems.

Applications due April 14, 2026.

     The King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD) seeks a 2026 Technical Writer intern.  Our internship is for active students only. To be eligible for this internship, you must be enrolled in a college, or university program for the dura...

04/09/2026

This summer Rieke will undergo a dramatic transformation on the 2nd floor, as the chemistry and physics spaces are renovated. We're so excited for the Rieke refresh! Leading up to this big change, we're going to highlight some classic Rieke photos from the past. If you have any Rieke photos or memories you'd like to share, please do!

First up, a few photos of the architect's drawing and models for the Rieke Science Center. Look out for the tiny model people!

(Enjoy these photos? Check out PLU's Archives & Special Collections!) ✨

If you'd like to support the ongoing glow-up of chemistry, you can give online at: plu.edu/give-chem

04/02/2026

The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is a community engagement group of young people from around Washington. They help the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) ensure young people's voices and perspectives are represented in public health programming and projects that impact them.

Applications are due by April 30th.

https://waportal.org/health-initiatives/adolescent-health/youth-engagement-and-youth-advisory-council

03/24/2026

PAID INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY - Undergraduate Intern II - Technical Writer with Seattle Wastewater Treatment.
$22.01 - $27.90 Hourly. Are you are a science student interested in learning how concepts you’re studying in class (environmental science, biology, chemistry, physics) are used in real-world applications like wastewater treatment to protect public health and Puget Sound? The Technical Writer Intern will work with members of the Technical Communications and Training teams, as well as staff in other WTD workgroups, to produce a section of an operations guide to help wastewater treatment plant operators better understand new systems.

Applications due April 14, 2026.

     The King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD) seeks a 2026 Technical Writer intern.  Our internship is for active students only. To be eligible for this internship, you must be enrolled in a college, or university program for the dura...

03/24/2026

PAID INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY - Undergraduate Intern II - Industrial Waste with Seattle Wastewater Treatment. $22.01 - $27.90 Hourly. The Industrial Waste Intern will mainly assist with the Comprehensive Industrial User Survey and the Dental Program. The main tasks associated with these projects will be: working with large data sets in Power BI and Excel; Contacting businesses to ensure that they complete regulatory requirements; Developing solutions for tracking survey completion and dental compliance certifications.

Applications due April 6, 2026.

  The King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD) seeks a 2026 Summer Industrial Waste Intern to assist staff with mission critical projects related to our Comprehensive Industrial User Survey and Dental Program. Spend your summer with an organi...