Q&A with Dr. Edgardo Farinas, Associate Professor, Chemistry and Environmental Science

Earning a Ph.D. in chemistry and environmental science can put you on the fast-track for many career opportunities as well as boost your personal growth. A Ph.D. in chemistry can provide the education and training necessary for to substantiate your expertise and develop the skills necessary to become an independent professional.

We got the inside scoop about NJIT’s Ph.D. offerings in the Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science from Dr. Edgardo Farinas, Associate Professor.. In this Q&A, he discusses everything you should know about pursuing your Ph.D. in chemistry and environmental science! 

Q: What are the current Ph.D. offerings in Chemistry and Environmental Science?

A: In the College of Science and Liberal Arts (CSLA) at NJIT, we currently offer Ph.D.s in both Chemistry and Environmental Science. We take an interdisciplinary approach to look at and discover new chemical phenomena, and create strategies for a more sustainable and healthier world.  We do that through designing analytical technology, microbial and enzymatic bioremediation, chemical synthesis, nanotechnology for environmental and energy applications, understanding and solving environmental problems of the sky, land and water, and materials for sensors and diagnostics. NJIT's Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science views scientific discovery as a benefit towards humankind — our goal is to advance the frontiers in chemistry and environmental science with the commitment to train the next generation of pioneering scientists and educators.

Q: What type of research will Ph.D. candidates be involved with?

A: In our department, we use computation to try and understand how we could store energy and how we could use that energy for conversion purposes. When studying the environment we focus on a variety of topics. For example, you may be learning about bioremediation where we use microbes and enzymes to degrade human made contaminants such as plastic since there's a huge amount of plastic in the world. You may also use nano-technology and nanotubes to make clean water and disinfect microbes and viruses. Imagine maybe coating some clothing with nanotubes and having them kill contaminants. 

Another type of research you may take part in focuses around biosensors and looking at surfaces and electro-chemistry with the emphasis of developing innovative technologies to improve human health, energy and the environment. You’ll also be involved with chemistry where we try to mimic biology to design an artificial system for solar energy conversion. 

The tools we have at NJIT are state of the art instruments and techniques, such as mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance, different optical lasers, and high powered microscopes — the tools offered to our Ph.D. students are cutting edge to make their research as detailed and accurate as possible. 

Q: What sets NJIT’s research opportunities apart from other universities?

A: We're relatively small and because of that the professors spend a lot of time with the graduate students. In many big schools, first year Ph.D. students are often left to be supervised by a more senior graduate student. At NJIT, you spend a lot of time with the actual professor and so it's a two way learning process — we learn from the graduate students and the graduate students learn from us.

All the current faculty here are eager and constantly writing grants for funding. We have grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the State of New Jersey, National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Defense, and more. So we get funding from a variety of national funding agencies. It just goes to show that research is relevant and we strive to make breakthroughs in the research we do here at NJIT.

Another aspect that is unique to NJIT is that we have some professors who have a few part-time students. These Ph.D. students are working in big pharmaceutical companies and taking part in research at the same time. The research they do here not only helps them in their current roles, but makes them more competitive to move up to higher positions. Part-time students are highly dedicated — working during the day and then they're getting their Ph.D. at night. 

Q: In what ways does having a Ph.D. from NJIT help your career growth? 

A: A Ph.D. in chemistry and environmental science can allow you to do many things. You aren’t limited to working in a lab — you can go into pharmaceutical science, green energy, polymers, coatings, agrochemicals, instrument manufacturers and management consultancies, and corporate positions as well. Many corporations want candidates who possess the skills of a Ph.D. in chemistry for applied research and product development positions. Having a Ph.D. also allows for greater opportunities and leadership in the industry side as well as academics. A doctoral degree is the next step before becoming a university professor — if you want to get a tenure track position, typically you’ll need a Ph.D. 

Just because you have a Ph.D. in chemistry doesn't mean you have to be a traditional chemist.  This doctoral degree prepares you for a variety of different occupations. For example, it's really great for patent law, to be a consultant to develop products, and also other related entrepreneurial opportunities. 

When you get trained as a scientist, you're not necessarily being trained as a chemist, so to speak, but it's a way of looking at things. It gives you a different outlook on how you view both science and society. A lot of issues in science are also very closely related to societal issues, making an impact in the real world.

Pursue your Ph.D. at NJIT

Earning your Ph.D. in Chemistry  or Ph.D. in Environmental Science from NJIT can propel your career and help you become a valuable member of any team. You’ll be able to use these critical problem solving skills to make strategic decisions in the computer science or information systems field. Apply now to start your Ph.D. journey.