A hidden gem preparing students for science, healthcare & beyond
At Laney College, the Chemistry Department is quietly doing big work—preparing students for transfer, healthcare careers, and advanced study across the sciences.
Often referred to as the “central science,” chemistry connects disciplines like biology, physics, medicine, and environmental science. At Laney, that connection is more than theory—it’s hands-on, accessible, and designed to meet students where they are.
“We serve a wide range of students,” said Bill Trego, co-department chair alongside Cheli Fossum, who will retire this June after years of leadership in both Chemistry and Physics. “Some are just starting out, some are transferring, and others already have degrees and are coming back to strengthen their academic record for medical or professional school.”
Fossum’s impact on Laney spans more than three decades. She began teaching part-time in 1992 before joining full-time in August 1995, building a 34-year career dedicated to student success. Starting at just 26 years old—sometimes teaching students older than herself—she quickly established herself as a committed and respected educator. Throughout her time at Laney, she consistently taught evening courses, often three nights a week, including foundational sequences like Chem 1A and 1B, ensuring access for working and nontraditional students.
One of the department’s biggest strengths is flexibility.
Laney offers a full sequence of chemistry courses nearly every semester, including Part A and Part B courses, making it easier for students who may not be on a traditional timeline to stay on track.
Courses include:
With evening and Saturday options, the program is designed to support working students, returning students, and those balancing multiple responsibilities.
Laney’s chemistry students transfer to top universities, including UC Berkeley, UCLA, and UC Davis, continuing their studies in fields like medicine, engineering, pharmacy, and research.
The department serves both:
For many, Laney offers a second chance—or a stronger start.
In courses like organic chemistry, students benefit from smaller class sizes and more direct access to equipment and instruction—an experience that can rival, and in some cases exceed, what students encounter at larger universities.
That means more time in the lab, more interaction with instructors, and more opportunities to truly understand the material.
The department is also looking ahead, with plans to bring in new equipment such as a High-Performance Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC)—a powerful tool used to separate and analyze complex chemical mixtures, commonly used in pharmaceuticals, environmental testing, and research labs.
Chemistry and Physics at Laney are closely linked, with Trego and Fossum also serving as co-chairs of the Physics Department.
Laney’s Physics Program offers university-transferable courses that support students pursuing majors in science, engineering, and related fields. The program includes an Associate in Science in Physics for Transfer (AS-T) degree, designed to provide a clear pathway to CSU campuses with junior standing.
Students in the program develop the ability to:
Physics courses are especially important for pre-engineering students, who can complete the full sequence at Laney before transferring.
Whether students are stepping into a lab for the first time or preparing for medical school, Laney’s Chemistry Department emphasizes access, support, and real-world preparation.
“At Laney, instructors truly care about student learning,” Fossum said. “They are both kind and will challenge you. You get high-quality classes where you learn the basics thoroughly—whether you're preparing to transfer or enter a program like nursing.”
“Chemistry can be challenging,” Trego noted, “but when students have the right support and environment, they rise to it.”
With strong instruction, flexible scheduling, and clear transfer pathways, Laney continues to provide opportunities for students to build a solid foundation in science—and take the next step toward their goals.
As she prepares for retirement, Fossum looks forward to spending more time hiking in Redwood Regional Park, trying new recipes, and practicing yoga—closing out a long and impactful career at Laney College.