When graduating senior Liam Ryals first entered Cal State Fullerton, studying chemistry seemed daunting, despite his keen interest in science.
“But I decided to study chemistry to prove to myself that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to do,” he said.
Ryals is on track to earn a bachelor’s degree in chemistry in May. In the fall, he will start CSUF’s master’s program in chemistry to continue his research in organic chemistry. He plans to pursue a doctorate to become a chemistry professor and researcher.
To prepare for graduate studies, Ryals participates in CSUF’s McNair Scholars Program. Since 1999, the program has provided students with mentorship, academic development, research opportunities and preparation needed to pursue a master’s degree or doctorate.
The program serves 26 students each academic year, with 12 graduating in 2026, including Ryals. Over the past 15 years, 175 McNair Scholars have participated in graduate programs, including 86 in master’s programs and 89 in fully funded doctoral programs.
“The McNair Scholars Program transformed how I think about my interests, my abilities and my future. It allowed me to pursue an education in ways I didn’t know were possible,” Ryals said.
As a McNair Scholar, Ryals is using high-performance computing resources in the Titan Supercomputing Center to determine the molecular story behind light-driven chemical reactions. In other words, how light opens the door to new, controllable chemistry.
“Photochemistry — light-driven chemistry — provides a more efficient and environmentally friendly way to make molecules relevant to medicines, plastics, dyes and other everyday products,” said Andrew Petit, associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry and Ryals’ research adviser.
Ryals co-authored his first scientific paper with Petit, associate director of the Titan Supercomputing Center. Their work was published in the Journal of Organic Chemistry.
A turning point in Ryals’ chemistry studies was his participation in SPARK — Summer Program to Advance Research and Knowledge — offered by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. The hands-on program is designed for students entering their second year to “spark” their scientific interest.
“Through SPARK, I discovered a genuine research interest and gained the motivation to pursue it seriously,” Ryals said. “I became determined to strengthen my academic foundation, improve my grades and develop the skills necessary to thrive in graduate school.”
To build community with like-minded science students, Ryals founded the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers chapter at CSUF and serves as president. He received the 2025 Undergraduate Rising Star Award from the organization’s West Region, given to emerging student leaders in education, research and service.
In other leadership roles, Ryals is a College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics representative on the Associated Students Inc. Board of Directors and participates in programs at the African American Resource Center.
Throughout his university education, he credits not only the supportive programs and research experiences, but also Petit for helping him academically succeed.
“Dr. Petit has given me insight and pushed me to succeed in my courses and research abilities,” Ryals said. “One of the most impactful moments in my undergraduate education was when he told me, “‘I see a lot of potential in you.'”