The Department of Chemistry encourages well-prepared students to consider the possibilities of pursuing an undergraduate research project. The great advantage of the undergraduate research experience is the opportunity it provides the student to work in a research equipped laboratory on a scientific problem that will take the student well beyond the scope of textbook instruction.
Students can consider research options as early as the sophomore year.
Excellent opportunities for undergraduate research are also presented during the summer months. While this can prove to be an exciting option for undergraduate majors in chemistry it is not one that should be taken lightly, for the research experience presents responsibilities both to the student and for the instructor. The selection process for finding a research project involves approaching three to four faculty members, introducing oneself and explaining that you are interested in pursuing an undergraduate research project. Students are not limited only to faculty members formally in the Department of Chemistry. There are many faculty members in related areas of science outside of the Department of Chemistry, molecular biology, neuroscience, chemical physics, physics, and cell biology, with whom students may conduct research projects for credit towards a chemistry degree.