Chemistry and Biochemistry

Student Research Opportunities

FAQ

  • Look at faculty research interests by clicking on faculty websites
    • Once you've found a faculty member whose research interests you, send them an email to ask if they are taking research students.
    • Talk to professors doing research that interests you. You can go to office hours or arrange an in-person or online meeting.
    • Take courses with professors in your areas of interest. It's easier to approach them if they know you from class and they may be more likely to admit you into their research group.
    • Do your homework. “I read that you are doing research on __________. I’m really interested in your research on ________, and would like to be involved in a research project.
    • Tell a professor why you're interested in doing research.
    • Talk to your TA. TA's may have additional knowledge about research groups and are also doing research for their MS program.
    • Talk to other students who are doing research.
    • Attend campus undergraduate research conferences (RSCA, CARS)
    • Apply to off campus summer research programs.
  • Join the Office of Undergraduate Research
  • Professors can accommodate only so many research students in their groups because of limited time, space, and money for research. Keep looking and don't be discouraged!
  • You can start research at any time! Some faculty prefer working with students in their first year, and others prefer more senior students. It never hurts to ask.

  • You can be paid to do research, but this depends on funds being available. Possible ways to be paid include:
    • The faculty member you plan to work with has a grant with funding.
    • You apply for and receive fellowships to conduct research. The Office of Undergraduate Research has a listing of many internal fellowship opportunities.
  • If you are not paid to do research, you can receive course credit. Course credit can be signed up for using the supervisory forms with approval from the faculty member you plan to conduct research with. Supervisory courses include:
    • CHM 2000, CHM 4000 (undergraduate level)
    • CHM 4610, CHM 4620 (undergraduate thesis)
    • CHM 6910, 6990 (Master's level)
    • CHM 6940, CHM 6960 (Master's thesis)

  • Research typically entails working on scientific problems. In the Chemistry & Biochemistry Department, we have research in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, and inorganic chemistry. 
  • Research could be in a lab, or could take place at a computer. 
  • Research typically involves reading the scientific literature, and writing reports.