Opportunities in Undergraduate Research

The Chemistry Department is strongly committed to undergraduate education through undergraduate research. About 80% of the department's majors participate in undergraduate research, and many of these students present the results of their research at Undergraduate Research Symposia at the the department and university levels. Several students also present their research at national and regional scientific meetings and have co-authored articles in scientific journals

Undergraduate Research is one of the best tools for enhancing your academic experience in the Department of Chemistry. By participating in undergraduate research, you can gain valuable knowledge outside of the classroom experience. This knowledge base includes the development of problem solving skills, critical thinking skills, and analytical skills.

The experiences gained from donig research can make the difference when you are searching for a position in the chemical industry. Students who have participated in research have been able to secure positions with Abbott Laboratories, Baxter Healthcare, Pfizer Global research, Merck Research Laboratories, the Illinois State Police, and many other agencies that require the services of chemists.

Undergraduate Research in the Department of Chemistry is listed as as Chemistry 290 (CHE 290). This is is an “independent research” course.  It has been designed to allow you to obtain research experience in an area of chemistry that interests you.  You will work with one of the professors in the Department of Chemistry, performing research that is part of that professor’s ongoing research program. 

Such independent research projects are designed to help students obtain research skills and to better understand methods and techniques involved in scholarly research in an academic environment.  Many students find that it aids them in selecting their specific chemical specialty.  Many of our graduates have indicated that their undergraduate research was an extremely valuable educational experience.  It can be a powerful tool for increasing your competitiveness as a chemist.