Undergraduate Research Directory
Dr. Brasch, inorganic
Dr. Bunge , inorganic
Dr. Datta, biochemistry
Dr. Gericke, physical
Dr. Huang, inorganic/materials chemistry
Dr. Jaroniec, physical chemistry
Dr. Laali, organic chemistry
Dr. Mao, analytical and biophysical
Dr. Sampson, organic chemistry
Dr. Seed, organic chemistry
Dr. Tolmachev, analytical chemistry and electrochemistry
Dr. Tsai, biochemistry and computational chemistry
Dr. Tubergen, physical chemistry

For Which Course Should I Register?

Individual Investigation (CHEM 40796): Most students who wish to begin pursuing a research project will register for this course. To be eligible, students must have a 2.5 GPA in chemistry. It is common for students to begin registering for this course in their sophomore or junior year; in this way they will have the opportunity of pursuing a project for several semesters prior to graduation. A form is available in the Undergraduate Chemistry Office (WMH 208) which must be completed and signed by the prospective research advisor before a student is allowed to register for the course. Repeat registration is allowed and encouraged, up to a maximum of eight semester hours; however, only two of these hours will count towards the four hours of 40000-level chemistry electives required for the B.S. in the traditional chemistry or biological chemistry degree concentrations. A formal written report documenting the student's research accomplishments must be submitted to their research advisor at the end of each semester. A copy of this report, graded and signed by the advisor, must be forwarded to the Assistant Chair before the grade can be awarded. The grade scale is satisfactory/unsatisfactory (S/U).

Senior Honors Thesis (CHEM 40099 or HONR 40099): All students who are planning to graduate with University Honors are required to pursue undergraduate research leading to the writing of a Senior Honors Thesis. Qualified students who have not completed all the requirements for graduation with University Honors can still graduate with Departmental Honors by completing a Senior Thesis. Usually, students will register for Individual Investigation until the summer of their junior year. During the following year, they would register for between 5 and 10 semester hours of Senior Honors Thesis in either CHEM 40099 or HONR 40099. Approval by the Department of Chemistry and the Honors College is required prior to enrolling in this course. During the final semester, a thesis describing the research work must be written and defended before a faculty committee. This is an excellent opportunity to learn how to write and defend a scientific thesis, an experience that will prove invaluable in graduate school or industry.

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Undergraduate Research:

A unique opportunity for undergraduate chemistry students at Kent State University is their participation in an independent research project under the personal guidance of a participating faculty member. Doing “real science” in this manner not only provides students with additional experimental tools they will use in their future careers but also exposes them to the joys of doing original research. This experience promotes intellectual development and enhances a students' practical skills in ways that cannot be accomplished in a more traditional laboratory course. Participation in undergraduate research greatly enhances the likelihood of securing a position in a top graduate school, obtaining an industrial job, or gaining entry into medical or other professional schools. Oftentimes students will pursue an extensive project leading to the writing of a senior honors thesis. In our department, it is common that the research work performed by undergraduates is presented at professional conferences and published in chemical journals.

A wide variety of research projects suitable for pursuit by undergraduates are available in the Chemistry Department. Summaries of participating faculty and their research areas which include projects suitable for undergraduates are available to the right.