Department of Chemistry: Undergraduate Research Opportunities in Chemistry
University of Evansville chemistry students participate in chemistry
research both on campus and at major universities throughout the country.
If you are interested in spending a summer working in a research group at
a large university, you should contact one of the faculty members about
the various programs available to undergraduates.
During the fall and spring semesters, and especially during the summer,
the chemistry faculty direct student research in their own research
laboratories. Most of our chemistry students work with at
least one faculty member during the regular school year, and many
will participate in a research project during the summer months. Most of
the supplies needed for research are provided by University funding
sources, as well as peer-reviewed grants funded by agencies such
as the National Science Foundation. At the beginning of each school
year, the chemistry faculty give short seminars describing their research
plans and goals. You should attend these meetings and see if you are
interested in any of the research projects. If you are, talk to the
faculty member and determine how you can become involved in the research
work. Research can be done during the fall and spring semesters, but you
will find that most of the research work is accomplished during the
summer, when there are no demands on your time from course work.
If you have your own idea for a research project, it is very possible for
you to work on your idea at the University. First, you should find a
faculty member who would be interested in serving as an advisor. Second,
you should write a proposal for funding support to the University
Undergraduate Research Committee. (Your faculty advisor will help you
with the proposal writing.) The Committee routinely funds student
generated proposals. It is possible to complete a research project during
the fall and spring semesters, but it is much easier and more productive
to do the majority of the work during the summer.
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