Undergraduate Student Research

Why research?

The bedrock of science is experimentation and observation. Research cannot be taught; it must be done. Undergraduate student research is an important link between the classroom and graduate school research and is a key ingredient in the training of scientists.

Did you know APSU has an Office of Undergraduate Research?  Learn more about how research could a be part of your APSU experience >>HERE.

Undergraduate student research under the supervision of a chemistry professor allows students to work on real scientific problems. Students experience the difficulties of devising and performing experiments to probe the unknown. They are given the opportunity to taste the thrill of discovery and to share their work through presentations at the American Chemical Society, the Tennessee Academy of Science, the APSU Research Forum, and similar meetings of scientists. 

Chemistry Research Classes

Chemistry 2940: Introduction to Research

• Prerequisite: permission of instructor, 1 credit hour
• Description: Experiment design including methods, techniques, and information resources in a specialized area. May be repeated one semester. 

Learn about the exciting world of chemistry research in a 1 credit hour workshop course designed for sophomores and juniors:  CHEM 2940  - Fall Semester 2011.  Learn more >> HERE.

Chemistry 4940: Elements of Research

• Prerequisite: permission of instructor, CHEM 2940 recommended, 1,2, or 3 credit hours
• Description: Independent original research on individual projects; chemical literature review and presentation of results. May be repeated until project is completed; however, approval of department chair is required for more than eight hours. 

Chemistry 4990: Research Thesis

• Prerequisite: CHEM 4940 and permission of instructor, 1 credit hour
• Description: Preparation of a report on original research. Report must follow the guidelines of the ACS Style Guide and the Chemistry Department and will be evaluated by a committee which will include the department chair or his/her designee. 

Current Research Topics

Some of the current research topics or areas are briefly described below. For more information visit the homepage of the instructor or contact the instructor via the e-mail address provided.

Dr. Carrie Brennan. e-mail address: brennanc@apsu.edu
Electrochemistry, environmental chemistry

Dr. Rebecca Jones. e-mail address: jonesr@apsu.edu
Inorganic, computational chemistry, chemical education

Dr. Meagan Mann. e-mail address: mannm@apsu.edu
Biochemistry

Dr. Fred Matthews. e-mail address: matthewsf@apsu.edu
NMR studies.

Dr. Robin Reed. e-mail address: reedr@apsu.edu
Biochemistry

Dr. Bob Shelton. e-mail address: sheltong@apsu.edu
Organic, computational chemistry, chemical education

Dr. Lisa Sullivan. e-mail address: sullivanl@apsu.edu  
Materials chemistry

Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)

Summer is an excellent time to do research. To learn more about an REU, go here to see information from an APSU student lecture by Lance Baird.  Summer REU's can be applied toward your APSU chemistry degree.  Contact the department chair or your chemistry advisor for more information.

Looking for Research opportunities off campus for this summer?  Go to the Office of Undergraduate Research page on Off Campus opportunities >> HERE.

Presidential Research Scholars

The Presidential Research Scholars program encourages undergraduate research at APSU. This competitive program gives $3,000 awards for faculty and student stipends and other support of a research plan. Contact Dr. Rebecca Jones about this program and/or visit the Office of Undergraduate Research website and click on Funding $$$ > PRS Program.