John Carroll University - Chemistry
John Carroll University - ChemistryUndergraduate research is becoming a critical component of the modern chemistry curriculum. In the past ten years, the chemistry department has developed a very active undergraduate research program. The department received national recognition as it was selected to be a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) site by the National Science Foundation, becoming one of less than 20 principally undergraduate universities (PUI) to host such a program. Although this program was not renewed, opportunities still exist through various individual and university grants for paid summer research internships.
In the past ten years, the department has been able to attract approximately $1.5 million to support acquisition of equipment for teaching and research, and to support faculty and student research projects. Since 1993, a number of undergraduate chemistry majors, graduate students, and faculty have been engaged in research projects during the academic year and also during the summer months. Funding sources include: BP America, the Ferro Corporation, the NASA Lewis Research Center, the Petroleum Research Fund (of the American Chemical Society), the Keck Foundation, the Ohio Supercomputer Center, the JCU Graduate School, the National Science Foundation, the Exxon Education Foundation, the STARS Program of the Ohio Reagents, the Council on Undergraduate Research, the Clare Boothe Luce Foundation, the Summit County Soil and Water Conservation District and The Research Corporation.
Undergraduate Research (CH399) may be taken for up to three semester hours credit with the approval of the chairman and research advisor. A total of three hours credit is equivalent to an upper division elective. Qualified students are encouraged to participate in research since it offers a desirable alternative to the formal classroom setting. Often students who have been involved in research have matured considerably with respect not only to chemistry, but also to career goals. In addition, prospective employers, as well as graduate and professional school committees, often look upon undergraduate research favorably. Students who participate in research are required to write a research report and to present the results of their research at a seminar held each semester. Often, undergraduate research leads to publication in chemistry journals.