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Areas of Research in the Department

Research is a very important part of chemistry as it keeps faculty current on developments in their field, promotes UNF chemistry through conference presentations and publications in peer reviewed journals, and provides undergraduate students with opportunities to experience a graduate school environment. The chemistry faculty believe very strongly that undergraduate students can do cutting edge research and recent grants and papers show this to be the case. Below is a list of research groups and their areas of focus. 

Analytical Chemistry

Biochemistry

Bio-organic Chemistry

Chemical/Materials Informatics

Inorganic & Materials Chemistry

Organic & Physical Organic Chemistry

Physical Chemistry

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Participation in scientific research is one of the best ways for students to learn about the method by which ideas are proposed as hypotheses and tested by experimentation to gain a better understanding of our world. Research experiences are one of the most rewarding educational experiences for students as they prepare for the next step in their career.

In the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, we are interested in providing students an experience that reaches far beyond formal course work. Undergraduate students work under the direction of a faculty member on a specific project agreed upon by the faculty member and the student. Initially, the students' project will be designed by the faculty supervisor, but as students progress, they are expected to work independently and become self-motivated to make significant contributions to the project. Students will learn standard chemical techniques, develop scientific inquiry, conduct experiments, interpret results, and make conclusions. Ultimately, students are expected to present their results at both local and national conferences (e.g., SOARS, UNF Natural Science Poster Session, Florida Associate & Meeting Expo), as well as publish their work in scientific journals as co-authors. These types of experiences are valuable for students wishing to attend graduate school or that may be looking for positions in chemical industry. Presentations and publications can provide students with an edge when applying to professional programs, such as medical school or pharmacy school.

The research descriptions of faculty research interests will help undergraduates identify possible areas of research. Opportunities are available in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry with many faculty, but please consider starting the process early. Many faculty require students to complete at least one semester of CHM4911 as a volunteer before registering for credit towards the degree in CHM4910. In some cases, faculty may have a waitlist for joining their research lab or require a rigorous application process to be completed. Reach out to individual faculty for more information.

HOW DO I GET INVOLVED IN RESEARCH?

If students are interested in this opportunity, then they should decide which professors they'd like to work with and then ask them if they have any research opportunities in their labs. Students are advised to email the professor with the completed Undergraduate Research Program Application, introduce themselves, and ask to arrange a meeting to discuss any research opportunities that the faculty member may have in their lab.

RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES IN THE DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY

1. RESEARCH AS A VOLUNTEER

Students can enroll in a zero-credit hour research course called Chemical Research Experience, CHM4911. In this course, students gain exposure to laboratory research by participating and conducting chemical experiments under the supervision of chemistry faculty. There is no cost to students for enrolling in this course but provides a record of research experience on their transcript.

2. RESEARCH FOR CREDIT

Students can enroll in research courses for 1 - 4 credits counting toward the major electives called Chemical Research, CHM4910. Courses are available during the whole year, including the summer session. Students are expected to be in the lab for 3-4 hours per credit hour and submit a 2-3 page at the end of the semester to their faculty advisor.

3. RESEARCH FOR PAY

Some Department faculty may have research grants that allow them to pay undergraduate students to carry out research in their laboratories. The specifics on the number of hours and pay vary. Most likely students would already have volunteered in the faculty members lab to participate in research for pay.

4. UNF DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS

Each summer, the Department awards research fellowships for undergraduates to carry out research with a faculty mentor. Each fellowship awarded provides the student $2,000 for 15 hours/week for 12 weeks. Applications are due in mid-Spring and more information can be found on the Summer Research Fellowships tab.

5. OTHER RESEARCH FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

  • COAS Undergraduate Research Scholar Award (apply in Academic Works)
  • UNF Office of Undergraduate Research Grants

Summer Research Fellowships

Get paid for conducting research!

Eligibility: Undergraduate students that will not graduate before December 2021; must not have received this fellowship in Summer 2020.

Award Requirements: Conduct research project mentored by UNF Chemistry and Biochemistry faculty member during Summer 2021 and present findings at the UNF Natural Sciences Poster Session (Fall 2021). Students are expected to perform research for at least 15 hours/week over 12 weeks.

Compensation ($$): Awardees will receive $2000.

How to Apply: Students must prepare the following statements:

  • Research Proposal: A 2-3 page (double spaced, 1” margins, 11-12 pt. Times font) Proposal including:
    • Research introduction including objective/hypothesis;
    • Experimental approaches summary;
    • Expected research outcomes;
    • References.
    Students are expected to prepare this statement with feedback from their mentor.
  • Personal Statement: A 1 page (double spaced, 1” margins, 11-12 pt. Times font)
    Personal Statement that includes anticipated UNF graduation date, as well as professional goals and how pursuit of a summer fellowship will facilitate accomplishment of these goals.
  • Unofficial Transcript: Unofficial copy of most recent academic transcript.

Application Deadline: Monday April 5th
Submit your application, as a single PDF file by email to naveen.mukhtar@unf.edu.

Applications failing to follow all the above criteria will NOT be reviewed.
Award winner(s) will be announced during finals week.