As a undergraduate in chemistry at Ball State you'll have a "real" opportunity to do research on interesting topics with modern instrumentation. In fact, approximately eighty percent of our students do research with a faculty mentor.
Most larger schools "talk" about research, but they don't tell you that those positions are only available to a few of their best students.
Smaller schools often don't have the same modern instrumentation that can better prepare you for graduate school or for a career.
What Does an Undergraduate Researcher Do?Students work with faculty members on such projects as studies of enzymes, preparation of possible anticancer agents, and the investigation of catalysis. Research helps you learn about and use modern equipment and may help you decide on a career. Chemistry department research fosters close, personal relationships among faculty and students.
As a result of your research and guidance from chemistry faculty, you may have the opportunity to deliver presentations at meetings of such organizations as the Indiana Academy of Science and the American Chemical Society or to work with faculty members in writing papers to be published in well-known chemistry journals.
Getting StartedOpportunities for students to do research in conjunction with departmental faculty are available during the Summer Research Program and the regular academic year. You can begin research as early as your sophomore year, and you can earn up to 5 hours of credit in independent study and research. To see what areas of chemistry our faculty are currently researching, see the graduate research page. Please contact the department chair for information about the program.
