Research

At Missouri State University, faculty and students participate in research to enhance the educational process and make new discoveries in the field of chemistry. The department of chemistry offers every student the chance to participate in research opportunities and programs, challenging your knowledge of chemistry and skills as a scientist. You will have access to some of the most advanced instrumentation in the field.

Undergraduate research

Undergraduate research is often promoted as an attractive option for students planning to attend graduate school. Did you know, however, that industrial employers are also interested in applicants who have done research? Research experience demonstrates that you have developed problem-solving skills, that you have learned to work independently on a difficult project, and you have learned firsthand that progress is often the result of considerable trial and error. A well-designed research experience includes the opportunity to present your work to others, both orally and in writing.

The chemistry department offers two research courses for undergraduate students each semester, CHM 399 and CHM 499, in which you may apply your knowledge of chemical theories and laboratory skills toward the solution of a specific chemical problem. These courses are available for 1-3 credit hours per semester, and each may be repeated to a total of 5 hours.

Graduate research

To complete a master’s degree in chemistry, graduate students must conduct research on a topic of their choice, which is developed in partnership with a faculty advisor. Previous research topics have included the use of nucleic acids as templates for enhancing enzymatic reactions and DNA structure and sequencing.

Faculty research

The faculty in the department of chemistry are all currently involved in active research programs in the areas of:

  • Analytical chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Bio-organic chemistry
  • Environmental chemistry
  • Inorganic/bioinorganic
  • Materials science
  • Organic chemistry
  • Physical/biophysical
  • Polymer chemistry