College of Arts & Sciences

Undergraduate Research in Chemistry

Chemistry is a uniquely central science that touches on theory, physics, environmental sciences, bioinformatics and geology on one hand and biology, psychology, drug design and medical sciences on the other.  The Department of Chemistry at Georgia State University thus occupies a special, central role in the University.  We are addressing questions that affect our lives in a broad range of areas such as rapid identification of disease, the safety, design and response variations of drugs, damage to our genetic DNA by radiation and chemicals, and the fundamental basis for biomolecular structure, interactions and recognition.  Our faculty is devoted to teaching and working with both undergraduate and graduate students.  For information on conducting undergaduate research at Georgia State University Chemistry please consult this FAQ.

Who can participate in undergraduate research?

Any chemistry major may participate in undergraduate research with faculty consent. You should try to get started in research as soon as possible, especially if you are considering graduate school. It is common to sit in on weekly meetings of the research group (the “group Seminar”) for at least a semester before you start actual laboratory research.

How to I find a research group?

You should look at the faculty pages on the website. These sites contain brief descriptions of the research interests of the faculty members. Please contact the groups that are of interest to you. The groups vary greatly in the background required to join the group and the commitment required to do research. These issues are addressed on a group-by-group basis.

I am a chemistry major but would like to do research in biology.

In general, you will be able to do research with a faculty member in biology and have it count for research in chemistry. You should make all the arrangements with the biology faculty member and then see Dr. Barrow for help with the paperwork.

I am a biology major but would like to do research in chemistry.

In general, you will be able to do research with a faculty member in chemistry and have it count for research in biology. You should make all the arrangements with the chemistry faculty member and then see Dr. Therese Poole for help with the paperwork.

What about Chem 4160?

This is a required course. Students register for Chem 4160 in their Junior or Senior year (Forms for signing up for senior Chem 4160 are here). If you want to take 4160 earlier in your career, please see Dr. Barrow.

If there an alternative to Chem 4160 that does not involved joining a research laboratory?

Yes. Dr. Ray teaches a Chem 4160 course once a year that does not involve joining a research group. This class has a limited enrollment so register early.

Are there research fellowships available?

Yes. Currently there are fellowships available through the Molecular Basis of Disease (MBD), Brains and Behavior (B&B), University Scholars Program and the McNair Program. Each of these fellowships has their own University Website where information can be found. Check due dates and plan ahead.

What about summer research?

Summer research opportunities are available to undergraduate students both at Georgia State and elsewhere. The following give links to many of the programs available. Note that many of the programs have fairly early deadlines.

Physical and Biological Sciences: at University of California, Irvine http://www.urop.uci.edu/frame_opportunities_off_campus.html

Biological Sciences: at Columbia University. http://www.columbia.edu/cu/biology/ug/intern.html

More questions? Contact Dr. Gigi Ray.