Research

Undergraduate Research Opportunities in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Notre Dame

Undergraduate Research is an important aspect of your development as a chemist or biochemist. Therefore we recommend that students become involved in undergraduate research early in their academic career. Typically students start research at the beginning of their sophomore year; though some students even start in their first year of studies.

One of the frequently asked questions is "How do I go about getting involved in research?" The steps to follow include:

  1. reading the descriptions in this document and pick two or three that are of interest to you
  2. take some time to read through the listed papers to get a better sense of the work involving undergraduates in the lab
  3. talk to some current students in each of the labs you are considering to see what they have to say
  4. e-mail the faculty member to see about making an appointment to discuss the possibility of working in their lab -- keep the message professional and thorough
  5. go to the appointment as if you are going on an interview -- your knowledge of the work going on in the laboratory along with your interest will be key in obtaining a position
  6. make sure to have your questions prepared as well -- you should come away from your meeting with an understanding of the project that you will be working on, the techniques that you will be using, your participation in group meetings and what your role in the lab will be
  7. follow-up with the faculty member via e-mail after your meeting -- let them know of your continuted interest, or if you don't feel that you would be a good fit with their lab
  8. if you receive an offer to work in the lab, make sure to follow up in a timely fashion

If you have other questions about undergraduate research, you can contact Dr. Wietstock, Undergraduate Research Coordinator, at swietsto@nd.edu or at his office, 330 Jordan Hall.

Other requirements for receiving credit for your research:

  1. enroll in the appropriate section of CHEM48498 -- permission is needed from Amanda Huerta (256 Nieuwland Hall)
  2. a written progress report, signed by your research mentor, is to be turned in to Amanda Huerta prior to the end of each semester
  3. all students are expected to participate in COS-JAM each spring with either an oral or poster presentation

Overview