Research Opportunities

Anyone. You do not need to be a chemistry or biochemistry major. Likewise, chemistry and biochemistry majors can look for opportunities of interest outside of their home department.

It takes time for a student to become productive in the lab, so many research advisors prefer to recruit students earlier in their time at ND. At the same time, it is good for students to adjust to the demands of college before taking on the additional workload and challenges of a research position. Plus, some faculty members want to see that students have completed at least one or two semesters of college level chemistry before joining their lab. Therefore, most students begin research positions their sophomore year. Ambitious students can begin talking to professors anytime. It is possible you may actually be able to start in a lab during your freshman year or at least have a secured position for your sophomore fall semester. 

Undergraduate research is a variable credit course. The rule of thumb is 1 credit corresponds to roughly 4-5 hrs/week; 2 credits 8-10 hrs/week. For your first semester in a lab, 1 credit is usually appropriate. After that, most students will do 2 credits per semester. More than 2 credits per semester is only approved under special circumstances (ex., 3 credits for a senior with a light course load might be appropriate). You and your research advisor must agree upon the number of credits at the start of the semester. Most labs are quite flexible about when this work takes place, and your time should be scheduled in large enough blocks of time to actually complete some lab work while you are there. The schedule of the graduate student or post-doc with whom you are working will also need to be considered when planning your work schedule.

Start by looking through our faculty webpages. The faculty can be sorted by division (Biochemistry, Inorganic, Organic, Physical/Analytical) and/or research specialty (Energy, Life Processes, Materials, Measurement, Medicine, Synthesis, Theory). You can also look at faculty in other departments to see if their research matches your interests. Students often look at faculty in Engineering, the Radiation Laboratory, Biology, Physics, and Math/ACMS. Select 4-5 faculty members whose work interests you, and then contact them to request a meeting. Face to face meetings are more effective than emails. Prepare for the meeting by looking over their research group website and a few of the publications listed there. Bring along a copy of your resume, and take notes. Ask what kinds of projects undergraduates have been assigned in the past, what potential projects you might have, who would work with you as you learn the ropes, and how many hours you would be expected to work.

Complete and return the application for undergraduate research. Applications are availble from Dr. Goodenough or Dr. Wietstock. You will need to complete safety training before beginning work in the lab. Once the departmental approval is entered into the system, you will be able to register. Remember to select the agreed upon number of credits from the drop-down menu. If you don't complete this last step, you may end up without any credits for your research that semester.

During the semester, research is usually done for credit. However, during the summer, research is typically a paid position. There are a number of ways in which you can secure funding for the summer: fellowships, internships, REU programs, or directly from your mentor's grant. Your chances of getting a paid position are always better if you have some existing research experience.

There are benefits to each option. It can be difficult to be highly productive in research during the semester, so students who stay over the summer are often able to make great progress that would lead to publication. On the flip side, research programs and internships done elsewhere allow you the opportunity to see and experience different areas of science and potential career paths and broaden your network. You should pursue those summer opportunitites that are most appealing to you.