Undergraduate Research
Research brings students into contact with a variety of chemical literature, fosters a spirit of independence and inquiry, builds familiarity with complex instruments and technologies and helps develop sound judgment. Many students make connections in the lab that turn into professional opportunities and careers down the road.
Students majoring in American Chemical Society (ACS)-certified degrees must complete a minimum research requirement, but we strongly encourage all undergraduates to pursue lab opportunities as early as first year.
We are now taking applications for the Summer of 2023
Advancing Chemistry Research by Integrating Green Chemistry and Science Policy--Applications for the Summer of 2023 is Now Open!
The 2022 GW REU Summer Research ended on a high note with a successful symposium, where undergraduate researchers presented their research posters to faculty and graduate students! Watch a time lapse video of the event.
Please join us next year for this poster symposium highlighting the research of undergraduate students from across the country as part of the NSF-funded Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program. Contact: Dr. Stephen Boyes.
Find Out More About This Program
Interested in Undergraduate Chemistry Research?
There is a course for that: CHEM 2199: Frontiers of Chemical Research.
Learn about cutting-edge chemistry research at GW and get started with research! CHEM 2199 is a 1.0 credit hour seminar course that will introduce you to current research in the Chemistry Department. Each week, a different chemistry faculty member will present their research and answer questions. Toward the end of the semester, you will select a professor to engage with further to learn more about their research program and to shadow a researcher in their lab.
Offered in fall semesters. Prerequisite: CHEM 1112 or consent of the instructor. Contact Professor Meisel for more information at [email protected].
Meet the 2022 Awardees
Chemistry Major Nora Houseman
Part of the Columbian College STEM Summer Laboratory Internship Program
Nora first joined Dr. Meisel's research group in 2021. Nora had this to say about the summer research program: “There’s no substitute for spending 30 or 40 hours a week on research and learning by doing things myself, making mistakes and asking questions. ... I needed an opportunity to stay here and grow in the lab.” Read the full story.
Chemistry Major Spenser Bystrom
Recipient of the Madeleine Reines Jacobs Award
Spencer said of his chemistry research project: "Through the generous Madeleine Reines Jacobs scholarship, I spent a summer devoted to the study of chemistry and organic synthesis. More importantly, I solidified my plans for a future career in pharmaceutical science and research. Thank you for this incredible opportunity!"
How Research Benefits You
As an undergraduate researcher, you will work side by side with graduate students and faculty in our light-filled modern labs.
Interdisciplinary Options
- Analytical chemistry
- Biological chemistry
- Environmental chemistry
- Inorganic chemistry
- Organic chemistry
- Physical chemistry
- Theoretical chemistry
Future Career Opportunities
- Graduate school
- Professional schools (health)
- Pharmaceutical R&D
- Chemical manufacturing industry
- Public service & nonprofit
- Business & entrepreneurship
- Communication & journalism
"Undergraduate research is a great opportunity to bridge the gap between classroom learning and the 'real world.'"
Jacqueline Dyer
BS ’18, Presenter at the 2017 American Society for Mass Spectrometry Conference
Get Involved
- Talk to your faculty advisor or appropriate graduate students about your research interests and the potential openings, projects and requirements. Laying the groundwork early will ensure a good fit.
- Explore the website or our department newsletter to learn about the research projects faculty members are currently engaged in.
- Talk to fellow undergraduates who are doing research to get a feel for what your day-to-day experience will be like in a research lab.
- Sign up to perform research as a volunteer or intern.
- Find a paid position with a faculty member.
- Enroll in research for credit (CHEM 4195 or 4195W) — required for majors pursuing ACS-certified degrees in chemistry or biochemistry.
- Apply for a summer research program as a rising junior or senior. Students earn a stipend to work under the chemistry faculty member of their choice.
For further guidance, contact your advisor or a member of our staff.
Research Course Requirements
An undergraduate research course, CHEM 4195 or 4195W, is required for certain majors. We recommend that students take the course for at least three credits over two semesters. The first semester (one credit) provides a transition into the research group and introduction to the methodology. In the second semester (two credits) students dive deeper into the project. The more time (and credits) spent on the research, the more useful the data will be.
The course culminates with a paper describing the methods and results of the project. The final paper should be a well written, comprehensive and properly documented report, regardless of the success of the research. Students are expected to deliver a final paper presentation.