research proposal inorganic chemistry

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35911 Overview of the Research Proposal

• Published: August 2008
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In this module, we focus on writing a research proposal, a document written to request financial support for an ongoing or newly conceived research project. Like the journal article (module 1), the proposal is one of the most important and most utilized writing genres in chemistry. Chemists employed in a wide range of disciplines including teaching (high school through university), research and technology, the health professions, and industry all face the challenge of writing proposals to support and sustain their scholarly activities. Before we begin, we remind you that there are many different ways to write a successful proposal”far too many to include in this textbook. Our goal is not to illustrate all the various approaches, but rather to focus on a few basic writing skills that are common to many successful proposals. These basics will get you started, and with practice, you can adapt them to suit your individual needs. After reading this chapter, you should be able to do the following: ◾ Describe different types of funding and funding agencies ◾ Explain the purpose of a Request for Proposals (RFP) ◾ Understand the importance of addressing need, intellectual merit, and broader impacts in a research proposal ◾ Identify the major sections of a research proposal ◾ Identify the main sections of the Project Description Toward the end of the chapter, as part of the Writing on Your Own task, you will identify a topic for the research proposal that you will write as you work through this module. Consistent with the read-analyze-write approach to writing used throughout this textbook, this chapter begins with an excerpt from a research proposal for you to read and analyze. Excerpt 11A is taken from a proposal that competed successfully for a graduate fellowship offered by the Division of Analytical Chemistry of the American Chemical Society (ACS). As is true for nearly all successful proposals, the principal investigator (PI) wrote this proposal in response to a set of instructions. We have included the instructions with the excerpt so that you can see for yourself how closely she followed the proposal guidelines.

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Research Proposal Activities in an Advanced Inorganic Chemistry Lecture at the Undergraduate Level

With cutting edge research comes the expectation that funding is needed. Particularly in the sciences, grant funds can cover the cost of instrumentation, conference travel, summer stipends and the like. At the undergraduate level, it is essential to instill into the students the importance of finding and applying to funding opportunities (particularly for those who wish to pursue graduate degrees). While the Georgia College (GC) chemistry program currently does not have a formal "technical writing class", here are discussed several activities that seek to expose undergraduate students to proposal writing and bettering their technical writing skills. La investigación y diseminación de proyectos científicos novedosos requieren fondos monetarios. Particularmente en las ciencias, estos fondos pueden cubrir los costos de instrumentación, viajes a conferencias, estipendios de verano y otros. A nivel pre-doctoral, es esencial inculcar a los estudiantes la importancia de la adquisición de fondos monetarios (particularmente para aquellos estudiantes que desean estudiar a nivel de doctorado). Mientras que el programa de química de Georgia College (GC) no posee un curso de escritura técnica, en este artículo se discuten algunas actividades que exponen a estudiantes pre-doctorales a la escritura de propuestas y el mejoramiento de sus habilidades en escritura técnica. Palabras clave: Escritura de propuestas; química inorgánica avanzada; propuesta investigativa; investigación a nivel pre-doctoral; seminario integrador

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Inorganic chemistry articles from across Nature Portfolio

Inorganic chemistry is the study of the structure, properties and reactions of all chemical elements and compounds except for organic compounds (hydrocarbons and their derivatives).

Lifting iron higher and higher

Biological and synthetic catalysts often utilize iron in high oxidation states (+IV and greater) to perform challenging molecular transformations. A coordination complex featuring an Fe(VII) ion has now been synthesized through sequential oxidations of nonheme iron–nitrido precursors.

• Adam T. Fiedler
• Laxmi Devkota

Related Subjects

• Bioinorganic chemistry
• Chemical bonding
• Crystal field theory
• Group theory
• Organometallic chemistry
• Solid-state chemistry

Latest Research and Reviews

Two-dimensional lead halide perovskite lateral homojunctions enabled by phase pinning

Hong et al. report 2D perovskite lateral homojunction consists of ordered and disordered phases, achieved by organic cation doping induced phase pinning, built upon which they develop tuneable optical properties under external stimuli and directional exciton diffusion in the homojunctions.

• Huilong Hong
• Songhao Guo
• Yongping Fu

Carbon dioxide capture and functionalization by bis( N -heterocyclic carbene)-borylene complexes

Bis( N -heterocyclic carbene)-borylene complexes are capable of capturing and functionalizing CO 2 , but stable single-site-boron-carbon dioxide adducts are rarely reported. Here, the authors report the synthesis of a stable borylene-CO 2 complex as well as the functionalization of the captured CO 2 .

• An-Ping Koh
• Cheuk-Wai So

Upcycling of polyethylene to gasoline through a self-supplied hydrogen strategy in a layered self-pillared zeolite

The development of new methodologies to convert plastics into fuels without relying on noble metal-based catalysts is desirable. Now it is shown that a layered self-pillared zeolite enables the conversion of polyethylene to gasoline with a selectivity of 99% and yields of >80% without the need to use external hydrogen.

Optically induced charge-transfer in donor-acceptor-substituted p - and m - C 2 B 10 H 12 carboranes

Icosahedral carboranes have long been considered to be aromatic but the extent of conjugation between these clusters and their substituents is still being debated. Here the authors demonstrate carboranes as conjugated bridges in optical functional chromophores.

• Marco Holzapfel

Slow magnetic relaxation in a europium(II) complex

This study introduces a Eu(II) single molecule magnet that exhibits slow magnetic relaxation at low temperatures. These results highlight the importance of the lanthanide ion’s crystal field in unlocking the magnet-like properties of Eu(II).

• Dylan Errulat
• Katie L. M. Harriman
• Muralee Murugesu

Aggregation induced emission dynamic chiral europium(III) complexes with excellent circularly polarized luminescence and smart sensors

Chiral luminescent materials are of increasing interest in various applications, but achieving a desirable balance of properties can be challenging. Here, the authors report the development of Eu-based complexes with chiral luminescence and aggregation induced emission.

• Hai-Ling Wang
• Hua-Hong Zou

News and Comment

Like will reduce like

The reduction of molecular species containing arene to alkali metal cation interactions with other alkali metals has been found to contradict the expectation provided by simple considerations of relative reduction potentials.

• Johannes Kreutzer

Doing away with radium’s proxies

Despite the growing clinical use of radium in cancer treatments, the fundamental chemistry of nature’s largest +2 cation remains largely unexplored. Now, structural analysis of a radium complex reveals that its behaviour cannot always be predicted from the chemistry of its closest nonradioactive congener, barium.

• Joshua J. Woods
• Rebecca J. Abergel

Achieving unusual metal–metal bonding in the s -block

Since the isolation of a Mg–Mg complex, research on low-oxidation-state s -block chemistry has flourished. An approach to forming metal–metal bonds between Mg and the heavier alkaline earth metals (Ca, Sr and Ba) is now demonstrated. The unusual electronic nature of these compounds could stimulate further discussions of metal–metal bonding.

Isotropic models for anisotropic inorganics

The study of disordered materials poses numerous challenges, and computational approaches have proved useful to supplement and support structural experiments. Now, an abstract computational model has been used to study the structure of amorphous calcium carbonate, providing mechanistic insights into the emergence of the disordered phase as well as its atomic-level configurations.

• Julia Dshemuchadse

A 21-electron cobalt sandwich

• Joan Serrano-Plana

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Original Research Proposal

Course information.

CHEM-GA3200

Michael Ward

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• ACS Publications

Accounts of Chemical Research welcomes proposals for the upcoming Special Issue: “Electrosynthesis of Inorganic Materials”

• May 5, 2018

Electrosynthesis of inorganic substances has been instrumental in the growth and evolution of modern society. Electrodeposition is inarguably now the dominant synthetic strategy for critically important metals like aluminum and device components such as copper interconnects.

This Special Issue will explore new strategies and concepts in the electrochemical synthesis of inorganic materials.

To be considered for inclusion in this exciting Special Issue, please prepare a proposal of your full manuscript. A proposal is a one- or two-page document which includes a short description of the focused topic and a list of references to your work that would form the foundation of the final manuscript. Proposals must be submitted by Wednesday, June 15, 2022.

Full information about Accounts of Chemical Research Proposals and how to submit is available here .

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Department of Chemistry

Chemistry REU Program

Proposed research projects.

(Note that not all research projects and groups are available each summer. The list found here is to give a general idea of the program’s offering.)

Polymer Based Vesicles for Therapeutics Dr. Douglas Adamson (Polymer Chemistry)

Mechanistic Inorganic Chemistry Dr. Alfredo Angeles-Boza (Inorganic Chemistry)

We use synthetic chemistry, both organic and inorganic, as a tool to design and build new molecules for targeted applications. We are particularly interested in the social dilemmas of climate change and antibiotic resistance. Interestingly, both problems can be thought as examples of tragedies of the commons.

Our current research efforts are centered in two key areas: 1) Development of novel catalysts for the activation of small molecules (CO 2 , O 2 , H 2 O). We synthesize new catalysts and study their activity with a focus on kinetics and reaction mechanisms. We are one of the few groups in the world that use of heavy atom isotope effects to study reaction mechanisms. 2) Design and synthesis of compounds with medicinal properties that take advantage of the important role of metal ions in biological systems. Our approach involves synthesizing novel molecules and characterizing them with an arsenal of physical, chemical and spectroscopic data. In recent years, we have focused on the synthesis of peptides and peptidomimetics. Angeles-Boza Group Website

Use of Persistent Radical Catalysts in Living Polymerization Reactions Dr. Alexandru Asandei (Polymer Chemistry)

Synthesis and Study of DNA Damages Dr. Ashis K. Basu (Bioorganic Chemistry)

We study chemicals and drugs that exert their biological effects through DNA damage. Some of the chemicals are environmental pollutants such as 1–nitropyrene. We also study ionizing radiation-induced DNA damages. The REU student will synthesize a specific DNA damage such as a DNA adduct of a nitroaromatic compound or induce an ionizing radiation damage into a designed oligo¬deoxy¬nucleotide. These DNA lesions can induce mutations which may represent the first step converting a normal cell into a cancer cell. Our goal is to correlate the type of mutation with three dimensional architectural effects induced in DNA. The modified DNA fragments will be used to study mutagenesis and DNA repair. The project will introduce the REU student to a variety of organic synthesis and nucleic acid chemistry tools, chromatography, and structural characterization (NMR, UV-Vis, MS), and introduce the student to molecular biology and recombinant DNA techniques. Basu Web Site

Synthesis of Pyrrole-Modified Porphyrins Dr. Christian Brueckner (Organic Chemistry)

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) employs the combination of a photosensitizer, such as a porphyrin, and light to destroy diseased cells. For PDT to be most effective, the light that activates the drug must penetrate deep into tissue. However, while tissue is only transparent for red and infrared light, porphyrins cannot be activated using red light. Thus, our group has set out a program to modify synthetic porphyrins in a way that they can become photosensitizers which can be activated with red light. Although porphyrins are ubiquitous naturally occurring macrocycles, the regio-selective modification of them can be difficult. Hence, synthetic compounds are needed.

We modify a class sof symmetric meso-aryl-substituted porphyrins by formally replacing one pyrrole by a different heterocycle. One reaction sequence involves the cleavage of the ß,ß’-bond (1 to 2), followed by ring-closure to, in this example, form morpholine-derived porphyrin 3. Oxazole-, imidazole, and pyrazole-based systems are also available along this route.

The REU student will do multi-step syntheses (1-4 steps), purification (column and preparative thin layer chromatography) and characterization (UV-vis, IR, fluorescence spectroscopy, NMR) of porphyrins and metalloporphyrins (NiII, ZnII, AgII). The student will learn many analytic and synthetic techniques employed in modern organic and coordination chemistry. Brueckner Group Web Site

Modeling the Mechanisms of Light Harvesting in a Photosynthetic Antenna Protein Dr. Jose Gascon (Physical and Computational Chemistry)

Gascon Group Web Site

Automated Continuous Flow Chemistries Dr. Kerry Gilmore (Organic Chemistry)

The use of technology in chemistry allows for significant improvements in how we can study and synthesize small molecules. Most notably, the use of continuous flow techniques allows us to perform operations in a safer – and far greener – manner. This technique can be used in a wide breadth of applications, ranging from photo- and electrochemistry for more sustainable production, mechanistic studies to better understand how and why reactions occur, and the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients. Coupled with machine learning, our group uses these approaches to develop better ways of making molecules and accessing previously unexplored areas of chemical synthesis. Critically, these instruments and tools need to be more broadly available, such that the entire chemical community can benefit without having to buy or build things themselves. Akin to cloud computing, we are building a network of automated instruments to perform chemical reactions – this involves writing software, automation/robotics, building new platforms, analytics, and running chemical reactions. We are looking for REU students interested in any of these areas, and those with any experience in coding/robotics are especially welcome to apply. Gilmore group website

Hybrid Materials Dr. Jie (Jay) He (Polymer Chemistry and Physical Chemistry)

Amphiphilic molecules such as liquids, surfactants, and amphiphilic block copolymers can spontaneously form a wide range of nano- or microstructures such as spherical micelles, cylindrical or worm-like micelles, or bilayer vesicles in selective solvents. Analogues to the self-assembly behaviors of atoms or molecules, the self-assembly of colloidal building blocks,so-called “colloidal molecules”, into various supra-architectures or ordered ensembles provides new opportunities to engineering structures and devices with unique optical, magnetic, or electronic properties. Our group is interested in design and synthesis of colloidal molecules and the use of colloidal molecules as model systems to understand atomic or molecular interactions in self-assembly or crystallization. The REU student will be trained with various living polymerization techniques (ATRP and RAFT polymerization) and characterization tools (NMR, GPC and electronic microscopes). The student will be exposed to the synthesis and self-assembly of various nanomaterials.

He Group Web Site

Shape-Memory Polymers Dr. Rajeswari M. Kasi (Polymer Chemistry)

We seek to synthesize, characterize, and, thereby, achieve a fundamental understanding of new biocompatible stimuli-responsive polymers. Development of new synthetic methodologies, modification of existing synthetic routes, multidisciplinary approach to structure-property evaluation, and advanced characterization tools are the overriding factors to rational material design. Shape memory polymers are a class of responsive polymers that show a reversible temporary shape change with temperature. Upon temperature reduction the initial or permanent shape is achieved once again. We are interested in exploring the influence of architecture and states of matter on shape memory application. The triggering temperature used for these applications could be the glass transition, melting or liquid crystalline transition temperature leading to a multi-variable shape memory approach, Figure 1. Shape memory polymers and hybrid structures can be used in drug delivery, tissue engineering scaffolds, artificial muscles, and actuators.

The undergraduate student researcher will be mentored by a graduate student and the faculty member. The student will learn synthetic polymer chemistry methods and characterization techniques to investigate stimuli-responsive and shape memory properties. Kasi Group Web Site

Synthesis and characterization of photoswitchable inhibitors of potassium channels Dr. Michael Kienzler (Organic and Biological Chemistry)

Potassium channels are essential proteins for maintaining excitable cells’ membrane potential, perhaps best known for their role in neuron action potential firing.  New molecular tools are needed to interrogate the function of potassium channels with high spatiotemporal precision.  Our lab is interested in synthesizing small, photoswitchable molecules that can be used to control protein function, and in this project in particular, potassium channel blockers that can be turned “on” and “off” with different wavelengths of light.  To achieve this goal, our photoswitch of choice is azobenzene, which can isomerize between  cis   and   trans   forms by irradiating the molecule with different wavelengths of light in the Ultraviolet/visible range.

The REU student will synthesize a series of azobenzene-based photoswitchable inhibitors of potassium channels (2-5 steps), purifying (via column chromatography and HPLC) and characterizing (NMR, Mass Spec) their compounds as they go.  The photochemical properties of the final compounds will also be determined (UV/vis spectroscopy, NMR).

From the Kitchen to the Lab Dr. Nicholas Leadbeater (Inorganic Chemistry)

We all know that microwave ovens can be used for heating food fast. An exciting area of study in the synthetic chemistry community is the use of microwaves for making molecules rapidly, easily and cleanly. Using microwave heating, it is possible to enhance the rate of chemical reactions significantly and to do chemistry that was otherwise not possible. Unlike the microwave at home, we use state-of-the-art scientific microwave systems that allow precise control of reaction conditions. One limitation at the moment is the scale-up of reactions to make multi-gram or kilo quantities of compounds. However, we are about to receive a microwave apparatus that is designed to overcome this hurdle. As an REU student, you would play an important role in using this apparatus over the summer and would have your own mini-project focused around the use of microwave heating for scaling-up reactions. You will be mentored by a graduate student in the group. The reactions will be performed in water as a solvent rather than organic solvents thus making the chemistry more environmentally friendly. As well as being exciting, the project will introduce you to a range of modern synthetic chemistry techniques as well as analysis methods. Leadbeater Group Web Site

Supramolecular Assembly of Polypeptides into Nanomaterials Dr. Yao Lin (Polymer Chemistry)

Control of photo-generated charge-separated states in donor-bridge-acceptor molecules dr. tomoyasu mani (physical chemistry).

Research in the Mani Group focuses on photo- and radiation-induced fundamental chemical reactions in the condensed phase. We are particularly interested in controlling electronic excited states, charge and exciton transfer reactions, and spin dynamics in molecules and molecular assemblies. The fundamental understanding of these phenomena will help us improve and develop energy and biomedical technologies.

The REU student will work on the projects that examine the way(s) to control photo-generated charge-separated states. Students will have an opportunity to do either or both organic synthesis and optical (both steady-state and time-resolved) spectroscopy experiments.

Mani Group Web Site

Nanoscale Controlled Light Emitting Devices by Self-Assembly Techniques Dr. Fotios Papadimitrakopoulos (Polymer Chemistry)

Implantable biosensors could be a plausible way to continuously monitor blood glucose levels, provided they exhibit long-term stability and means to establish telemetry. However, their potential applications remain largely unexploited due to the negative tissue responses such as biofouling, inflammation, tissue fibrosis, and calcification generated by the implantation of such devices. Other problems such as electrical short, signal drifts and need for continuous calibration can lead to device malfunctioning and eventually failure. Also, one of the chief concerns is the possibility of sensor breakdown because of oxidative degradation of enzyme and other electrode coatings due to excess of hydrogen peroxide present in the immediate vicinity of the sensing electrode. This is a direct result of over-sampling of the glucose in the blood stream. Coating the device by a biocompatible, semipermeable membrane can rectify this situation. Apart from acting as a barrier to permeation of glucose, the membrane would protect the sensor from foreign molecules that cause fouling. Our group investigated the simplistic, yet versatile approach of layer-by-layer (LBL) self-assembly of assembly of Humic Acids (Has), a naturally occurring biopolymer and Fe3+ cations. Not only did these coatings provide the required degree of glucose permeability, but in vivo results indicated their biocompatibility with reduced tissue fibrosis upon implantation. Furthermore, the conformation and growth characteristics of the HAs/Fe3+ membrane could be tailored by carefully adjusting the pH of the aqueous medium. Apart from the HAs/Fe3+ bilayers, we self-assembled films of HAs/poly (diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) and also films of poly (styrene sulfonate) (PSS)/PDDA onto the sensory device. Moreover the diffusion coefficients of glucose through these membrane systems were investigated in order to explain the individual sensor response as it pertains to the microstructure of these outer semipermeable membranes. The hysterisis behavior of these sensors was studied as a function of permeability of the outer membrane. It was concluded that the microstructure of these coatings govern the permeability of glucose and correspondingly, the sensitivity, longevity and hysterisis of the sensors. We plan to extend this outer membrane research to a more biocompatible polyelectrolytes like poly saccharides and proteins, which we aniticipate to finish within one summer.

The incoming REU student will be exposed to a variety of techniques including electrochemical sensor fabrication, electro-analytical techniques, ellipsometry, enzyme immobilization, electropolymerization of conducting polymers, layer by layer assembly, in vitro and in vivo testing of electrochemical sensors as well diffusional based theoretical modeling of electrochemical sensors. Papadim. Group Web Site

Synthesis as a Tool in Glycoscience Dr. Mark W. Peczuh (Organic Chemistry)

Carbohydrates are indispensable to biological processes such as metabolism, protein folding, and cell-cell interactions. Our group is interested in the design, synthesis, and characterization (conformation, binding) of ring expanded carbohydrates that can interact with natural proteins such as lectins and glycosidases. The preparation of novel ligands of these two broad groups of carbohydrate binding proteins may provide new tools for glycobiology or even future drug leads.

The REU student will synthesize septanose carbohydrate glycosides and glycoconjugates designed for their ability to bind natural lectins and glycosidases. The routes for their synthesis will rely on established procedures, or will be developed by the student. They will be multistep sequences (4-6 steps), where compound purification (chromatography, crystallization) and spectroscopic characterization (NMR, IR, CD, MS) are critical aspects of the research. Peczuh Group Web Site

Building Functional Nanodevices with Porous Nanocapsules Dr. Eugene Pinkhassik (Materials/Organic/Analytical/Nanoscience)

Our research group designs functional nanomaterials and devices with new and superior properties to address global challenges in energy-related technologies, sensing, and medical imaging and treatment. We have developed a directed assembly method for the synthesis of vesicle-templated nanocapsules. These nanocapsules offer a unique combination of properties enabled by robust shells with the single-nanometer thickness containing programmed uniform pores capable of fast and selective mass transfer. Vesicle-templated nanocapsules emerged as a versatile platform for creating functional devices, such as nanoreactors, nanosensors, and containers for drug delivery.

The REU student will learn an array of synthetic and analytical techniques ranging from the synthesis of polymer nanocapsules, using self-assembled structures to direct organic synthesis, characterizing nanoscale objects with light scattering and electron microscopy, and evaluating the performance of newly created nanodevices with spectroscopic and chromatographic methods. Having mastered the synthesis of nanocapsules, the REU student will use the capsules to build nanodevices aiming at one of the following applications: nanoreactors with encapsulated homogeneous or enzymatic catalysts, highly selective nanoprobes, containers for the delivery of drugs or imaging agents, or cell-mimicking devices capable of through-shell communication.

Pinkhassik Group Web site

Reliability and Engineering of Molecules and Materials Next-generation Electronics. Dr. Rebecca Quardokus (physical/materials/nanoscience)

The Quardokus group focuses on the reliability and engineering of molecules and new materials for next-generation electronics. Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), with its ability to image individual atoms and molecules, is the primary tool used to investigate surface-confined molecular interactions and two-dimensional materials.  The systems of interest include self-assembled monolayers, two-dimensional polymers, surface-confined reactions, hierarchical designs, and surface-confined molecular rotors and switches. Quardokus Group Web Site

Enzyme-assembled Nanocapsules for Targeted Drug Delivery Dr. Jessica Rouge (Biological Chemistry)

We seek to design, synthesize and characterize nanomaterials that can target specific cell types for the delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids and small molecule drugs.

Nanomaterials have revolutionized the way drugs can be delivered thanks to their small size and enhanced chemical stability. However the ability to direct them to specific cellular targets and to control the release of their therapeutic cargo has been a major obstacle in the field. Our lab seeks to develop new materials that can direct the localization of a nanomaterial to specific cell receptors through the use of DNA aptamers. Aptamers are DNA and RNA sequences that strongly bind specific cellular locations or proteins. We are also interested in controlling the release of the nanomaterials contents through interactions with specific enzymes (esterases). We work to synthesize new substrates that can direct enzymes to the surface of nanomaterials in order to facilitate the enzyme-mediated assembly of chemically modified aptamers to particle surfaces along with the degradation of the nanomaterials itself.

An undergraduate researcher will be exposed to a highly interdisciplinary lab environment, being trained by both a graduate student and the faculty member. The students will learn both chemical and biochemical techniques such as nanoparticle synthesis, automated DNA synthesis, HPLC, PCR, RNA transcription and other enzymatic reactions. Rouge Group Web Site

Cancer Biomarker Detection by Immunoarrays Dr. James F. Rusling (Analytical, Physical Chemistry)

The student will develop analytical protocols for these analyses in serum samples, and attempt to improve sensitivity, detection limit and reproducibility compared to our existing arrays. The student will learn state-of-the-art biomedical sensor preparation technology utilizing nanoparticles and ink-jet biomolecule spotting. The student will also gain experience in electrochemical, AFM and spectroscopic analyses to monitor array fabrication, and the use amperometry for biomarker detection with the microfluidic arrays. Rusling Group Web Site

Catalysts, Ceramics, Batteries, and Adsorbents Dr. Steven L. Suib (Inorganic Chemistry)

Departments of chemistry, chemical engineering, and materials science and engineering, and institute of materials science..

Our NSF funded research program involves the preparation of aligned crystallites on solid surfaces that can be used as Catalysts, Ceramics, Batteries, and Adsorbents. Much of this research involves synthesis of novel metal oxide and sulfide materials that are densely packed but accessible to chemical reagents for distinct chemical and physical reactions.

Figure 1, Diagram of Oriented Fibers; Synthesis, Scanning Electron Micrograph and Coated Product.

Figure 1 above shows a diagram of one of the synthetic processes that is used to make such oriented crystallites. These nano-sized materials are shown to be well aligned in the scanning electron micrograph shown above. The photograph on the right in Figure 1 is that of an uncoated (cream color) cordierite monolith like that in an auto exhaust system in cars and the coated (dark brown) honeycomb support with aligned crystallites. A major advantage of the alignment is that more accessible sites are available for whatever the specific application might be.

For example, the materials in Figure 1 are being studied as auto exhaust catalysts and have shown excellent activity and stability in the oxidation of CO and the reduction of NO x . the same types of oriented materials can enhance the capacity of battery materials, and increase the amount of adsorption for example of extracting harmful sulfur and nitrogen species from a variety of fuels. Many of these materials act as ceramic systems that are stable at very high (> 500 o C) temperatures.

The type of research that would be done under an REU summer program would involve any aspect of synthesis, characterization, or applications of such oriented materials. Related goals of this research program involve use of green reagents, regeneration and sustainability of systems, and scale-up of materials and processes.

References.

Chen, S. Y.; Song, W.; Lin, H. J.; Wang, S.; Biswas, S.; Mollahosseini, M.; Kuo, C. H.; Gao, P. X.; Suib, S. L.; Manganese Oxide Nano-Array Based Monolithic Catalysts: Tunable Morphology and High Efficiency for CO Oxidation, ACS Appl. Mat.  & Int ., 2016, 8 , 7834-7842.

Dutta, B.; Biswas, S.; Sharma, V.; Savage, N. O.; Alpay, S. P.; Suib, S. L., Mesoporous Manganese Oxide Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidative Coupling of Anilines to Aromatic Azo Compounds, Ang. Chem. Int. Ed ., 2016, 55 , 2171-2175.

Synthesis of molecules emitting chiral light Dr. Gaël Ung (Inorganic/organic)

Circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) is the preferential emission of light with a certain circular polarization. Upon non-polarized light absorption, a chiral molecule reaches a preferential excited state which radiatively decays by emitting circularly polarized photons. CPL has emerged as a next-generation light source since the added chiral optical information presents unique opportunities to enhance optical displays, bio-imaging, and security f eatures for banknotes and identification documents. The REU student will synthesize chiral and enantiopure ligands, and study their coordination to lanthanides. The complexes obtained should exhibit CPL. Our laboratory is equipped with two rare CPL spectrometers, including the only NIR-CPL in the Americas. The REU student will be trained in a large variety of synthetic techniques (bench top, Schlenk, glove box), as well as spectroscopic characterizations (NMR, UV-vis, IR, EPR, CPL).

Ung Group Web Site

Mass Spectrometry to Investigate Micro-Scale Preparation of Peptide Samples Dr. Xudong Yao (Analytical Chemistry and Biological Chemistry)

Mass spectrometry is used as a fast and sensitive tool to study peptides. Mass spectrometry analyzes charge-to-mass ratios of peptide ions in gas phase. A mass spectrum plots the intensities of ions against their charge-to-mass ratios. These ratios can be used to determine chemical structures of peptides, while the intensities give relative quantitation of the ions. Sample preparation of peptides is a key step for successful mass spectrometric analysis, and it is often done at a micro-scale. In REU summer projects, students will work on different sample manipulations of peptides such as chemical modification of peptide mixtures and use mass spectrometry to study the efficiency of various micro-scale procedures for peptide sample preparation. The REU project will specifically investigate analytical challenges in mass spectrometric analysis of phosphopeptides. Phosphopeptides are fragments of phosphoproteins that are important regulators for cellular signaling. Analysis of protein phosphorylation is important to understand and treat various human diseases and to manipulate the fate of stem cells for therapeutic and regenerative applications. The REU researcher will study ß-elimination and Michael addition reactions of phosphopeptides. Objectives of the project are to minimize side reactions and maximize the efficiency of the sample preparation workflow that will be examined by high performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Yao Group Web Site

Synthesis and application of metal and semiconductor nanoparticles Dr. Jing Zhao (Analytical and Physical Chemistry)

Original Research Proposal – Organic

General layout for 4th year orp.

Overview . The goal of the ORP is to have students come up with an independent research proposal. Your ORP should focus on a big picture problem in chemistry. You should pull from multiple areas outside of your area of expertise (synthesis, catalysis, electrochemistry, photochemistry, chemical biology, polymer/materials) to address a contemporary and unsolved problem . Each specific aim should be independent on each other (this will be one of the metrics we will use to assess the ORP). The scope of the project should be that of a postdoctoral fellowship – something that can be accomplished in 2-3 years by one postdoc.

Specific Aims PreORP . You must first submit a one-page, single spaced description of the Specific Aims of your proposal (see formatting requirements below). Consider it an executive summary of your planned proposal. It should include significance (how it fits into the broader field and how it advances the field), innovation, and summary of research plan broken up into 2-3 specific aims. The aims should all focus on solving the problem you laid out, but should be independent of each other (e.g. if Aim 1 fails, Aim 2 is still feasible). This must be approved before writing the full proposal.

An excellent guide for writing specific aims can be found here .

ORP. Once your Specific Aims are approved, you must submit a max 12 page double spaced proposal (see formatting requirements below). It should contain the following sections: Significance, Innovation, and Research Plan. The research plan should be broken up into each of your specific aims, and should describe how you will accomplish them. At the end of each specific aim, you should describe potential problems and how you will address them. Include a concluding paragraph indicating what will be accomplished if the proposal is successful.

Formatting requirements : Times New Roman, Arial, or Helvetica. Font size 11 pt. Margins 1 in. Font color: black. Total length of document: Maximum 1 page single spaced for Specific Aims PreORP; 15 pages max double spaced for ORP. Alignment – Justify (i.e. straight edges like in journal articles). Figures should help to communicate the ideas in the proposal. Use ACS 1996 Template in Chemdraw.

Saving Files

For the ORP document: Last Name_ORP Year For the ORP Prep Proposal: Last Name_PreORP Year For the ORP Resubmission: Last Name_ORP Year_Resubmit#

Example: WilkersonHill_ORP2020 for the first draft  and WilkersonHill_ORP2020_Resubmit2 for the resubmit

4th year ORP Grading Rubric

Each proposal is reviewed by two faculty members who are not the student’s advisor. Anonymized feedback is returned to students within two months of submission. Proposals are graded Pass or Fail. A failed proposal may be revised and resubmitted up to one month after student notification.

Student name:

Proposal title:

Overall Impact

Reviewers will provide an overall impact score to reflect their assessment of the likelihood for the project to exert a sustained, powerful influence on the research field(s) involved, in consideration of the following three scored review criteria.

Scored Review Criteria

Reviewers will consider each of the three review criteria below in the determination of scientific and technical merit, and give a separate score for each.

Final Ranking

100+ Great Chemistry Research Topics

Table of contents

• 1 What are the best chemistry research topics?
• 2 5 Tips for Writing Chemistry Research Papers
• 3 Chemical Engineering Research Topics
• 4 Organic Сhemistry Research Topics
• 5 Іnorganic Сhemistry Research Topics
• 6 Biomolecular Сhemistry Research Topics
• 7 Analytical Chemistry Research Topics
• 8 Computational Chemistry Research Topics
• 9 Physical Chemistry Research Topics
• 10 Innovative Chemistry Research Topics
• 11 Environmental Chemistry Research Topics
• 12 Green Chemistry Research Topics
• 13.1 Conclusion

Do you need a topic for your chemistry research paper? Are you unsure of where to start? Don’t worry – we’re here to help. In this post, we’ll go over a series of the best chemistry research paper topics as well as Tips for Writing Chemistry Research Papers on different topics. By the time you finish reading this post, you’ll have plenty of ideas to get started on your next research project!

There are many different subfields of chemistry, so it can be tough to find interesting chemistry topics to write about. If you’re struggling to narrow down your topic, we’ll go over lists of topics in multiple fields of study.

What are the best chemistry research topics?

Doing research is important to help scientists learn more about the world around us. By researching different compounds and elements, we can learn more about how they interact with one another and how they can be used to create new products or improve existing ones.

There are many different topics that you can choose to research in chemistry. Here are just a few examples:

• The history of chemistry and how it has evolved over time
• How different chemicals react with one another
• How to create new compounds or improve existing ones
• The role of chemistry in the environment
• The health effects of different chemicals

5 Tips for Writing Chemistry Research Papers

Once you have chosen a topic for your research paper , it is important to follow some tips to ensure that your paper is well-written and accurate. Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Start by doing some background research on your topic. This will help you understand the basics of the topic and give you a good foundation to build your paper on.
• Make sure to cite all of the sources that you use in your paper. This will help to show where you got your information and will also help to add credibility to your work.
• Be sure to proofread your paper before you submit it. This will ensure that there are no errors and that your paper is clear and concise.
• Get help from a tutor or friend if you are struggling with your paper. They may be able to offer helpful advice or feedback.
• Take your time when writing your research paper . This is not a race, and it is important to make sure that you do a good job on your research.

By following these tips, you can be sure that your chemistry research paper will be a success! So what are you waiting for? Let’s go over some of the best research paper topics out there.

Chemical Engineering Research Topics

Chemical Engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the design and application of chemical processes. If you’re wondering how to choose a paper topic, here are some ideas to inspire you:

• How to create new alloy compounds or improve existing ones
• The health effects of the food industry chemicals
• Chemical engineering and sustainable development
• The future of chemical engineering
• Chemical engineering and the food industry
• Chemical engineering and the pharmaceutical industry
• Chemical engineering and the cosmetics industry
• Chemical engineering and the petrochemical industry

These are just a few examples – there are many more possibilities out there! So get started on your research today. Who knows what you might discover!

Organic Сhemistry Research Topics

Organic chemistry is the study of carbon-containing molecules. There are many different organic chemistry research topics that a student could choose to focus on and here are just a few examples of possible research projects in organic chemistry:

• Investigating new methods for synthesizing chiral molecules
• Studying the structure and reactivity of carbon nanotubes
• Investigating metal complexes with organometallic ligands
• Designing benzene derivatives with improved thermal stability
• Exploring new ways to control the stereochemistry of chemical reactions
• Studying the role of enzymes in organic synthesis
• Investigating new strategies for combating drug resistance
• Developing new methods for detecting explosives residues
• Studying the photochemistry of organic molecules
• Studying the behavior of organometallic compounds in biological systems

Іnorganic Сhemistry Research Topics

Inorganic Chemistry is the study of the chemistry of materials that do not contain carbon. Unlike other chemistry research topics, these include elements such as metals, minerals, and inorganic compounds. If you are looking for inorganic chemistry research topics on inorganic chemistry, here are some ideas to get you started:

• How different metals react with one another
• How to create new alloys or improve existing ones
• The role of inorganic chemistry in the environment
• Inorganic chemistry and sustainable development
• The future of inorganic chemistry
• Inorganic chemistry and the food industry
• Inorganic chemistry and the pharmaceutical industry
• Atomic structure progressive scale grading
• Inorganiс Сhemistry and the cosmetics industry

Biomolecular Сhemistry Research Topics

Biomolecular chemistry is the study of molecules that are important for life. These molecules can be found in all living things, from tiny bacteria to the largest animals. Researchers who work in this field use a variety of techniques to learn more about how these molecules function and how they interact with each other.

If you are looking for essential biomolecular chemistry research topics, here are some ideas to get you started:

• The structure and function of DNA
• The structure and function of proteins
• The role of carbohydrates in the body
• The role of lipids in the body
• How enzymes work
• The role of biochemistry in heart disease
• Cyanides and their effect on the body
• The role of biochemistry in cancer treatment
• The role of biochemistry in Parkison’s disease treatment
• The role of biochemistry in the immune system

The possibilities are endless for someone willing to dedicate some time to research.

Analytical Chemistry Research Topics

Analytical Chemistry is a type of chemistry that helps scientists figure out what something is made of. This can be done through a variety of methods, such as spectroscopy or chromatography. If you are looking for research topics, here are some ideas to get you started:

• How food chemicals react with one another
• Mass spectrometry
• Analytical aspects of gas and liquid chromatography
• Analytical chemistry and sustainable development
• Atomic absorption spectroscopy methods and best practices
• Analytical chemistry and the pharmaceutical industry in Ibuprofen consumption
• Analytical chemistry and the cosmetics industry in UV protectors
• Dispersive x-ray analysis of damaged tissues

Analytical chemistry is considered by many a complex science and there is a lot yet to be discovered in the field.

Computational Chemistry Research Topics

Computational chemistry is a way to use computers to help chemists understand chemical reactions. This can be done by simulating reactions or by designing new molecules. If you are looking for essential chemistry research topics in computational chemistry, here are some ideas to get you started:

• Molecular mechanics simulation
• Reaction rates of complex chemical reactions
• Designing new molecules: how can simulation help
• The role of computers in the study of quantum mechanics
• How to use computers to predict chemical reactions
• Using computers to understand organic chemistry
• The future of computational chemistry in organic reactions
• The impacts of simulation on the development of new medications
• Combustion reaction simulation impact on engine development
• Quantum-chemistry simulation review

Computers are cutting-edge technology in chemical research and this relatively new field of study has a ton yet to be explored.

Physical Chemistry Research Topics

Physical chemistry is the study of how matter behaves. It looks at the physical and chemical properties of atoms and molecules and how they interact with each other. If you are looking for physical chemistry research topics, here are some ideas to get you started:

• Standardization of pH scales
• Structure of atom on a quantum scale
• Bonding across atoms and molecules
• The effect of temperature on chemical reactions
• The role of light in in-body chemical reactions
• Chemical kinetics
• Surface tension and its effects on mixtures
• The role of pressure in chemical reactions
• Rates of diffusion in gases and liquids
• The role of entropy in chemical reactions

Here are just a few samples, but there are plenty more options! Start your research right now!

Innovative Chemistry Research Topics

Innovative chemistry is all about coming up with new ideas and ways to do things. This can be anything from creating new materials to finding new ways to make existing products. If you are looking for ground-breaking chemistry research topics, here are some ideas to get you started:

• Amino acids side chain effects in protein folding
• Chemistry in the production of nanomaterials
• The role of enzymes in chemical reactions
• Photocatalysis in 3D printing
• Avoiding pesticides in agriculture
• Combining chemical and biological processes
• Gene modification in medicinal chemistry
• The role of quantum mechanics in chemical reactions
• Astrochemical research on extraterrestrial molecules
• Spectroscopy signatures of pressurized organic components

If you need a hand, there are several sites that also offer research papers for sale and can be a great asset as you work to create your own research papers.

Whatever route you decide to take, good luck! And remember – the sky’s the limit when it comes to research! So get started today and see where your studies may take you. Who knows, you might just make a breakthrough discovery!

Environmental Chemistry Research Topics

Environmental Chemistry is the study of how chemicals interact with the environment. This can include anything from the air we breathe to the water we drink. If you are looking for environmental chemistry research topics, here are some ideas to get you started:

• Plastic effects on ocean life
• Urban ecology
• The role of carbon in climate change
• Air pollution and its effects
• Water pollution and its effects
• Chemicals in food and their effect on the body
• The effect of chemicals on plant life
• Earth temperature prediction models

A lot of research on the environment is being conducted at the moment because the environment is in danger. There are a lot of environmental problems that need to be solved, and research is the key to solving them.

Green Chemistry Research Topics

Green chemistry is the study of how to make products and processes that are environmentally friendly. This can include anything from finding new ways to recycle materials to developing new products that are biodegradable. If you are looking for green chemistry research topics, here are some ideas to get you started:

• Recycling and reuse of materials
• Developing biodegradable materials
• Improving existing recycling processes
• Green chemistry and sustainable development
• The future of green chemistry
• Green chemistry and the food industry
• Green chemistry and the pharmaceutical industry
• Green chemistry and the cosmetics industry

A more environmentally friendly world is something we all aspire for and a lot of research has been conducted on how we can achieve this, making this one of the most promising areas of study. The results have been varied, but there are a few key things we can do to make a difference.

Controversial Chemistry Research Topics

Controversial chemistry is all about hot-button topics that people are passionate about. This can include anything from the use of chemicals in warfare to the health effects of different chemicals. If you are looking for controversial topics to write about , here are some ideas to get you started:

• The use of chemicals in warfare
• Gene modification in human babies
• Bioengineering
• How fast food chemicals affect the human brain
• The role of the government in regulating chemicals
• Evolution of cigarette chemicals over time
• Chemical effects of CBD oils
• Antidepressant chemical reactions
• Synthetic molecules replication methods
• Gene analysis

Controversial research papers often appear in the media before it has been peer-reviewed and published in a scientific journal. The reason for this is that the media is interested in stories that are new, exciting, and generate a lot of debate.

Chemistry is an incredibly diverse and interesting field, with many controversial topics to write about. If you are looking for a research topic, consider the examples listed in this article. With a little bit of effort, you are sure to find a topic that is both interesting and within your skillset.

In order to be a good researcher, it is important to be able to think critically and solve problems. However, innovation in chemistry research can be challenging. When thinking about how to innovate, it is important to consider both the practical and theoretical aspects of your research. Additionally, try to build on the work of others in order to create something new and unique. With a little bit of effort, you are sure to be able to find a topic that is both interesting and within your skillset.

Happy writing!

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Home » 300+ Chemistry Research Topics

300+ Chemistry Research Topics

Table of Contents

Chemistry is a fascinating and complex field that explores the composition, properties, and behavior of matter at the molecular and atomic level. As a result, there are numerous chemistry research topics that can be explored, ranging from the development of new materials and drugs to the study of natural compounds and the environment. In this rapidly evolving field, researchers are constantly uncovering new insights and pushing the boundaries of our understanding of chemistry. Whether you are a student, a professional researcher, or simply curious about the world around you, there is always something new to discover in the field of chemistry. In this post, we will explore some of the exciting and important research topics in chemistry today.

Chemistry Research Topics

Chemistry Research Topics are as follows:

Organic Chemistry Research Topics

Organic Chemistry Research Topics are as follows:

• Development of novel synthetic routes for the production of biologically active natural products
• Investigation of reaction mechanisms and kinetics for organic transformations
• Design and synthesis of new catalysts for asymmetric organic reactions
• Synthesis and characterization of chiral compounds for pharmaceutical applications
• Development of sustainable methods for the synthesis of organic molecules using renewable resources
• Discovery of new reaction pathways for the conversion of biomass into high-value chemicals
• Study of molecular recognition and host-guest interactions for drug design
• Design and synthesis of new materials for energy storage and conversion
• Development of efficient and selective methods for C-H functionalization reactions
• Exploration of the reactivity of reactive intermediates such as radicals and carbenes
• Study of supramolecular chemistry and self-assembly of organic molecules
• Development of new methods for the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds
• Investigation of the biological activities and mechanisms of action of natural products
• Synthesis of polymeric materials with controlled architecture and functionality
• Development of new synthetic methodologies for the preparation of bioconjugates
• Investigation of the mechanisms of enzyme catalysis and the design of enzyme inhibitors
• Synthesis and characterization of novel fluorescent probes for biological imaging
• Development of new synthetic strategies for the preparation of carbohydrates and glycoconjugates
• Study of the properties and reactivity of carbon nanomaterials
• Design and synthesis of novel drugs for the treatment of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Inorganic Chemistry Research Topics

Inorganic Chemistry Research Topics are as follows:

• Synthesis and characterization of new metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for gas storage and separation applications
• Development of new catalysts for sustainable chemical synthesis reactions
• Investigation of the electronic and magnetic properties of transition metal complexes for spintronics applications
• Synthesis and characterization of novel nanomaterials for energy storage applications
• Development of new ligands for metal coordination complexes with potential medical applications
• Investigation of the mechanism of metal-catalyzed reactions using advanced spectroscopic techniques
• Synthesis and characterization of new inorganic materials for photocatalytic water splitting
• Development of new materials for electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reactions
• Investigation of the properties of transition metal oxides for energy storage and conversion applications
• Synthesis and characterization of new metal chalcogenides for optoelectronic applications
• Development of new methods for the preparation of inorganic nanoparticles with controlled size and shape
• Investigation of the reactivity and catalytic properties of metal clusters
• Synthesis and characterization of new metal-organic polyhedra (MOPs) for gas storage and separation applications
• Development of new methods for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles using environmentally friendly reducing agents
• Investigation of the properties of metal-organic frameworks for gas sensing applications
• Synthesis and characterization of new coordination polymers with potential magnetic and electronic properties
• Development of new materials for electrocatalytic water oxidation reactions
• Investigation of the properties of metal-organic frameworks for carbon capture and storage applications
• Synthesis and characterization of new metal-containing polymers with potential applications in electronics and energy storage
• Development of new methods for the synthesis of metal-organic frameworks using green solvents and renewable resources.

Physical Chemistry Research Topics

Physical Chemistry Research Topics are as follows:

• Investigation of the properties and interactions of ionic liquids in aqueous and non-aqueous solutions.
• Development of advanced analytical techniques for the study of protein structure and dynamics.
• Investigation of the thermodynamic properties of supercritical fluids for use in industrial applications.
• Development of novel nanomaterials for energy storage applications.
• Studies of the surface chemistry of catalysts for the optimization of their performance in chemical reactions.
• Development of new methods for the synthesis of complex organic molecules with improved yields and selectivity.
• Investigation of the molecular mechanisms involved in the catalysis of biochemical reactions.
• Development of new strategies for the controlled release of drugs and other bioactive molecules.
• Studies of the interaction of nanoparticles with biological systems for biomedical applications.
• Investigation of the thermodynamic properties of materials under extreme conditions of temperature and pressure.
• Development of new methods for the characterization of materials at the nanoscale.
• Investigation of the electronic and magnetic properties of materials for use in spintronics.
• Development of new materials for energy conversion and storage.
• Studies of the kinetics and thermodynamics of adsorption processes on surfaces.
• Investigation of the transport properties of ionic liquids for use in energy storage and conversion devices.
• Development of new materials for the capture and sequestration of greenhouse gases.
• Studies of the structure and properties of biomolecules for use in drug design and development.
• Investigation of the dynamics of chemical reactions in solution using time-resolved spectroscopic techniques.
• Development of new approaches for the synthesis of metallic and semiconductor nanoparticles with controlled size and shape.
• Studies of the structure and properties of materials for use in electrochemical energy storage devices.

Analytical Chemistry Research Topics

Analytical Chemistry Research Topics are as follows:

• Development and optimization of analytical techniques for the quantification of trace elements in food and environmental samples.
• Design and synthesis of novel analytical probes for the detection of biomolecules in complex matrices.
• Investigation of the fundamental mechanisms involved in the separation and detection of complex mixtures using chromatographic techniques.
• Development of sensors and biosensors for the detection of chemical and biological species in real-time.
• Investigation of the chemical and structural properties of nanomaterials and their applications in analytical chemistry.
• Development and validation of analytical methods for the quantification of contaminants and pollutants in water, air, and soil.
• Investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying drug metabolism and toxicity using mass spectrometry.
• Development of analytical tools for the identification and quantification of drugs of abuse in biological matrices.
• Investigation of the chemical composition and properties of natural products and their applications in medicine and food science.
• Development of advanced analytical techniques for the characterization of proteins and peptides.
• Investigation of the chemistry and mechanism of action of antioxidants in foods and their impact on human health.
• Development of analytical methods for the detection and quantification of microorganisms in food and environmental samples.
• Investigation of the molecular mechanisms involved in the biosynthesis and degradation of important biomolecules such as proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids.
• Development of analytical methods for the detection and quantification of environmental toxins and their impact on human health.
• Investigation of the structure and properties of biological membranes and their role in drug delivery and disease.
• Development of analytical techniques for the characterization of complex mixtures such as petroleum and crude oil.
• Investigation of the chemistry and mechanism of action of natural and synthetic dyes.
• Development of analytical techniques for the detection and quantification of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in water and wastewater.
• Investigation of the chemical composition and properties of biopolymers and their applications in biomedicine and biomaterials.
• Development of analytical methods for the identification and quantification of essential nutrients and vitamins in food and dietary supplements.

Biochemistry Research Topics

Biochemistry Research Topics are as follows:

• The role of enzymes in metabolic pathways
• The biochemistry of DNA replication and repair
• Protein folding and misfolding diseases
• Lipid metabolism and the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis
• The role of vitamins and minerals in human metabolism
• Biochemistry of cancer and the development of targeted therapies
• The biochemistry of signal transduction pathways and their regulation
• The mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in bacteria
• The biochemistry of neurotransmitters and their roles in behavior and disease
• The role of oxidative stress in aging and age-related diseases
• The biochemistry of microbial fermentation and its applications in industry
• The biochemistry of the immune system and its response to pathogens
• The biochemistry of plant metabolism and its regulation
• The molecular basis of genetic diseases and gene therapy
• The biochemistry of membrane transport and its role in cell function
• The biochemistry of muscle contraction and its regulation
• The role of lipids in membrane structure and function
• The biochemistry of photosynthesis and its regulation
• The biochemistry of RNA splicing and alternative splicing events
• The biochemistry of epigenetics and its regulation in gene expression.

Environmental Chemistry Research Topics

Environmental Chemistry Research Topics are as follows:

• Investigating the effects of microplastics on aquatic ecosystems and their potential impact on human health.
• Examining the impact of climate change on soil quality and nutrient availability in agricultural systems.
• Developing methods to improve the removal of heavy metals from contaminated soils and waterways.
• Assessing the effectiveness of natural and synthetic antioxidants in mitigating the effects of air pollution on human health.
• Investigating the potential for using algae and other microorganisms to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
• Studying the role of biodegradable plastics in reducing plastic waste and their impact on the environment.
• Examining the impact of pesticides and other agricultural chemicals on water quality and the health of aquatic organisms.
• Investigating the effects of ocean acidification on marine organisms and ecosystems.
• Developing new materials and technologies to reduce carbon emissions from industrial processes.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of phytoremediation in cleaning up contaminated soils and waterways.
• Studying the impact of microplastics on terrestrial ecosystems and their potential to enter the food chain.
• Developing sustainable methods for managing and recycling electronic waste.
• Investigating the role of natural processes, such as weathering and erosion, in regulating atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
• Assessing the impact of urbanization on air quality and developing strategies to mitigate pollution in cities.
• Examining the effects of climate change on the distribution and abundance of species in different ecosystems.
• Investigating the impact of ocean currents on the distribution of pollutants and other environmental contaminants.
• Developing new materials and technologies for renewable energy generation and storage.
• Studying the effects of deforestation on soil quality, water availability, and biodiversity.
• Assessing the potential for using waste materials, such as agricultural residues and municipal solid waste, as sources of renewable energy.
• Investigating the role of natural and synthetic chemicals in regulating ecosystem functions, such as nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration.

Polymer Chemistry Research Topics

Polymer Chemistry Research Topics are as follows:

• Development of new monomers for high-performance polymers
• Synthesis and characterization of biodegradable polymers for sustainable packaging
• Design of stimuli-responsive polymers for drug delivery applications
• Investigation of the properties and applications of conductive polymers
• Development of new catalysts for controlled/living polymerization
• Synthesis of polymers with tailored mechanical properties
• Characterization of the structure-property relationship in polymer nanocomposites
• Study of the impact of polymer architecture on material properties
• Design and synthesis of new polymeric materials for energy storage
• Development of high-throughput methods for polymer synthesis and characterization
• Exploration of new strategies for polymer recycling and upcycling
• Synthesis and characterization of responsive polymer networks for smart textiles
• Design of advanced polymer coatings with self-healing properties
• Investigation of the impact of processing conditions on the morphology and properties of polymer materials
• Study of the interactions between polymers and biological systems
• Development of biocompatible polymers for tissue engineering applications
• Synthesis and characterization of block copolymers for advanced membrane applications
• Exploration of the potential of polymer-based sensors and actuators
• Design of novel polymer electrolytes for advanced batteries and fuel cells
• Study of the behavior of polymers under extreme conditions, such as high pressure or temperature.

Materials Chemistry Research Topics

Materials Chemistry Research Topics are as follows:

• Development of new advanced materials for energy storage and conversion
• Synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials for environmental remediation
• Design and fabrication of stimuli-responsive materials for drug delivery
• Investigation of electrocatalytic materials for fuel cells and electrolysis
• Fabrication of flexible and stretchable electronic materials for wearable devices
• Development of novel materials for high-performance electronic devices
• Exploration of organic-inorganic hybrid materials for optoelectronic applications
• Study of corrosion-resistant coatings for metallic materials
• Investigation of biomaterials for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine
• Synthesis and characterization of metal-organic frameworks for gas storage and separation
• Design and fabrication of new materials for water purification
• Investigation of carbon-based materials for supercapacitors and batteries
• Synthesis and characterization of self-healing materials for structural applications
• Development of new materials for catalysis and chemical reactions
• Exploration of magnetic materials for spintronic devices
• Investigation of thermoelectric materials for energy conversion
• Study of 2D materials for electronic and optoelectronic applications
• Development of sustainable and eco-friendly materials for packaging
• Fabrication of advanced materials for sensors and actuators
• Investigation of materials for high-temperature applications such as aerospace and nuclear industries.

Nuclear Chemistry Research Topics

Nuclear Chemistry Research Topics are as follows:

• Nuclear fission and fusion reactions
• Nuclear power plant safety and radiation protection
• Radioactive waste management and disposal
• Nuclear fuel cycle and waste reprocessing
• Nuclear energy and its impact on climate change
• Radiation therapy for cancer treatment
• Radiopharmaceuticals for medical imaging
• Nuclear medicine and its role in diagnostics
• Nuclear forensics and nuclear security
• Isotopic analysis in environmental monitoring and pollution control
• Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy
• Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Radiation damage in materials and radiation effects on electronic devices
• Nuclear data evaluation and validation
• Nuclear reactors design and optimization
• Nuclear fuel performance and irradiation behavior
• Nuclear energy systems integration and optimization
• Neutron and gamma-ray detection and measurement techniques
• Nuclear astrophysics and cosmology
• Nuclear weapons proliferation and disarmament.

Medicinal Chemistry Research Topics

Medicinal Chemistry Research Topics are as follows:

• Drug discovery and development
• Design and synthesis of novel drugs
• Medicinal chemistry of natural products
• Structure-activity relationships (SAR) of drugs
• Rational drug design using computational methods
• Target identification and validation
• Drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK)
• Drug delivery systems
• Development of new antibiotics
• Design of drugs for the treatment of cancer
• Development of drugs for the treatment of neurological disorders
• Medicinal chemistry of peptides and proteins
• Development of drugs for the treatment of infectious diseases
• Discovery of new antiviral agents
• Design of drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases
• Medicinal chemistry of enzyme inhibitors
• Development of drugs for the treatment of inflammatory diseases
• Design of drugs for the treatment of metabolic disorders
• Medicinal chemistry of anti-cancer agents
• Development of drugs for the treatment of rare diseases.

Food Chemistry Research Topics

Food Chemistry Research Topics are as follows:

• Investigating the effect of cooking methods on the nutritional value of food.
• Analyzing the role of antioxidants in preventing food spoilage and degradation.
• Examining the effect of food processing techniques on the nutritional value of fruits and vegetables.
• Studying the chemistry of food additives and their impact on human health.
• Evaluating the role of enzymes in food digestion and processing.
• Investigating the chemical properties and functional uses of food proteins.
• Analyzing the effect of food packaging materials on the quality and safety of food products.
• Examining the chemistry of food flavorings and the impact of flavor on consumer acceptance.
• Studying the role of carbohydrates in food texture and structure.
• Investigating the chemistry of food lipids and their impact on human health.
• Analyzing the chemical properties and functional uses of food gums and emulsifiers.
• Examining the effect of processing on the flavor and aroma of food products.
• Studying the chemistry of food preservatives and their impact on food safety.
• Investigating the chemical properties and functional uses of food fibers.
• Analyzing the effect of food processing on the bioavailability of nutrients.
• Examining the chemistry of food colorants and their impact on consumer acceptance.
• Studying the role of vitamins and minerals in food and their impact on human health.
• Investigating the chemical properties and functional uses of food hydrocolloids.
• Analyzing the effect of food processing on the allergenicity of food products.
• Examining the chemistry of food sweeteners and their impact on human health.

Industrial Chemistry Research Topics

Industrial Chemistry Research Topics are as follows:

• Development of catalysts for selective hydrogenation reactions in the petrochemical industry.
• Green chemistry approaches for the synthesis of biodegradable polymers from renewable sources.
• Optimization of solvent extraction processes for the separation of rare earth elements from ores.
• Development of novel materials for energy storage applications, such as lithium-ion batteries.
• Production of biofuels from non-food sources, such as algae or waste biomass.
• Application of computational chemistry to optimize the design of new catalysts and materials.
• Design and optimization of continuous flow processes for large-scale chemical production.
• Development of new synthetic routes for the production of pharmaceutical intermediates.
• Investigation of the environmental impact of industrial processes and development of sustainable alternatives.
• Development of innovative water treatment technologies for industrial wastewater.
• Synthesis of functionalized nanoparticles for use in drug delivery and other biomedical applications.
• Optimization of processes for the production of high-performance polymers, such as polyamides or polyesters.
• Design and optimization of process control strategies for efficient and safe chemical production.
• Development of new methods for the detection and removal of heavy metal ions from industrial effluents.
• Investigation of the behavior of surfactants in complex mixtures, such as crude oil or food products.
• Development of new materials for catalytic oxidation reactions, such as the removal of volatile organic compounds from air.
• Investigation of the properties and behavior of materials under extreme conditions, such as high pressure or high temperature.
• Development of new processes for the production of chemicals from renewable resources, such as bio-based building blocks.
• Study of the kinetics and mechanism of chemical reactions in complex systems, such as multi-phase reactors.
• Optimization of the production of fine chemicals, such as flavors and fragrances, using biocatalytic processes.

Computational Chemistry Research Topics

Computational Chemistry Research Topics are as follows:

• Development and application of machine learning algorithms for predicting chemical reactions and properties.
• Investigation of the role of solvents in chemical reactions using molecular dynamics simulations.
• Modeling and simulation of protein-ligand interactions to aid drug design.
• Study of the electronic structure and reactivity of catalysts for sustainable energy production.
• Analysis of the thermodynamics and kinetics of complex chemical reactions using quantum chemistry methods.
• Exploration of the mechanism and kinetics of enzyme-catalyzed reactions using molecular dynamics simulations.
• Investigation of the properties and behavior of nanoparticles using computational modeling.
• Development of computational tools for the prediction of chemical toxicity and environmental impact.
• Study of the electronic properties of graphene and other 2D materials for applications in electronics and energy storage.
• Investigation of the mechanisms of protein folding and aggregation using molecular dynamics simulations.
• Development and optimization of computational methods for calculating thermodynamic properties of liquids and solids.
• Study of the properties of supercritical fluids for applications in separation and extraction processes.
• Development of new methods for the calculation of electron transfer rates in complex systems.
• Investigation of the electronic and mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes for applications in nanoelectronics and nanocomposites.
• Development of new approaches for modeling the interaction of biomolecules with biological membranes.
• Study of the mechanisms of charge transfer in molecular and hybrid solar cells.
• Analysis of the structural and mechanical properties of materials under extreme conditions using molecular dynamics simulations.
• Development of new approaches for the calculation of free energy differences in complex systems.
• Investigation of the reaction mechanisms of metalloenzymes using quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) methods.
• Study of the properties of ionic liquids for applications in catalysis and energy storage.

Theoretical Chemistry Research Topics

Theoretical Chemistry Research Topics are as follows:

• Quantum Chemical Studies of Excited State Processes in Organic Molecules
• Theoretical Investigation of Structure and Reactivity of Metal-Organic Frameworks
• Computational Modeling of Reaction Mechanisms and Kinetics in Enzyme Catalysis
• Theoretical Investigation of Non-Covalent Interactions in Supramolecular Chemistry
• Quantum Chemical Studies of Photochemical Processes in Organic Molecules
• Theoretical Analysis of Charge Transport in Organic and Inorganic Materials
• Computational Modeling of Protein Folding and Dynamics
• Quantum Chemical Investigations of Electron Transfer Processes in Complex Systems
• Theoretical Studies of Surface Chemistry and Catalysis
• Computational Design of Novel Materials for Energy Storage Applications
• Theoretical Analysis of Chemical Bonding and Molecular Orbital Theory
• Quantum Chemical Investigations of Magnetic Properties of Complex Systems
• Computational Modeling of Biological Membranes and Transport Processes
• Theoretical Studies of Nonlinear Optical Properties of Molecules and Materials
• Quantum Chemical Studies of Spectroscopic Properties of Molecules
• Theoretical Investigations of Reaction Mechanisms in Organometallic Chemistry
• Computational Modeling of Heterogeneous Catalysis
• Quantum Chemical Studies of Excited State Dynamics in Photosynthesis
• Theoretical Analysis of Chemical Reaction Networks
• Computational Design of Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications

Astrochemistry Research Topics

Astrochemistry Research Topics are as follows:

• Investigating the chemical composition of protoplanetary disks and its implications for planet formation
• Examining the role of magnetic fields in the formation of complex organic molecules in space
• Studying the effects of interstellar radiation on the chemical evolution of molecular clouds
• Exploring the chemistry of comets and asteroids to better understand the early solar system
• Investigating the origin and evolution of interstellar dust and its relationship to organic molecules
• Examining the formation and destruction of interstellar molecules in shocked gas
• Studying the chemical processes that occur in the atmospheres of planets and moons in our solar system
• Exploring the possibility of life on other planets through astrobiology and astrochemistry
• Investigating the chemistry of planetary nebulae and their role in the evolution of stars
• Studying the chemical properties of exoplanets and their potential habitability
• Examining the chemical reactions that occur in the interstellar medium
• Investigating the chemical composition of supernova remnants and their impact on the evolution of galaxies
• Studying the chemical composition of interstellar grains and their role in the formation of stars and planets
• Exploring the chemistry of astrocytes and their role in the evolution of galaxies
• Investigating the formation of interstellar ice and its implications for the origin of life
• Examining the chemistry of molecular clouds and its relationship to star formation
• Studying the chemical composition of the interstellar medium in different galaxies and how it varies
• Investigating the role of cosmic rays in the formation of complex organic molecules in space
• Exploring the chemical properties of interstellar filaments and their relationship to star formation
• Studying the chemistry of protostars and the role of turbulence in the formation of stars.

Geochemistry Research Topics

Geochemistry Research Topics are as follows:

• Understanding the role of mineralogical and geochemical factors on metal mobility in contaminated soils
• Investigating the sources and fate of dissolved organic matter in aquatic systems
• Exploring the geochemical signatures of ancient sedimentary rocks to reconstruct Earth’s past atmospheric conditions
• Studying the impacts of land-use change on soil organic matter content and quality
• Investigating the impact of acid mine drainage on water quality and ecosystem health
• Examining the processes controlling the behavior and fate of emerging contaminants in the environment
• Characterizing the organic matter composition of shale gas formations to better understand hydrocarbon storage and migration
• Evaluating the potential for carbon capture and storage in geologic formations
• Investigating the geochemical processes controlling the formation and evolution of ore deposits
• Studying the geochemistry of geothermal systems to better understand energy production potential and environmental impacts
• Exploring the impacts of climate change on the biogeochemistry of terrestrial ecosystems
• Investigating the geochemical cycling of nutrients in coastal marine environments
• Characterizing the isotopic composition of minerals and fluids to understand Earth’s evolution
• Developing new analytical techniques to better understand the chemistry of natural waters
• Studying the impact of anthropogenic activities on the geochemistry of urban soils
• Investigating the role of microbial processes in geochemical cycling of elements in soils and sediments
• Examining the impact of wildfires on soil and water chemistry
• Characterizing the geochemistry of mineral dust and its impact on climate and biogeochemical cycles
• Investigating the geochemical factors controlling the release and transport of contaminants from mine tailings
• Exploring the biogeochemistry of wetlands and their role in carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling.

Electrochemistry Research Topics

Electrochemistry Research Topics are as follows:

• Development of high-performance electrocatalysts for efficient electrochemical conversion of CO2 to fuels and chemicals
• Investigation of electrode-electrolyte interfaces in lithium-ion batteries for enhanced battery performance and durability
• Design and synthesis of novel electrolytes for high-energy-density and stable lithium-sulfur batteries
• Development of advanced electrochemical sensors for the detection of trace-levels of analytes in biological and environmental samples
• Analysis of the electrochemical behavior of new materials and their electrocatalytic properties in fuel cells
• Study of the kinetics of electrochemical reactions and their effect on the efficiency and selectivity of electrochemical processes
• Development of novel strategies for the electrochemical synthesis of value-added chemicals from biomass and waste materials
• Analysis of the electrochemical properties of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for energy storage and conversion applications
• Investigation of the electrochemical degradation mechanisms of polymer electrolyte membranes in fuel cells
• Study of the electrochemical properties of 2D materials and their applications in energy storage and conversion devices
• Development of efficient electrochemical systems for desalination and water treatment applications
• Investigation of the electrochemical properties of metal-oxide nanoparticles for energy storage and conversion applications
• Analysis of the electrochemical behavior of redox-active organic molecules and their application in energy storage and conversion devices
• Study of the electrochemical behavior of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for the catalytic conversion of CO2 to value-added chemicals
• Development of novel electrode materials for electrochemical capacitors with high energy density and fast charge/discharge rates
• Investigation of the electrochemical properties of perovskite materials for energy storage and conversion applications
• Study of the electrochemical behavior of enzymes and their application in bioelectrochemical systems
• Development of advanced electrochemical techniques for the characterization of interfacial processes in electrochemical systems
• Analysis of the electrochemical behavior of nanocarbons and their application in electrochemical energy storage devices
• Investigation of the electrochemical properties of ionic liquids for energy storage and conversion applications.

Surface Chemistry Research Topics

Surface Chemistry Research Topics are as follows:

• Surface modification of nanoparticles for enhanced catalytic activity
• Investigating the effect of surface roughness on the wetting behavior of materials
• Development of new materials for solar cell applications through surface chemistry techniques
• Surface chemistry of graphene and its applications in electronic devices
• Surface functionalization of biomaterials for biomedical applications
• Characterization of surface defects and their effect on material properties
• Surface modification of carbon nanotubes for energy storage applications
• Developing surface coatings for corrosion protection of metals
• Synthesis of self-assembled monolayers on surfaces for sensor applications
• Surface chemistry of metal-organic frameworks for gas storage and separation
• Investigating the role of surface charge in protein adsorption
• Developing surfaces with superhydrophobic or superoleophobic properties for self-cleaning applications
• Surface functionalization of nanoparticles for drug delivery applications
• Surface chemistry of semiconductors and its effect on photovoltaic properties
• Development of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates for trace analyte detection
• Surface functionalization of graphene oxide for water purification applications
• Investigating the role of surface tension in emulsion formation and stabilization
• Surface modification of membranes for water desalination and purification
• Synthesis and characterization of metal nanoparticles for catalytic applications
• Development of surfaces with controlled wettability for microfluidic applications.

Atmospheric Chemistry Research Topics

Atmospheric Chemistry Research Topics are as follows:

• The impact of wildfires on atmospheric chemistry
• The role of aerosols in atmospheric chemistry
• The chemistry and physics of ozone depletion in the stratosphere
• The chemistry and dynamics of the upper atmosphere
• The impact of anthropogenic emissions on atmospheric chemistry
• The role of clouds in atmospheric chemistry
• The chemistry of atmospheric particulate matter
• The impact of nitrogen oxides on atmospheric chemistry and air quality
• The effects of climate change on atmospheric chemistry
• The impact of atmospheric chemistry on climate change
• The chemistry and physics of atmospheric mercury cycling
• The impact of volcanic eruptions on atmospheric chemistry
• The chemistry and physics of acid rain formation and effects
• The role of halogen chemistry in the atmosphere
• The chemistry of atmospheric radicals and their impact on air quality and health
• The impact of urbanization on atmospheric chemistry
• The chemistry and physics of stratospheric polar vortex dynamics
• The role of natural sources (e.g. ocean, plants) in atmospheric chemistry
• The impact of atmospheric chemistry on the biosphere
• The chemistry and dynamics of the ozone hole over Antarctica.

Photochemistry Research Topics

Photochemistry Research Topics are as follows:

• Investigating the mechanisms of photoinduced electron transfer reactions in organic photovoltaic materials.
• Developing novel photoredox catalysts for photochemical reactions.
• Understanding the effects of light on DNA and RNA stability and replication.
• Studying the photochemistry of atmospheric pollutants and their impact on air quality.
• Designing new photoresponsive materials for advanced photonic and electronic devices.
• Exploring the photochemistry of metalloporphyrins for potential applications in catalysis.
• Investigating the photochemistry of transition metal complexes and their use as photodynamic therapy agents.
• Developing new photocatalytic systems for sustainable energy production.
• Studying the photochemistry of natural products and their potential pharmaceutical applications.
• Investigating the role of light in the formation and degradation of environmental contaminants.
• Designing new photochromic materials for smart windows and displays.
• Exploring the photochemistry of carbon nanomaterials for energy storage and conversion.
• Developing new light-driven molecular machines for nanotechnology applications.
• Investigating the photochemistry of organic dyes for potential applications in dye-sensitized solar cells.
• Studying the effects of light on the behavior of biological macromolecules.
• Designing new photoresponsive hydrogels for drug delivery applications.
• Exploring the photochemistry of semiconductor nanoparticles for potential applications in quantum computing.
• Investigating the mechanisms of photochemical reactions in ionic liquids.
• Developing new photonic sensors for chemical and biological detection.
• Studying the photochemistry of transition metal complexes for potential applications in water splitting and hydrogen production.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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An Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory Technique Course using Scaffolded, Inquiry-Based Laboratories and Project-Based Learning

† Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244, United States

Jessica L. Dewey

‡ Duke Learning Innovation, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States

Weiwei Zheng

Associated data.

To enhance students’ learning and help them understand the whole picture of the field of inorganic chemistry, an inorganic laboratory technique course was designed that uses scaffolded, inquiry-based lab experiments and project-based learning. The scaffolded, inquiry-based laboratories taught in the first 8 weeks of the course helped students better understand the aim of each lab and how to apply each lab technique to a bigger research project. The laboratory experiments also included opportunities for cooperative and collaborative learning through student group work and feedback. To further develop students’ independent research skills, we implemented project-based learning in the second part of the course (last 4 weeks), in which students develop a research proposal based on independent literature research and the laboratory techniques they learned from the course. Pilot data suggest that the course helped improve students’ interest in inorganic chemistry, science self-efficacy, and science identity. Additionally, students reported that both the scaffolded, inquiry-based laboratories and the project-based learning module enhanced their problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Introduction

As an upper-level course, the inorganic chemistry laboratory provides a great opportunity for students to learn and practice the skills and knowledge of chemistry by performing inorganic chemistry work. 1 However, inorganic chemistry, unlike some other areas of chemistry (e.g., general and organic chemistry), generally contains a wide breadth of topics and methodologies which require significant effort for students to understand, especially if they are not clearly connected. 1 , 2 Additionally, while there have been recent calls and renewed interest in incorporating inquiry-based learning into chemistry lab courses given the potential benefits of increased science literacy, research skills, and sense of scientific ability, 3 − 7 results from a recent national survey indicate that the majority of inorganic chemistry laboratory experiments involve minimal opportunities for inquiry. 1 Inorganic chemistry courses that cover a broad range of topics across individual laboratories that do not relate to, or build upon, each other and are often taught without opportunities for inquiry may therefore fail to pique the interest of undergraduate students and make it difficult for students to understand and apply their knowledge of chemistry. 8 , 9

The level of inquiry in a lab course can be characterized by determining how much guidance is provided to students throughout an experiment, and which aspects of the experiment are given to students. 10 More specifically, the characteristics of a lab experiment include the problem/question, theory/background, procedures/design, results analysis, results communication, and conclusions. 10 As students are given more opportunities for independence and are provided with fewer answers (e.g., not given the conclusions of an experiment or told how to communicate the results), the level of inquiry increases, making the experience more similar to the authentic scientific research process. 11 , 12 The use of inquiry-based laboratories (laboratories that ask students to use methods and practices that would be used by professional scientists when constructing new knowledge) has been shown to improve students’ interest in and understanding of science. 11 , 13 − 15 Additionally, inquiry-based lab experiments can demonstrate the real conditions and imperfection of chemical reactions, which provide students with an opportunity to develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. 14 , 15 Furthermore, in place of the many disconnected, cookbook-style experiments taught in traditional lab courses, the incorporation of scaffolding, either through an overarching theme or by purposefully designing laboratories to build on each other, may also support students’ engagement and perceived success in a course. 1 , 16

One additional approach that has been used to improve student learning and engagement in chemistry lab courses is project-based learning (PBL). 17 − 19 PBL organizes learning around a realistic project driven by students’ interests. 19 Students engage in an extended inquiry process structured around a complex, authentic question, and both learn and apply content and skills simultaneously. 18 , 20 The PBL approach is flexible in that it can be adapted to various timeframes during a semester and can be catered to the specific contexts in which students are learning. Additionally, the opportunity for students to design a project based on their own interests supports students’ need for autonomy and can ultimately help improve their intrinsic motivation when it comes to inorganic chemistry. 21 , 22

The inorganic chemistry laboratory technique course described here uses both scaffolded, inquiry-based laboratories and project-based learning. The inquiry-based laboratories designed for this course can be characterized as “guided inquiry”. 10 Students are provided with the problem/question, theory/background, and procedures of each lab; however, each lab has an unknown or broad range of results and the students must interpret and analyze the data, develop their own conclusions, and communicate their findings. 10 These laboratories are also scaffolded, meaning they relate to, and build upon, each other under the overarching theme of inorganic materials. Project-based learning was then used to provide students with the opportunity to apply what they had learned from the inquiry-based laboratories and develop their skills in identifying research questions, finding related theory/background information, and designing relevant experiments. In the present work, the PBL approach is used to focus on the structural, optical, and electronic properties, as well as the applications of inorganic materials. Ultimately the choice to use both scaffolded, inquiry-based laboratories and project-based learning ensured that students had a chance to learn and practice all of the skills that are fundamental for inorganic chemistry. 1

Course Overview

For many years, Syracuse University did not have a standalone inorganic chemistry laboratory course. Instead, upper-level students needing or wanting to take an inorganic chemistry lab were grouped into the honors general chemistry lab II course with freshmen. However, this course mainly covered biochemistry experiments and did not include many inorganic chemistry experiments. To expand the inorganic chemistry curricula and provide undergraduate students with hands-on experience of the synthesis and characterization of a variety of inorganic compounds and nanocrystals, we designed a new Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory Technique course in Spring 2020 that incorporated scaffolded, inquiry-based experiments along with project-based learning. The scaffolded, inquiry-based laboratories are taught over the first 8 weeks of the course and are designed specifically so that later laboratories are based on, and build from, the earlier laboratories. For example, we start by making molecular precursors at the beginning of the semester; then we use the precursors to synthesize inorganic nanoparticles. It should be noted that a broad range of sizes and compositions (in the case of core/shell) of the inorganic nanoparticles could be obtained from the experiments, potentially leading to the largely unknown optical properties of the as-synthesized products due to the unique size-, composition-, and surface defect-dependent optical properties of materials in nanoscale. 23 , 24 We also designed three laboratories focusing on the study of the stability, optical, and structural properties of the molecular precursors and nanoparticles using three basic characterization methods, thermogravimetry (TGA), optical spectroscopies (UV–vis absorption and emission), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), that are routinely used in chemistry research laboratories. We used this approach to help students better understand the aim of each lab, how to apply these aims to a bigger research project, how to interpret data, and how to explain results based on previous laboratories/observations. The nature of the inquiry-based experiments is similar to projects developed in the instructor’s research group in the past few years through the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program. In the experiments, we chose to synthesize and characterize nanoparticles, a new type of inorganic material, to show students the state-of-the-art and dynamic nature of research in chemistry.

To further build on and develop the students’ research skills, in the second part of the lab course, we developed a four week project-based learning module in which students develop a research proposal based on the laboratory techniques they learned from the course and their own independent literature research. Students choose their own topic and research question, propose a research design for how they might address their question, and outline the expected results from their proposed design. Students both write a project summary and make an oral presentation of their project to their classmates at the end of the semester (see an example student presentation in Supporting Information ). This module gives them the authentic experience of proposing and designing an experiment to answer a research question, which can help increase their interest and motivation in the content and also helps develop professional scientific communication skills.

Description of Student Population

The students enrolling in this course are typically chemistry majors in their junior or senior year. They generally completed the inorganic chemistry lecture course. However, the lecture class is not a prerequisite or corequisite for this laboratory class, and the material in the laboratory class is independent of the lectures. Over the four offerings of this course, the number of students taking the class has ranged from 7 to 13. The registered students are distributed between two sections that meet on different days of the week. The lab space is equipped with six standard fume hoods. Thus, a maximum of six students for each section may be ideally accommodated by the course organization described here.

Course Outline and Description

Compared to traditional chemistry lab courses, this new course contains a unique combination of scaffolded, inquiry-based experiments taught in Part 1 of the course (8 weeks) and a PBL module in Part 2 of the course (4 weeks). Each lab lasts 3 h, and the general format of each lab includes an instructor’s lecture at the beginning of each lab that presents the concepts of the lab experiment as well as a specific lecture related to research skills (∼45 min), followed by the set up and completion of the lab experiment. For laboratories 2 and 6, which involved significant instrument acquisition time (≥30 min per measurement), the TA and students first set up their experiment and then move to the lecture and discussion to minimize the waiting time during the lab courses. Table 1 presents a timeline of all of the experiments students work on during the semester.

Part 1 of the Course (First 8 Weeks)

In the first part of the course, the first 8 weeks, students work through laboratories 1–7 on the synthesis of inorganic metal complexes and nanoparticles, the characterization techniques used to study their structural and optical properties, and green energy application of inorganic materials ( Table 1 ). To enhance students’ learning and help them understand the full picture of the field of inorganic chemistry, we specifically designed these laboratories to be scaffolded and inquiry-based. The laboratories all connect to, and build upon, each other under the broad theme of inorganic materials where students must analyze their results, form conclusions, and then develop communication plans on their own (see Course Assignments section for more details). The series of syntheses and characterization experiments build upon and complement each other over these first 8 weeks ( Scheme 1 ; Note: Laboratories focused on synthesis (1, 4, 5, and 7) and characterization (2, 3, and 6) are shown in pale blue and pale yellow, respectively, in the scheme). The scaffolded design demonstrates to the students the interconnectedness of different areas of inorganic chemistry, which helps students to have a better understanding of the aim of each lab and how to apply each lab technique to a bigger research project.

On the first day, the course starts with a broad introduction of the class, including the format, content, and requirements of the course. For the first two lab experiments, the students work individually on the synthesis (Lab 1, Scheme 1 ) and thermal stability of metal complexes cadmium diethyldithiocarbamate (Cd(DDTC) 2 ) and zinc diethyldithiocarbamate (Zn(DDTC) 2 ) by thermogravimetry (TGA) analysis (Lab 2). The metal complex Cd(DDTC) 2 is then used to synthesize luminescent cadmium sulfide (CdS) quantum dots (QDs) through a thermal decomposition and growth method in the third and fourth laboratories. 25 , 26 UV–vis absorption and emission spectroscopies are utilized to study the optical properties of the QDs (Lab 3). In addition, other inorganic materials such as cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr 3 ) perovskite nanocrystals are also provided in the optical measurements in Lab 3, to show students the broad variety of optical properties of inorganic materials including absorption and emission wavelengths, emission quantum efficiencies, etc . Laboratories 5 and 6 explore functional CdS/ZnS core/shell QDs for enhanced optical properties and stability. The core/shell QDs are synthesized by surface passivation of CdS QDs with ZnS shell using Zn(DDTC) 2 as a shell precursor ( Scheme 2 ). 27 , 28 The crystal structure of the inorganic CdS core and CdS/ZnS core/shell QDs is studied by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD, lab 6). We also designed one lab experiment titled “Sensitized solar cells” (Lab 7) focused on the application of inorganic nanomaterials. This lab experiment was designed to help students understand the importance of functional inorganic materials and enhance their problem-solving skills by connecting the laboratory experiment with real world applications in green energy harvesting. For three experiments on the synthesis of CdS QDs (Lab 4), functional CdS/ZnS core/shell QDs (Lab 5), and the application of inorganic materials (Lab 7), the students work in pairs ( Table 1 ). A more detailed description of Experiment 5, as an example of how these laboratories are run, and the syllabus of the course are included in the Supporting Information .

Part 2 of the Course (Last 4 Weeks)

Project-based learning (PBL) is implemented in Part 2 of the course. The goal of this PBL module, covering weeks 9–13, is for students to apply the lab techniques they learned while developing their skills in finding background literature, identifying research questions, and designing an experimental plan. The “project” students work toward is a small research proposal in the field of inorganic materials. Students have the opportunity to pick one topic in inorganic materials that they are interested in and would like to focus on for their proposal. We hope that by varying the styles of the laboratories (inquiry-based lab experiments and laboratories focused on proposal development) and exposing them to as many different ways of learning as possible, we will spark students’ imagination in chemistry research.

Intrinsic motivation, or engaging in activities for the inherent rewards of the behavior itself, is critical for the learning process based on self-determination theory. 21 In the second part of the course, we encourage students to connect the project to their own career goals and/or interests. Therefore, a very broad range of topics are allowed for the proposal. These topics could be anything related to the development of functional inorganic materials and applications, including the synthesis and applications of inorganic metal complexes, surface modification of semiconductor nanocrystals for enhanced properties and water-soluble nanomaterials, photostability of semiconductor nanocrystals for nanomaterial-based solar cells and photocatalysis in green energy applications, and more. Each student is asked to find 3 to 5 recent research papers (ideally within the past 10 years), identify a fundamental research question(s), and develop their own proposal. While it is not feasible for students to test their proposed experiments as part of this course due to limitations in time and required instruments and chemicals, the students are still practicing important and authentic research skills by working on this proposal. Specifically, students need to justify the rationale of the experimental design, formulate their research hypothesis and expected results, and identify potential challenges in the projects. This project requires some independent literature research, and the related experiments might go beyond what the students learned from the series of experiments in part 1 of the course. Therefore, we provide students with sufficient background information, including a specific lecture on “Literature search”, as well as a one-to-one discussion and feedback for their experimental design of the final project.

Throughout both parts of the course, students are given opportunities to work both individually and in groups. For example, three experiments (Laboratories 4, 5, and 7, Table 1 ) required high temperature synthesis and/or more deliberate lab operations during the semester, so students work in pairs on these experiments. For the rest of the experiments in the first part of the course, students work individually. Additionally, during the PBL module, students work individually. However, even when students were working individually, we incorporated opportunities for peer learning in which students can both give and receive feedback through peer reviews, during the in-class discussions, and during their final presentations.

Course Assignments

Throughout Part 1 of the course, students are required to complete prelab assignments where they are asked to develop their own hypotheses and answer questions related to the background and expected results of the experiments based on their hypotheses. Students also complete a postlab report for each experiment where they conduct detailed data analysis and discussion including possible experimental errors and if their hypothesis is correct or flawed.

In Part 2 of the course, the project is broken into a few smaller assignments before students turn in their final product. In week 10 of the course, students submit their project titles and abstract. In week 11, students submit the 3–5 research papers they will be using for their proposal. This assignment is intended to make the students more comfortable reading scientific papers. It also reinforces the connections between the various synthetic and physical experiments performed during the semester. The final product of this project-based learning module is a written project summary and an oral presentation of the students’ proposed project to their classmates at the end of the semester. The written proposal includes (1) Abstract/Objective of the project on inorganic materials (5%); (2) Background and Significance of the specific field of the work (25%); (3) Experimental Description of the synthetic method and characterization techniques (30%); (4) Properties and Applications of the inorganic productor (25%); (5) Conclusion and Outlook (10%); and (6) References of the report (5%) (Note: sections 3 and 4 could be combined as necessary). These final assignments help students develop professional scientific communication skills.

Hazards and Safety

The inorganic chemistry laboratory contains many potential hazards. Comprehensive safety rules as well as a few additional safety notes related to COVID-19, such as personal protective equipment, are offered to students on the first day, which is considered a starting point for the safe laboratory practice of the course. Specific safety guidelines on the safe conduct of each experiment are provided to students at the beginning of the laboratory period every week. The hazards and safety information are also listed in the course syllabus and lab manuals.

Care should be taken to minimize exposure to all organic solvents and inorganic chemicals used in the experiments by using appropriate eye protection, gloves, and fume hoods (especially with the high temperature reaction for the synthesis of inorganic nanocrystals). QDs and perovskite nanocrystals are synthesized by using highly toxic heavy metal ions such as cadmium and lead. Students are required to wear nitrile gloves and goggles at all times and maintain extreme care during handling these nanomaterials. The reactions for QD synthesis are conducted under an inert gas and high temperatures. There is a potential burn hazard for using a stirring hot plate and oil bath. Caution should be taken to avoid touching the surface of a hot plate and the hot glass flask during the high temperature synthesis. Care should be taken with the use of the centrifuge to avoid unbalanced centrifuge tubes, which can cause damage and injure the operator and other laboratory personnel. Care should be taken to properly dispose of all liquid waste, sharp needles, and broken or used glass pipets in designated waste containers inside the fume hood during or after the experiments.

Study Methodology

End-of-semester student evaluations were used to determine broad outcomes for students across the first three semesters that this course was taught. Pilot survey data was collected from the seven students enrolled in this course in Spring 2023 (This study was determined to be exempt by the Syracuse University Institutional Review Board, IRB#: 22-403). Students were asked to complete a survey at both the beginning and end of the semester. The pre/postcourse questions assessed students’ interest in chemistry, science self-efficacy, and science identity ( Table 2 ). The additional postcourse survey questions assessed students’ perceptions of whether specific aspects of the course (i.e., scaffolded, inquiry-based laboratories, and project-based learning) impacted their understanding, interest, and skills, as well as their perceptions of their overall experience in the course ( Table 3 ). Most of the survey questions were pulled from previously published tools and modified to fit the context of this course. 29 , 30 All questions used a Likert scale of 1-strongly disagree, 2-disagree, 3-neither agree nor disagree, 4-agree, and 5-strongly agree. Responses to the pre- and postsurvey questions were averaged across the students and compared qualitatively. Due to the small sample size, statistical analyses were not used. For the questions asked only on the postsurvey, we calculated the percentage of students that responded with each of the five Likert-scale options and compared these percentages qualitatively.

Broad Student Outcomes

Given the small enrollment in this course, both the instructor and the TA have been able to provide quality one-on-one support to each student enrolled in the course each semester it has been taught. The new course has had a 100% passing rate, and very positive student evaluations each semester it has been offered. Students indicated a high level of satisfaction with the developed course, especially with the incorporation of scaffolded, inquiry-based lab experiments. One of the students in the spring 2021 course commented that “ It was really such a great class and the fact that most labs built on each other reaffirmed each concept very well! ”. Another student from the same semester commented that “ This class helped in my overall knowledge of chemistry a lot .” Students like that the lecture and discussion are a part of the lab since they are directly relevant to the lab content and make the experiments easy to follow. Students also like the collaborative team-based learning that we incorporated in laboratories 4 and 5 to explore the synthesis and properties of inorganic materials. One of the students in the spring 2020 course commented that “ I liked the experiments because they were easy to follow and were relevant to the material. I liked that I got to pick my group and collaborate with them .”. The student also gave very high-quality presentations on topics such as the synthesis, morphology, stability, and optical properties of functional semiconductor nanomaterials (see an example student presentation in the Supporting Information ).

We also wanted to ensure that students experienced the reality of undergoing imperfect chemical reactions during inorganic chemistry research. There are many undergraduate and graduate students who understand fundamental chemistry concepts and theories very well. However, occasionally, those “great” students have encountered trouble in their research, with one possible reason being that they seldom realize the big gap between ideal/theoretical results and results in real experiments. Students in their coursework have studied basic theories and concepts under perfect conditions, which does not happen in the real world. Our goal with this course, using inquiry-based lab design where students must determine the results, analysis, and conclusions and then communicate plans on their own, was to provide students with the opportunity to develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Specifically, the lab experiments emphasize the real conditions and outcomes of the chemical experiments. We let students know the deviation of the ideal results are not always experimental errors, and in reality, experiments never work out perfectly even without human error. For example, solvent partitioning in a separatory funnel is routinely used in the chemistry laboratory as one of the basic purification methods, which requires two solvents that are not miscible with each other and form two layers when mixed together. Usually, one of the solvents is polar, such as water, and the other solvent is nonpolar, such as toluene. We usually expect a compound to dissolve in one solvent rather than another because of the different solubilities in two different solvents based on the concept of “like dissolves like”. However, we are seldom rewarded with perfection. This is not because of “human error” but because of the nature of equilibrium that governs how much of the compound goes in one layer and how much goes in the other. In addition, usually when we do an extraction, we like to see a good separation between two clear layers. One practical problem when we clean the inorganic nanoparticles using “solvent extraction” after QD synthesis in laboratories 4–5 is forming a cloudy “solution” instead of two well-separated layers. The nanoparticles could slowly precipitate out from the mixture of polar/nonpolar solvents. However, through the in-class discussion comparing the different sample purification techniques available in the lab, students can come up with a solution to this issue by centrifugation to separate the nanocrystals from solution. Ultimately, by highlighting the imperfect reality of inorganic chemistry experiments, we hope to better prepare students to solve these types of problems in their future work.

Survey Results

We additionally collected pre/postcourse survey data for questions about students’ interests, science self-efficacy, and science identity ( Table 2 ). Although we only have data from seven students in Spring 2023 and were unable to analyze these data statistically, we did find some interesting trends in their survey responses ( Figure ​ Figure1 1 ). First, we found that while these students did not have a notable increase in their interest in Chemistry broadly (M pre = 4.9, M post = 5.0, Question 1 in Figure ​ Figure1 1 ; M = average), they did have a notable increase in their interest in the field of Inorganic Chemistry (M pre = 3.6, M post = 4.6, Question 2 in Figure ​ Figure1 1 ). It is important to note here that these students started with a much higher interest in Chemistry (strongly agree on average) compared to that in Inorganic Chemistry (between neutral and agree on average), which makes sense given that these students are juniors and seniors majoring in Chemistry. However, it is exciting to see the increase in their interest specifically toward Inorganic Chemistry after taking the lab course (M post = 4.6, between agree and strongly agree on the postsurvey).

Comparison of student response from the pre- and postcourse survey questions as indicated by the lighter and darker bars, respectively.

We also found notable increases in most of the questions regarding students’ science self-efficacy. These students reported an increase, on average, in their ability to find resources for a research project (M pre = 4.0, M post = 4.7, Question 3 in Figure ​ Figure1 1 ), generate research questions for a project (M pre = 3.6, M post = 4.6, Question 4 in Figure ​ Figure1 1 ), solve problems in inorganic chemistry research (M pre = 3.0, M post = 4.3, Question 7 in Figure ​ Figure1 1 ), think critically about inorganic chemistry research (M pre = 3.6, M post = 4.6, Question 8 in Figure ​ Figure1 1 ), and generally understand the science content (M pre = 3.7, M post = 4.4, Question 9 in Figure ​ Figure1 1 ). Students also reported a slight increase in whether they think of themselves as a “scientist” (M pre = 3.9, M post = 4.4, Question 10 in Figure ​ Figure1 1 ) and whether their interest in science is an important reflection of who they are (M pre = 4.4, M post = 4.9, Question 11 in Figure ​ Figure1 1 ).

As a whole, these pre/postcourse survey results suggest that the course helped improve students’ interest, self-efficacy, and science identity. We recognize that we only have data for seven students, and therefore the findings should be taken with a grain of salt, but these results suggest positive trends that we can further investigate in the future.

Finally, we asked students to report on their experiences of different aspects of the course on the postsurvey ( Table 3 ). Overall, these students reported very positive experiences of the course ( Figure ​ Figure2 2 ); in regard to the scaffolded, inquiry-based portion of the course, all students either agreed or strongly agreed that the scaffolded, inquiry-based lab experiments were a good way to learn about the subject matter (Question 1 in Figure ​ Figure2 2 ). Five of the seven students either agreed or strongly agreed that these lab experiments enhanced their problem-solving skills (question 2 in Figure ​ Figure2 2 ), and six of the seven students either agreed or strongly agreed that these experiments enhanced their critical thinking skills (question 3 in Figure ​ Figure2 2 ). For the PBL portion of the course (questions 4–6 in Figure ​ Figure2 2 ), five of the seven students either agreed or strongly agreed that the PBL portion was a good way to learn about the subject matter and that the PBL portion enhanced their problem-solving skills. All students either agreed or strongly agreed that the PBL portion enhanced their critical thinking skills. Overall, these results suggest that the two portions of the course helped improve these students’ problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Student response frequencies for the impact of the scaffolded, inquiry-based lab experiments (part 1 of the course), project-based learning (part 2 of the course), and overall experience.

For students’ overall experiences in the course (questions 7–10 in Figure ​ Figure2 2 ), six of the seven students either agreed or strongly agreed that the course motivated them to search for scientific information and that they are more motivated to learn course materials when they see a potential application to society. All seven students strongly agreed that they get personal satisfaction when they can combine their chemistry knowledge with applications, and six of the seven students strongly agreed that chemistry courses become more interesting when they connect with their personal values. These results suggest that providing students with autonomy and opportunities to connect the content with real-world applications, as we did in our course, could lead to more positive experiences for students. However, further investigation and confirmation of these trends should be done due to our small sample size and associated lack of statistical analyses.

Conclusions

A new inorganic chemistry laboratory technique course was developed to provide students with access to a variety of experimental techniques for exploring new properties and applications of inorganic compounds and nanocrystals. The course incorporated both scaffolded, inquiry-based experiments and project-based learning to give students a more realistic and interesting experience of inorganic chemistry. We also incorporated opportunities for both individual and team-based learning as well as peer review. We hope that the lab experience provided by this course will inspire students to pursue a career in chemistry. While the experiments developed for this course focus on the synthesis and characterization of inorganic materials, the general design of the course (scaffolded, inquiry-based laboratories and the project-based learning module) could be used in other laboratory courses with different topics and lengths.

Acknowledgments

W.Z. acknowledges support from Syracuse University under the CHANcE Project funded through the HHMI Inclusive Excellence Initiative (Grant Number GT11064), and the NSF CAREER grant (Award Number CHE-1944978). We’d like to thank George M. Langford, Laurel Willingham-McLain, Martha A. Diede, and Mathew M. Maye for valuable discussions before and during the course transformation process. We appreciate the assistance from Elan Hofman on the initial designing of the lab experiments and materials.

Supporting Information Available

The Supporting Information is available at https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jchemed.3c00547 .

• Syllabus of the course ( PDF )
• Lab manual of Experiment 5 including prelab questions as an example of how these laboratories are run ( PDF )
• Lecture slides for Experiment 5 including postlab questions ( PDF )
• An example student presentation of the proposal from the PBL module ( PDF )

The authors declare no competing financial interest.

Supplementary Material

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Korey Carter receives DOE Early Career Award

Assistant Professor Korey Carter's U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Early Career proposal titled, "Design of Molecular Spin Qubits Featuring Clock Transitions via Encapsulation of f-Elements in Polyoxometalates" was officially selected for funding.

The DOE announced the selection of 93 early career scientists from across the country who will receive a combined $135 million in funding for research covering a wide range of topics, from artificial intelligence to astrophysics to fusion energy. The 2023 Early Career Research Program awardees represent 47 universities and 12 DOE National Laboratories across the country. These awards are a part of the DOE’s long-standing efforts to develop the next generation of STEM leaders to solidify America’s role as the driver of science and innovation around the world.

Funding for these awards is part of the DOE Office of Science’s Early Career Research Program, which bolsters the nation’s scientific workforce by supporting exceptional researchers at the outset of their careers, when many scientists do their most formative work. Since its inception in 2010, the Early Career Research Program has made 868 awards, with 564 awards to university researchers and 304 awards to National Lab researchers.

To be eligible for Early Career Research Program awards, a researcher must be an untenured, tenure-track assistant or associate professor at a U.S. academic institution or a full-time employee at a DOE National Laboratory who received a Ph.D. within the past 12 years. Research topics are required to fall within the scope of one of the Office of Science’s eight major program areas:

• Accelerator R&D and Production
• Advanced Scientific Computing Research
• Basic Energy Sciences
• Biological and Environmental Research
• Fusion Energy Sciences
• High Energy Physics
• Isotope R&D and Production
• Nuclear Physics 

Awardees were selected based on peer review by outside scientific experts. The projects announced are selections for negotiation of a financial award, and the final details for each are subject to final grant and contract negotiations between DOE and the awardees.

Total funding is $135 million for projects lasting up to five years in duration, with $69 million in Fiscal Year 2023 dollars and the additional funding contingent on congressional appropriations.

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Thank you for joining us on Husky Giving Day

Thank you for joining us this Husky Giving Day and opening the door to discovery for undergraduate students in the Department of Chemistry!

Husky Giving Day is a time when we really can all come together. Members of our community who participated represent diverse demographics including GOLD alumni (graduates of the last decade), alumni who have celebrated the golden anniversary of their graduation, alumni with degrees outside of chemistry or biochemistry, UW staff and faculty, first-time donors and annual donors, and even current students! This was truly a day to celebrate!

Your support helps students like Ingrid for whom a donor-supported summer research stipend made it possible to realize her dream of researching with a renowned analytical chemistry lab. As an undergraduate student, Ingrid spent the summer of 2022 in the group of Associate Professor Ashleigh Theberge, working on CandyCollect -- a more comfortable diagnostic method for multiple illnesses to use at home or in the doctor’s office.

“I am grateful for every day I was able to spend in the lab,” wrote Ingrid. Without the donor-supported financial support from the Department of Chemistry, Ingrid would not have had this opportunity that “enriched my life as a budding researcher and chemist.”

Ingrid is now a master’s student in the Department of Chemistry’s Applied Chemical Science and Technology program and will be starting her Ph.D. work in analytical chemistry in Prof. Theberge’s lab this summer. This spring, Ingrid will submit her second first-author manuscript—research for which started during the summer of 2022 when she received the Department of Chemistry's Endowed Undergraduate Research Scholarship!

Thank you for investing in our students with your gift to support a summer research stipend through the Chemistry Scholarship Fund. Private support like yours makes a world of difference. Thank you!

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