Research in the Department of Chemistry
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Undergraduate and graduate research in the Department of Chemistry at Sam Houston State University (SHSU) gives students the opportunity to work alongside faculty mentors on meaningful scientific questions. Through hands-on laboratory experience, students apply classroom knowledge to real-world problems, develop professional skills, and prepare for careers in industry, education, healthcare, and graduate or professional school.
Why Research in Chemistry?
Research is a core part of the chemistry experience at SHSU. By participating in research, students:
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Apply chemical principles learned in coursework to authentic problems
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Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and data analysis skills
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Gain experience with modern laboratory instrumentation
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Build strong mentoring relationships with faculty
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Strengthen resumes and graduate or professional school applications
Overview
Undergraduate research allows chemistry majors to actively participate in scientific discovery. Students work under the supervision of a faculty mentor to design experiments, collect and analyze data, and communicate results through written reports or presentations.
Undergraduate research can take place:
- Through independent projects or collaborative research groups
- During the fall, spring, or summer for course credit (e.g., CHEM 4395: Undergraduate Research in Chemistry)
- As paid or volunteer research during the summer
Most students begin research after completing foundational chemistry coursework. Motivation, curiosity, and commitment are more important than prior research experience.
What students gain
- Hands-on experience with advanced equipment and techniques.
- One-on-one mentoring from faculty in specialized areas of chemistry.
- Professional development: presenting research, writing reports, and building resumes.
- Career readiness: skills that translate directly into graduate school and industry roles.
- Networking opportunities with faculty, peers, and external collaborators.
- Research experience often leads to presentations at conferences and even co-authored publications.
Faculty and Instrumentation
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Faculty Research Areas
- Organic and Inorganic Chemistry
- Biochemistry and Chemical Biology
- Physical and Computational Chemistry
- Materials and Polymer Chemistry
- Analytical and Forensic Chemistry
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Department Instrumentation
- Computational Resources
- Spectrometers: NMR, FTIR, UV-vis, fluorescence, Raman
- Separation & Analysis: HPLC, GC, GC-MS, MS
- Structural & Imaging: X-ray crystallography, optical microscopy
- Sample Prep & Specialized Systems
Contact Us
Visit Us
Room 317, 1003 Bowers Blvd, Huntsville, TX 77340
Sam Houston State University
P.O. Box 2117
Huntsville, Texas 77341
Call Us
(936) 294-1532