Are you looking to get involved in a chemistry lab? Join our team of motivated students and design and prepare new catalysts that use sustainable, earth abundant transition metals.
This project has reached full capacity for the current term. Please check back next semester for updates.
Catalysts are molecules that help make reactions more efficient. A special class of catalysts are called "transition-metal" catalysts, using atoms derived from the middle part of the periodic table. However, these transition-metal catalysts are often made from rare and toxic transition metals like palladium or ruthenium. Therefore, we use chemical synthesis to make new catalysts that contain earth-abundant and biologically essential transition metals. Some of this work relies on organic chemistry, but we are inorganic chemists whose main interests are in the properties that are unique to certain elements. Exploring this new and exciting chemistry is the core of our efforts and we are looking for motivated undergraduates to join us!
Students will learn skills in chemical synthesis. These are important for students seeking to work in the chemical industry, especially those who might be interested in pursuing Master's or PhD level chemical education after graduation. Projects that are successful will result in publication in scientific journals, and students will be given opportunities to apply for funding and present their research at conferences.
Length of commitment | Depends on student interest |
Start time | Fall, Spring, Summer |
In-person, remote, or hybrid? | In-person |
Level of collaboration | Varies |
Benefits | Academic credit; some summer salary opportunities; ample outreach opportunities for pre-med students |
Who is eligible | Enrollment in or completion of college organic chemistry course |
Students participating in this project might be interested in and eligible for the Goldwater Scholarship and the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. Connect with the Office of Fellowships and Scholarships to learn more.
David Lacy
Assistant Professor
Chemistry
Once you begin the digital badge series, you will have access to all the necessary activities and instructions. Your mentor has indicated they would like you to also complete the specific preparation activities below. Please reference this when you get to Step 2 of the Preparation Phase.
Chemistry