Undergraduate Research
Gain research experience in the labs of world-renown research faculty. Professors in the Department of Chemistry are experts in their field, and are dedicated to the education and mentorship of our undergraduate students. Develop the technical and professional skills that will prepare you for a research career, graduate school, or beyond.
Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Learn by doing! Earn academic credit, receive funding for research support, or conduct research in the lab of a domestic or international partnership program.
Current Research Opportunities in the Department
Chemistry Department Faculty Researcher Profiles
Designed for Prospective Undergraduate Researchers. Updated to reflect Spring 2025 term availability.
Independent Research Courses
Students have the opportunity to participate in undergraduate research while receiving academic credit.
Introduction to Chemical Research
Through Introduction to Chemical Research (CHEM 1189), students gain an introduction to the field of research within the laboratory of a Chemistry faculty mentor.
Undergraduate Research
In Undergraduate Research (CHEM 3189), students conduct an original research investigation under the guidance of a faculty mentor. The student is required to submit a brief report at the end of each semester.
Independent Study
Through Independent Study (CHEM 3199), students participate in an original independent study of their choice under the guidance of a Chemistry faculty mentor. An independent research paper summarizes a student's work at the end of the semester.
Forms
An Independent Study Authorization Form can be used to enroll in CHEM 3189 or CHEM 3199, with its primary purpose being to add a unique corresponding project title to a student's transcript.
Office of Undergraduate Research
The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) is a resource for all undergraduates seeking to enrich their undergraduate experiences through participation in research, scholarship, and creative activity.
The OUR offers funding that supports research travel, summer research projects, research supplies, and more!
Explore Opportunities with the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR)
Research Abroad
Students can spend a semester, a summer, or a whole academic year at the highly prestigious University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom. You can either take classes there or spend your time working on a project in one of the wide range of research groups’ labs. Experience outstanding chemistry and culture, and live in one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the world. For more details, contact Dr. Nicholas Leadbeater, or learn more through UConn Experiential Global Learning.
Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program
The Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program, funded by the National Science Foundation, allows undergraduate students the opportunity to spend their summer conducting research at a REU host institution. Students spend approximately 10 weeks working closely on a research project with faculty members and graduate students. Students will also have the opportunity to utilize the research equipment and facilities specific to the host site.
Students are granted stipends and, in many cases, assistance with housing and travel.
UConn Students
Although UConn Chemistry hosts a cohort of REU students each summer, UConn students are encouraged to apply to REU programs at other sites so as to further broaden their undergraduate research experience.
Non-UConn Students
Non-UConn students interested in UConn's REU opportunities are encouraged to visit the Chemistry Department REU Program for more information and application materials.