Research Opportunities in the Department of Chemistry:

As an undergraduate, you have the opportunity to become involved in exciting, leading-edge research in a wide number of areas.  Faculty members in the department welcome undergraduate involvement in research projects, and generally can find appropriate projects at appropriate levels (i.e. for students who have reached physical chemistry, those who are taking organic chemistry, for those in general chemistry).

What are the benefits of undergraduate research? 

• gaining experience in the field
• exploring your options in science careers
• strengthening your resume
• improving the skills that you can offer a potential employer
• getting a jump-start on types of research opportunities available in graduate school
• improving research skills - essential to graduate and medical school
• having a chance to apply your coursework knowledge (and strengthen your level of knowledge)
• potential opportunities to attend (and present research results at) local, regional, and national meetings which provide opportunities to network and gain a greater understanding of opportunities in the sciences
• you can earn course credit - CHEM 2900, CHEM 2910, CHEM 4900, and CHEM 4910 - towards your degree
• possible publication(s) in major scientific journals

How do I join a research group?

• Go to:  http://www.chem.unt.edu/faculty and see what is available!
• Arrange a meeting with a faculty member in whose work you may have interest.  (You may want to schedule one, two, three, . . . meetings such as this.  It is okay to have more than one such meeting - just tell the faculty member that you are interested in doing research, and that you are looking into several different groups.)
• During the meeting, you will want to learn about the research that is being done, what types of projects they have for undergraduates, expectations that the faculty member may have of his/her undergraduate students (i.e. hours, semesters, . . .), etc. 
• Talk with a couple of that advisor's students.  Do they like their work?  What is the group "atmosphere" like?  Ask any other questions/raise other concerns that you may have.
• Pick a research advisor.

Other advice/suggestions/comments?

• Do not join a research group unless you are serious and committed about doing research. It often takes an advisor or graduate student precious time to help train you.  Make sure that you are committed to this, as it is not fair to anyone involved to invest such time and then not have you follow through on a project.  It will also be of no benefit to you, as a large number of the benefits of undergraduate research will only be gained by serious pursuit of a project (and this includes letter of recommendation discussing your involvement and mention of research on your resume!).
• Do not worry that you know nothing about a particular research area.  Everyone starts somewhere, and most groups have undergraduate students working in them that were in the exact same situation (or worse!) than you are (or than you feel!) in terms of your scientific background.  Be willing to try something new, and venture into the "unknown"! 
• Realize that most research projects take more than a one-semester commitment to research. Two semesters (or more!) is highly recommended.  Often one full semester is needed just for the training!
• Work no less than the hours that you arranged.  More hours are welcome, and will help you move closer towards a scientific publication,  major research finding, . . .
• A large number of the students that are involved in research make major career decisions based upon their research experiences!
• Being a part of a research group is enjoyable, and provides you with a lab or office where you can "reside" while at UNT!

Best wishes in your research endeavors!!!