A strong research culture has always been, and continues to be, a cornerstone of the department of chemistry & biochemistry at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF).  The department offers degrees in biochemistry (B.S.), chemistry (B.S. or B.A. or M.S.) and currently houses 750 undergraduate and graduate students.  Faculty members are expected to teach, advise and mentor undergraduate students in the classroom and research laboratory.  All chemistry and biochemistry majors are required to complete an independent research project, under the direction of a research active faculty member for a minimum of two semesters. Students have access to a variety of research equipment and are active in the research laboratory through the academic and summer months.  As a faculty member I run a productive research program in the field of medicinal chemistry with undergraduate students performing a majority of the research activities.  In addition to working with CSUF students, I have also provided research experiences to community college and high school summer students. Authentic research is a positive experience for students as it provides hands-on training that is extremely important in a student’s educational development.  With 56% of CSUF’s students being the first in their family to graduate college, it is important to provide a welcoming and innovating environment, such as being apart of a research group, where students can learn, seek advice, or consider the next step in their academic or professional life.  Undergraduate research provides an unparalleled educational experience that makes a difference in students’ lives.  As the department grows additional research opportunities are needed to augment traditional research laboratories.  New courses have been implemented that integrate teaching and authentic research to provide a synergistic experience.  The department has also made a priority to increase the number of student internship opportunities with local biotechnology companies.  As scientific fields are rapidly advancing into more interdisciplinary areas, research and curriculum must adapt to prepare graduates with marketable industry skills.          <br/>

Improving undergraduate education through innovative research experiences

253rd National Meeting (2017)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.