Research Opportunities
Research is the exploration of a specific topic that seeks to make an original contribution to a given discipline. For students interested in careers in chemistry, biology, health care or other scientific fields, performing scientific research at the undergraduate level is an excellent way to gain hands-on laboratory skills, improve problem-solving skills, and apply what is learned in the classroom to real-world problems. With the help of the NWU Chemistry faculty, our students have numerous opportunities to access undergraduate research opportunities both on and off campus.
On-Campus Research
Research in the classroom
NWU students perform research with faculty in courses on campus. Introduction to Research (CHEM 2800) and Advanced Research (CHEM 4800) center around a central research topic. Students will receive instruction on how to utilize the primary literature, how to perform relevant lab techniques and the basics of experimental design. Students will then utilize this knowledge to derive their own research questions, design experiments and conduct self-guided research.
Research topics will vary year to year, but previous topics have included antibiotic development, chemical water remediation strategies and cell culture models of neurodegenerative disease.
For more information on on-campus research, contact Nathanael Fackler, Ph.D., nfackler [at] nebrwesleyan.edu (nfackler[at]nebrwesleyan[dot]edu) or Kaitlin Weskamp, Ph.D., kweskamp [at] nebrwesleyan.edu (kweskamp[at]nebrwesleyan[dot]edu) or
Pollen Counting
Pollen counts are made five days a week from February through mid-October. This information is used by Allergy Asthma, Immunology Associates to inform allergy treatments and track changes in pollen trends over time. If you are interested in helping with data processing or collection, trained students are paid $20 per day for their time.
For more information on pollen counting research, contact Kaitlin Weskamp, Ph.D., kweskamp [at] nebrwesleyan.edu (kweskamp[at]nebrwesleyan[dot]edu).
Off-Campus Research
The table below outlines several Undergraduate Research Programs designed to provide undergraduate students with additional research experience. These programs typically occur over the summer and provide some combination of room, board, and a stipend to participating students.
| Where | Application Deadline | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Summer Research Program University of Nebraska – Lincoln Lincoln, Nebraska |
November | This intensive summer research experience provides mentoring and research experiences while allowing scholars to preview graduate school life. Selected students perform research under the guidance of laboratory staff scientists or engineers for a 10-week period (June-August) and receive room and board, a stipend, travel funds, and access to career workshops. |
| MD-PhD Summer Undergraduate Research Program University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha, Nebraska |
November | This program is designed for individuals interested in careers combining medicine and research. Successful applicants will perform research under the guidance of a faculty supervisor for a 10-week period (June-August) and receive complementary housing and a stipend. |
| Summer Undergraduate Research Program University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha, Nebraska |
November | The UNMC Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) provides summer opportunities for undergraduate students to become members of research teams and discover first-hand the broad spectrum of research activities occurring at UNMC. Successful applicants will perform research under the guidance of a faculty supervisor for a 10-week period (June-August) and receive a stipend. |
| Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) via the National Science Foundation (NSF) | REU sites vary | The REU program provides indirect funding for undergraduate students to participate in research. To inquire about possible funding opportunities, directly contact funded REU sites. |
| Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI) via the U.S. Department of Energy | SULI sites vary | The Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI) program encourages undergraduate students to pursue STEM careers by providing research experiences at the Department of Energy (DOE) laboratories. Selected students perform research under the guidance of laboratory staff scientists or engineers for a 10-week period (May-August). |
Post-Baccalaureate Research
Post-baccalaureate (post-bacc or postbac) programs are degree or certificate programs designed to help you transition from undergraduate to professional, graduate-level education (e.g. graduate or medical school). If you are interested in gaining experience and cultivating knowledge in a particular discipline following graduation, numerous post-bacc programs are available across the country. To identify one that is of interest to you, see a repository of programs from the Institute for Broadening Participation or the National Institute of General Medical Sciences. These are typically paid positions, wherein successful applications receive free tuition and a stipend. For advice or support in applying for these programs, contact your favorite member of the NWU Chemistry faculty.