Directed Studies (Chem 2094 or 4094) can be used to satisfy various requirements depending on the college you are enrolled in. CLA majors must take at least 2 credits of research. Any credits beyond that in either 2094 or 4094 are used as general elective credits only. If you are in CSE you can use up to 2 credits in the Advanced Technical Electives (either 2094 or 4094) or in the Advanced Chem Lab Requirement (4094 only) but not in both. Any credits beyond the 2 are used as general elective credits only. If you wish to get credit for Chem 4094 the directed studies project must be with a member of the Chemistry faculty or a member from another department provided the project is in collaboration with someone from the Chemistry faculty. If the project outside the department is not in collaboration with a chemistry faculty member, it is possible, by petition only, to get credit for Chem 2094 provided the project has enough of a chemistry component.

To register for Chem 4094 you must be upper division or be currently registered for (or have already completed) a upper level Chemistry course. A student can not get credit and pay during the same semester. For Chem 4094 a written report of approximately 10-15 pages is mandatory. The faculty mentor should make the effort to spend time with the students in order to discuss the format for the report and then provide feedback on the initial drafts. If a CSE student selects Chem 4094 as one of the advanced labs to meet degree requirements, then he or she must register for a TOTAL of 2 credits. This could be done in one or more semesters. If it is spread out over more than one semester, then the written report would only be required at the end. In the latter case, the instructor gives a Continuation Grade (X) until the work is finished and the report is submitted. Each credit normally requires 45 hours of academic work per semester, so 2 credits of research should require about 90 hours of work in the lab. This turns out to be about the same as other advanced labs.

If a student wishes to gain some research experience in chemistry but does not wish to meet the writing requirement in Chem 4094 or use that research experience to satisfy the advanced chemistry lab requirement, then they should register for Chem 2094. CLA students can also satisfy the "major project" requirement by doing a library research project and submitting a written report of approximately 20-30 pages. In this case, they should also register for Chem 2094 for at least 2 credits. Students who plan to graduate with Latin degree honors will be required to have completed the requirements in Chem 4094, to write up their work as a senior thesis of approximately 30-40 pages, and to present their work orally to a committee consisting of three members of the faculty.

Credit assignments vary; normally each credit earned requires 45 hours of academic work a semester. There is no pay connected with this work, but it gives students excellent laboratory experience.

Research For Pay UROP is a University program allowing students to work in conjunction with faculty on faculty research. Financial awards to undergraduates for research, scholarly, or creative projects include stipends (up to $1400) and/or expense allowances (up to $300), for a maximum award of $1,700. For more information and application material see the UROP Office in 233 Appleby Hall, 625-3853. Particular attention should be paid to the deadlines for applications. Students have had a high probability for success in receiving UROP support. If you receive financial support for doing research do not register for Directed Studies.

How to go about doing research:

You need to make arrangements with a faculty advisor.  These are the steps:

Look over the research that is being done in our department.  See the listings below on this page. This will give you an idea of the projects and expectations. If you know you are interested in a particular area of chemistry you can look at the research of those faculty only at http://www.chem.umn.edu/directory/fac_listing_spec.lasso. It may be that you want to work with someone who is not listed - that is possible as long as it has a chemistry component to it. Pick out about 3-4 projects that seem interesting to you and contact those faculty.  It is important that you don't put out a generic email asking for work in a lab.  Be specific about what it is about their research that interests you.  Also sell yourself.  "I have two years to commit to a project and hope to go on to graduate school someday."  No one will want you for one term so plan to commit to at least two terms.  Ask to meet with them to talk about opportunities. Once you've met with them you should have an idea who you want to work for.  Make sure you have an agreement with them as to how much time they would like to see you in the lab for the number of credits you plan to register for.  Be sure to let others know you found a different project and thank them for their time. Contact Stephanie Stathopoulos at stephs@umn.edu for a permission number and let her know who you are working for.

CHEM4094(W) or (V) Reporting Requirements

As a writing intensive course, CHEM4094W(V) includes the requirement that students submit a  final report on their directed studies. In order to help maintain a record of meeting this requirement, starting in the Fall Semester of 2010, a copy of the final report from the student must be submitted to the undergraduate office.

Reporting:  The faculty advisor should submit both the final grade and final report (in PDF format) simultaneously via email to Stephanie Stathopoulos (stephs@umn.edu).

Due date:  The final grade and report must be submitted no later than the last day of final exams during the semester the student is enrolled. Note that a final grade will NOT be assigned for the course without submission of the report.

Format: The first page of all reports must contain the student's name and ID number, the advisor's name, the enrollment term covered by the report, and a summary of the work completed that does not exceed 1-page.  This page should be formatted with a 12-point font and have 1 inch margins.  The format for the balance of the content, including the length, any required sections, and referencing, is left entirely to the discretion of the faculty advisor and should be made clear to the student at the outset of the semester. This content should fulfill the writing intensive requirements of the course.

For a description of the writing intensive course requirement point your web browser to http://onestop.umn.edu/faculty/lib eds/guidelines/writing intensive.html.

Faculty Projects

1. Brief statement of your research specialty: Rates and mechanisms of chemical reactions in natural and engineered aqueous environments, focusing on the following areas:

Redox reactions at mineral surfaces
Photodegradation of pharmaceutical pollutants in the environment
Pesticide reactions with sulfidic species in lake sediments

Development of new remediation techniques (currently reactive membranes)

Sensor networks to measure chemical parameters in real-time

2. Brief statement of the type of problem(s) you would consider appropriate for undergraduate participation:

Undergraduate participation in all of the above areas is welcome and encouraged. Through these projects, students will become acquainted with reactor design, chromatography/mass spectrometry techniques, field sampling protocols, chemical characterization/identification methods, and mechanistic studies. Computational chemistry is also used to verify/explain experimental findings.

3. Background/coursework necessary for participation in your research program: Students should have completed the required organic chemistry lecture/lab sequence.

4. Expectations: Flexible—Usually students are involved for a minimum of 2 consecutive semesters for 10 hours per week. The first semester is usually for credit (2 cr) and the second may be for credit or as a UROP student.

1. Brief statement of your research specialty: Development and use of novel bioanalytical techniques for analysis of biological cells, organelles, and nanoparticles. These techniques are based in laser-induced fluorescence detection, capillary electrophoresis, and microfluidic devices.

2. Brief statement of the type of problem(s) you would consider appropriate for undergraduate participation:

Testing new approaches for organelle and nanoparticle separation and identification
Implementing bioanalytical assays to characterize organelles
DNA analysis in organelleso Anti-cancer drug analysis
Designing and building instrumentation, including hardware, optics, electronics, or programming
Chemical modification of microsurfaces.
Your personal idea, if it falls within the general objectives of the program.

3. Background/coursework necessary for participation in your research program: At least one undergraduate laboratory course in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Electronics or related disciplines.

4. Expectations: Have a strong interest in research. Plan being in the laboratory at least 10 hours/week in one semester (2 credits). Commit more than one semester. Enjoy interacting with other lab members.

1. Brief statement of your research specialty: Development of new synthetic methods in the field of peptide synthesis, particularly new protecting groups and anchoring linkages removable under mild, selective conditions.

2. Brief statement of the type of problem(s) you would consider appropriate for undergraduate participation:

Problems will be selected that will provide experience in the synthesis, purification, and characterization of new compounds by the most modern techniques, such as amino acid analysis, high pressure liquid chromatography, NMR, mass spectrometry, etc. Over the past few years, several undergraduates have contributed successfully to a variety of projects that have since been published.

3. Background/coursework necessary for participation in your research program: One full year of Basic Organic Chemistry and Lab. Advanced background in Organic and Biochemistry will be helpful, but not necessary.

1. Brief statement of your research specialty: We develop electrochemical sensors for clinical and environmental analyses and we image individual molecules with scanning tunneling microscopy based on chemically modified tips. Depending on your personal interests, directed studies may involve analytical or synthetic lab work.

2. Brief statement of the type of problem(s) you would consider appropriate for undergraduate participation:

• Application of a sulfate-, arsenate- or heavy metal ion-selective sensors to real environmental samples.
• Development of highly selective polymeric membrane sensors for nano- and picomolar concentrations.
• Development of an automated sample-changing and measuring unit (involves hardware set-up and programming).
• Modeling the response of electrochemical sensors on the computer.
• Preparation and characterization of self-assembled monolayers on gold surfaces (contact angles, scanning tunneling microscopy, infrared and NMR spectroscopy, ...).
• Students who have a strong desire may perform a library project involving an extensive literature search, if the results of that project are of value to the group.
  Check our homepage for more information on possible projects.

3. Background/coursework necessary for participation in your research program: For lab projects at least one undergraduate laboratory course. An appreciation for either analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, organic chemistry, instrumentation, or programming.

4. Expectations: Be prepared to enjoy research. Students are expected to work a minimum of 10 hours/week (2 credits) per semester. During the summer term, either 15 hours per week or additional work before or after the summer term is expected. Evening and weekend hours as well as projects during intersessions are possible.

ONLY OPEN TO LITERATURE STUDY THIS YEAR

1. Brief statement of your research specialty: Analytical chemistry, chromatographic analysis, biotechnology, environmental chemistry and environmental analysis.

2. Brief statement of the type of problem(s) you would consider appropriate for undergraduate participation:

Development of high selectivity carbon phases for HPLC analysis of environmental samples. Due to the large number of species present at trace (ppb) levels in typical environmental samples, there is a pressing need in environmental analysis for highly selective analytical techniques. We are currently working on the development of novel reversed-phase liquid chromatographic (RPLC) supports which use chemical vapor deposited carbon on porous zirconia as the stationary phase. These materials have two major advantages compared to other types of RPLC supports: they are extremely stable towards acid, alkali, and organic solvents, and they offer very high selectivity in the separation of many types of nonpolar and polar species such as polychlorinated biphenyls. We are currently exploring the utility of these stationary phases for use in preconcentration of priority pollutants such as phenols and for the analysis of pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and their metabolites in water.
Study of solubilization in supercritical carbon dioxide. Interest in the environmental applications chemistry in supercritical fluids is burgeoning. Because carbon dioxide is cheap and nontoxic, it is attracting a great deal of interest as an environmentally friendly medium for chemical processing in place of toxic and hazardous solvents such as polychlorinated organics. In addition, there is a tremendous interest in the use of supercritical fluids in remediating contaminated soil. In order to use supercritical fluids as reaction media or as extractants it is important to understand the nature and strength of intermolecular interactions between dissolved species and the fluid media. We are studying such interactions via supercritical fluid chromatography as a model system. We are using the solvatochromic linear solvation energy relationship methodology of Kamlet and Taft that has been so successfully applied to the study of conventional liquids.
Study of quantitative structure activity relationships in environmental model systems. The equilibrium constant governing the distribution of a species between octanol and water (Ko,w) has been found to be extremely useful for correlating and predicting toxicity of pollutants towards various test organisms and in predicting the transport properties of pollutants. We are interested in understanding the intermolecular interactions that take place in water and in water saturated octanol so that we can better predict toxicity and transport. Recently, we showed by use of head space gas chromatography that the nearly 0.30 mole fraction of water in octanol at saturation has virtually no effect on species dissolved in the octanol. We are currently exploring the nature and strength of the nonpolar (London) and polar (dipolar, and hydrogen bond donor/acceptor) interactions that control the Ko,w.

3. Background/coursework necessary for participation in your research program: One year of organic chemistry is absolutely required. Must have completed Chem 2101/2111, preferred also 4101/4111.

4. Expectations: Minimum of 8 hours/week, must be in blocks of at least 3 hours. Minimum of 2 credits per semester. Flexible hours, evenings possible. Will be working with a graduate student. Minimum commitment of 2 semesters. Will advise library projects.

1. Brief statement of your research specialty: Development and applications of theoretical (computational) models for the study of organic, bio-organic and inorganic processes.

2. Brief statement of the type of problem(s) you would consider appropriate for undergraduate participation:

Characterization of molecular hypersurfaces for conformationally mobile molecules.
Studies of solvent effects on chemical reactivity.
Refinement of algorithms for computation of solvation free energies.

3. Background/coursework necessary for participation in your research group: Completion of organic and physical course sequences, including Quantum Chemistry, with average grades of B+ or higher. Significant interest in computers and supercomputers.

4. Expectations: 3 hours per week per credit. Minimum of 2 credits per semester. Hours flexible. Will work with graduate students, postdocs, and Prof. Cramer. Minimum commitment of 2 semesters. No library projects.

1. Brief statement of your research specialty: Chemistry and biology of enzymes using farnesyl diphophate as a substrate.  These are involved in a variety of diseases including cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

2. Brief statement of the type of problem(s) you would consider appropriate for undergraduate participation:

Synthetic organic chemistry, protein purification, enzyme assays, protein chemistry, cell culture.

3. Background/coursework necessary for participation in your research program: Flexible, but the following are useful: Must have General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry Lecture and Lab (or be enrolled), and an interest in Biochemistry. Students must be willing to spend 10 hours per week and commit to at lease two consecutive semesters.  While in the group you will be expected to perform experiments, present your work at group meetings and write reports.

1. Brief statement of your research specialty: We are developing of new methods in organic chemistry and undertaking the synthesis of natural and unnatural products for biological and semiconductor applications respectively.

2. Brief statement of the type of problem(s) you would consider appropriate for undergraduate participation:

Developing new reaction methods and techniques. Students will become familiar with handling air and moisture sensitive reagents; characterization by TLC, NMR, and GC/MS; and purification techniques. Working in a N2 glove box.  Multi-step synthesis skills will be developed

3. Background/coursework necessary for participation in your research program: Organic chemistry I and II (2301 and 2302), organic laboratory (2311/12).

4. Expectations: A minimum of two consecutive semesters, 10 hours per week.  Access to the laboratory during the evenings and weekends is available.  Students are expected to be self-motivated, eager to learn, responsible, and interested in having fun in the lab.

1. Brief statement of your research specialty: Inorganic and organometallic chemistry.

2. Brief statement of the type of problem(s) you would consider appropriate for undergraduate participation:

Syntheses of new organometallic compounds of the transition elements that have unusual properties and may function as useful catalytic or stoichiometric reagents. Students have found the work to be valuable since they learn many new and useful techniques that will be applicable to practically any area of experimental chemistry.

3. Background/coursework necessary for participation in your research program: Normally Chem 4701 and two or more semesters of organic chemistry with B or better grades. A desire to go on to graduate school in chemistry. Interested students should see Dr. Ellis in 166 Kolthoff for a description of possible projects.

4. Expectations: Time and credit requirements arranged with Prof. Ellis. Minimum commitment of 2 semesters. Prof. Ellis will not advise on library projects.

1. Brief statement of your research specialty: I am involved in synthetic, structural, and reactivity studies of inorganic and organometallic compounds that are used as precursors to solid state materials. Much of the work involves the preparation of thin films of solids that have important properties.

2. Brief statement of the type of problem(s) you would consider appropriate for undergraduate participation:

Undergraduates are actively encouraged to participate in all phases of this research. Students will learn to use Schlenk and vacuum line equipment for the preparation and handling of air sensitive materials. The molecular compounds are characterized using IR, NMR, and mass spectroscopy. The solid state materials are studied using X-ray diffraction, Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, and electron microscopy.

3. Background/coursework necessary for participation in your research program: Organic Chemistry -- necessary (concomitant enrollment acceptable) Inorganic Chemistry -- helpful, but not required

4. Expectations: Minimum of 2 consecutive semesters of directed studies. Minimum of 15 hours/week in the lab (daytime or evening). Number of directed studies credits is flexible. I will supervise library projects.

1. Brief statement of your research specialty: Natural and synthetic biopolymers, X-ray crystallography, computer modeling of ligand-protein complexes

2. Brief statement of the type of problem(s) you would consider appropriate for undergraduate participation:

Synthesis of biologically interesting monomers for polymerization

Protein isolation, purification, and crystallization

X-ray crystallographic studies of small and large molecules

Ink-jet printing of proteins

Drug Docking Studies of Therapeutically Important Molecules and Their Analogs

Computational Approaches to Understanding Static and Dynamic Behavior of Proteins

3. Background/coursework necessary for participation in your research program: Flexible, but the following are useful: General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, mathematics or computer science.

1. Brief statement of your research specialty: We use electrochemistry and spectroscopy to explore complex molecular mixtures in biological and environmental samples.

2. Brief statement of the type of problem(s) you would consider appropriate for undergraduate participation:

Novel nanoparticle synthesis and characterization (electron, atomic force microscopy)

Electrochemistry in biological cells/tissue

Preparation techniques for cells/tissue  

3. Background/coursework necessary for participation in your research program: At least one undergraduate laboratory course in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Electronics or related disciplines.

4. Expectations: Have a strong interest in research. Plan to be in the laboratory at least 10 hours/week for a minimum of two semesters (2 credits per semester). Participate in laboratory events and meetings.

1. Brief statement of your research specialty: Polymer synthesis by controlled polymerization processes or polymer functionalization reactions. Molecular characterization and physical property determination of polymeric materials. Design and synthesis of novel block copolymers. Using block copolymers as nanomaterial templates.

2. Brief statement of the type of problem(s) you would consider appropriate for undergraduate participation:

a) Synthesis and characterization of well-defined polymers b) Preparation of specifically end-functionalized polymers c) Molecular characterization of novel polymers and copolymers d) Synthesis of new monomers and catalysts for a controlled polymerization process

3. Background/coursework necessary for participation in the research program: Sophomore Organic Chemistry (lecture and lab). Advanced Organic Lab is highly recommended. Polymer chemistry and Polymer laboratory are recommended

4. Expectations: Minimum of 2 consecutive semesters of directed studies. Minimum of 15 hours/week in the lab (daytime or evening). Number of directed studies credits is flexible. I will supervise library projects.

1. Brief statement of your research specialty: Synthetic organic chemistry: synthetic methods organometallic chemistry natural products total synthesis polymer synthesis

2. Brief statement of the type of problem(s) you would consider appropriate for undergraduate participation:

The value of research participation at the undergraduate level for any student contemplating further study and work in chemistry or related disciplines cannot be stressed too highly. Projects in my laboratory would involve exposure to a wide variety of modern techniques used in organic chemistry. Most would center around a synthetic reaction or concept, frequently one on which preliminary observations have already been made in our lab, and would necessitate use and mastery of, among other things, air and moisture sensitive reagents, Fourier transform nmr and ir spectroscopy, high and medium pressure liquid chromatography, and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

3. Background/coursework necessary for participation in the research program: At least the undergraduate laboratory coursework in organic chemistry [equivalent to 2311, or 2312/2313].

4. Expectations: I am primarily interested in working with students who are willing to make a reasonably long-term (> one year) commitment to a research problem. Directed Studies students are expected to work in the research laboratory for a minimum of 10 hours/week (2 credits). Fewer (0-1) credits may be taken, however, the minimum time commitment must be maintained. A greater number of credits can be earned if additional increments of 5 hours/week can be committed. Access to the research laboratory on evenings and week-ends is available. Students will work on projects with overall guidance from the faculty advisor but with day-to-day direction from graduate student (or postdoctoral) mentor. A minimum commitment of 2 semesters is required. With the exception of the UROP program, stipend support will not be available during the academic year. However, it is sometimes possible to arrange a summer internship with support after an initial 2-3 semesters of Directed Studies experience.

1. Brief statement of your research specialty: Mechanistic and Synthetic Organic Chemistry

2. Brief statement of the type of problem(s) you would consider appropriate for undergraduate participation:

Organic synthesis and reaction mechanism studies. Experience in modern instrumentation (NMR, MS, chromatography, ...) will be obtained.

3. Background/coursework necessary for participation in your research program: In general, the required organic laboratory (2311 or equivalent) is needed.

4. Expectations: A minimum of 6 hrs/wk on average is required and more time is extremely beneficial. Students will report to graduate students in my group on a daily basis and to me as needed (at least once a week). A two semester committment is desired. In general will not advise library projects.

1. Brief statement of your research specialty: Photochemistry and Photophysics.

2. Brief statement of the type of problem(s) you would consider appropriate for undergraduate participation:

Measurements of the electronic absorption and emission spectra of saturated hydrocarbon liquids.
Assist graduate and post-doctoral students in (a) studies of the effects of high laser intensities on photoionization in hydrocarbon liquids, (b) studies of electron transfer systems.

3. Background/coursework necessary for participation in your research program: A year of physics and at least one semester of physical chemistry.

1. Brief statement of your research specialty: Experiments in polymer structure and dynamics.

2. Brief statement of the type of problem(s) you would consider appropriate for undergraduate participation:

Examples of recent undergraduate research projects that led to co-authorship may be found in these papers:

"Two Calorimetric Glass Transitions Do Not Necessarily Indicate Immiscibility: The Case of PEO/PMMA", T. P. Lodge, E. R. Wood, and J. C. Haley, J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys., 44, 756-763 (2006).

"Direct Correlation between Adhesion Promotion and Coupling Reactions at Immiscible Polymer-Polymer Interfaces", J. Zhang, P. J. Cole, U. Nagpal, T. P. Lodge, and C. W. Macosko, J. Adhesion, 82, 887-902 (2006).

"Thermoreversible Morphology Transitions of Poly(styrene-b-dimethylsiloxane) Diblock Copolymer Micelles in Dilute Solution", S. Abbas, Z. Li, H. Hassan, and T. P. Lodge, Macromolecules, 40, 4048-4052 (2007).

"Two Calorimetric Glass Transitions in Miscible Blends Containing Poly(ethylene oxide)", A. Gaikwad, E. R. Wood, T. Ngai, and T. P. Lodge, Macromolecules, 41, 2502-2508 (2008).

"A Thermoreversible Micellization-Transfer-Demicellization Shuttle between Water and an Ionic Liquid", Z. Bai, Y. He, N. P. Young, and T. P. Lodge, Macromolecules, 41, in press.

3. Background/coursework necessary for participation in your research program: General and Organic Chemistry as well as Calculus are necessary. Physics or Physical Chemistry would be useful.

4. Expectations: Minimum commitment of 2 semesters and minimum GPA of 3.0 in technical courses. One half-day per week per credit.

1. Brief statement of your research specialty: Transition metal complex photochemistry.

2. Brief statement of the type of problem(s) you would consider appropriate for undergraduate participation:

Photochemical studies of metal complexes or the synthesis of novel metal complexes.

3. Background/coursework necessary for participation in your research program: An interest in transition metal chemistry.

1. Brief statement of your research specialty: Synthesis and mechanisms of reactions involving biologically active nitrogen heterocycles (indoles, pyrroles, carbazoles, indazoles, benzimadazoles), and carbocyclic analogs such as indenes, as well as nitro compounds and new molecular rearrangements. Some of the carbazole and tetrahydrocarbazole derivatives have shown activity against cancer cells or the HIV-1 (AIDS) virus.

2. Brief statement of the type of problem(s) you would consider appropriate for undergraduate participation:

Synthesis of starting materials by a variety of reactions (including Diels-Alder reactions) and use of them to make new compounds in the categories described above. Determination of the structure of the products and elucidation of reaction mechanisms by chemical methods and all modern spectroscopic techniques, including infrared (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), mass spectral (MS), and ultraviolet (UV) methods.

3. Background/coursework necessary for participation in your research program: An interest in research and at least two semesters of organic chemistry lecture (Chem 2301and 2302) and laboratory (Chem 2311). Occasionally, an exceptional freshman will perform satisfactorily, but that student will have to learn organic chemistry rapidly along the way. In general, a GPA of 3.0 or better is a minimum expectation.

4. Expectations: A minimum time commitment of at least two semesters is required, as it takes quite a while to get oriented before worthwhile research results can be obtained. The minimum registration is one credit per semester and that corresponds to a minimum expectation of 3 hours per week per credit during the academic year and 6 hours per week per credit during a 5-week summer session. This is in addition to compulsory attendance at our weekly research group seminars and performance of some assigned duty to help keep the labs in operation. A semesterly research report (in the style of articles in the Journal of Organic Chemistry) is required at the end of each semester. Work will be carried out in consultation with Dr. Noland and his graduate students. Occasionally, Dr. Noland will advise students who have a strong desire to do a purely library project (involving an extensive literature search), if the results of that project would be of value to the group.

1. Brief statement of your research specialty: We work with nanocrystalline materials, which are materials that have at least one dimension smaller than one hundred nanometers. Our goals include linking characteristics like morphology, particle size, and microstructure with chemical behavior. We do a combination of particle synthesis, wet chemical reactions (e.g., adsorption, dissolution, and precipitation), and nano-scale characterization (e.g., electron and scanning probe microscopies, X-ray scattering).

2. Brief statement of the type of problem(s) you would consider appropriate for undergraduate participation:

Opportunities include synthesizing nanoparticles, exploring relative chemical reactivity of naturally-occurring and synthetic nanoparticles through dissolution and adsorption experiments, characterizing nanoparticles using a variety of materials characterization methods, quantifying nanoparticle growth rates.

3. Background/coursework necessary for participation in your research program: Flexible, but I look for: General Chemistry (two semesters) plus one additional semester of chemistry, environmental, or earth science. Mineralogy or inorganic chemistry is particularly useful.

4. Expectations: Minimum two semester commitment, 2 credits per semester. Prof. Penn will not serve as an advisor on library research projects.

1. Brief statement of your research specialty: Bioinorganic chemistry. Development of metal-based sensors for the study of biological and medical systems. MRI.

2. Brief statement of the type of problem(s) you would consider appropriate for undergraduate participation:

Synthesis, characterization and evaluation of iron oxide nanoparticles for application as MRI contrast agents. Student will have the opportunity to learn techniques such as TEM, DLS, and relaxometry.

Synthesis and evaluation of metal-based sensors, including multi-step synthesis and characterization of ligands and lanthanide complexes. Techniques used include NMR, mass spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, UV, and fluorescence spectroscopy.

3. Background/coursework necessary for participation in your research program: Sophomore Organic Chemistry (lecture and lab). Advanced Organic Lab is highly recommended. Interested students should see Prof. Pierre for a description of possible projects.

4. Expectations: Time and credit requirements arranged with Prof. Pierre. Minimum commitment of 2 semesters. Prof. Pierre will not advise on library projects.

1. Brief statement of your research specialty: Bioinorganic Chemistry. Structure and Mechanisms of Metalloenzymes. Spectroscopic Studies of Biomolecules and Model Complexes. Design and Synthesis of Biomimetic Complexes and "Green" Oxidation Catalysts.

2. Brief statement of the type of problem(s) you would consider appropriate for undergraduate participation:

Synthesis of metal complexes which mimic properties of metalloproteins
Spectroscopic and kinetic studies of biomimetic complexes
Design, synthesis, and characterization of environmentally friendly oxidation catalysts
Metalloprotein purification and characterization

3. Background/coursework necessary for participation in your research program: Flexible - - minimally general and organic chemistry.

4. Expectations: Minimum of 2 consecutive semesters of directed studies. Minimum 10 hours per week during the semester. Number of directed studies credits is flexible.

1. Brief statement of your research specialty:

Organic/Polymer synthesis and characterization;
Polymer supports for protein/biomolecule immobilization; materials/methods for protein/biomolecule detection/isolation/purification;
Ion exchange, affinity, hydrophobic interaction chromatography for biomolecule separations;
Materials science at the chemistry/biology interface.

2. Brief statement of the type of problems you would consider appropriate for undergraduates:

Chemical modification of polymers;
Synthesis/evaluation of new materials for protein isolation/purification;
Development/evaluation of supports for combinatorial chemistry/solid phase synthesis;
Preparation/evaluation of immobilized enzymes;
Development of test methods for polymer characterization;
Development of biological assay systems.

3. Background/coursework necessary for participation in your research program: Flexible, but General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Organic Lab useful.

4. Expectations: A time commitment of at least two semesters is preferred, but will consider less. The minimum registration is one credit per semester, corresponding to a minimum expectation of 3 hours per week per credit during the academic year or 6 hours per week per credit during a 5-week summer session. Normal expectation is that the research work will be carried out between the hours of 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM weekdays. Work will be carried out with overall guidance from Dr. Rasmussen, but may also involve day-to-day consultation with other senior scientists depending on the specialization (e.g., Biological vs. Chemical orientation) of the project. Maximum benefit will be obtained if blocks of time of 3 hours or more can be scheduled for dedicated lab work for one or more days per week.

1. Brief statement of research speciality: New approaches for simulating complex chemical systems and processes: Applications to phase equilibria, retention in chromatography, green solvents, and nucleation.

2. Brief statement of the type of problem(s) you would consider appropriate for undergraduate participation:

Undergraduate participation in all research areas is encouraged. The participants will learn about modern particle-based simulation methods and apply them to a specifc project. All projects will involve collaboration with graduate students or postdocs.

3. Background/coursework necessary for participation in your research program: A grade of A- or better in CHEM 1022 is required for lower-division students; a grade of A- or better in CHEM 4501 is required for upper-division students. Knowledge of Linux/Unix and Fortran would be helpful.

4. Expectations: A minimum of 180 hours (4 credits) is required but can be spread over more than one semester.

1. Brief statement of your research specialty: Synthesis and characterization of microporous and mesoporous solids. These are used as catalysts, for gas separation, as ion exchange materials or as hosts for non-linear optical and molecular electronic materials.

2. Brief statement of the type of problem(s) you would consider appropriate for undergraduate participation:

Hydrothermal synthesis of mesoporous molecular sieves as size- and shape-selective catalysts and support structures for molecular devices.
Synthesis of clays for the conversion to anion exchange materials for waste water purification.
Synthesis of thin films of molecular sieves by self-assembly techniques.

3. Background/coursework necessary for participation in your research program: Flexible, but the following are useful: General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry Lecture and Lab, an interest in Inorganic Chemistry

1. Brief statement of your research specialty: The interface between nanometer-scale materials engineering and bioorganic chemistry, with particular attention to nanotechnology and biotechnology applications.

2. Brief statement of the type of problem(s) you would consider appropriate for undergraduate participation:

Novel markers for biological assays (including PCR, gene chips, and proteomic analysis). Synthesis and characterization of new nanoparticles/nanomaterials. Chemistry of biomolecule attachment to surfaces and particles.

3. Background/coursework necessary for participation in your research program: One undergraduate laboratory course. Enthusiasm for research, and a desire to work on the cutting edge!

4. Expectations: Students are expected to join the Taton group for at least two consecutive semesters or one semester and the summer. Minimum 10 hours per week during the semester.

1. Brief statement of your research specialty: Synthesis, physical characterization, and reactivity of novel inorganic and organometallic complexes. Emphasis on studying compounds that model metalloprotein active sites, as well as on developing a mechanistic understanding of the synthesis of biodegradable polymers using new types of metal-alkoxide catalysts.

2. Brief statement of the type of problem(s) you would consider appropriate for undergraduate participation:

Undergraduate student involvement in all of the above areas is welcomed. The research may involve organic synthesis (new, sometimes complex ligands), inorganic synthesis (transition metal complexes, often air sensitive), structure determination (by a variety of techniques, including NMR, IR, UV-vis, and X-ray crystallography), and/or mechanistic studies (of newly uncovered reactions). For more specific descriptions of ongoing projects please see http://www.chem.umn.edu/groups/tolman/.

3. Background/coursework necessary for participation in your research program: Flexible, although organic chemistry, including lab, is recommended. Relatively long-term committment to directed study research is preferred (>1 semester).

1. Brief statement of your research specialty: My research involves the use of modern bioanalytical techniques (with an emphasis on mass spectrometry) to elucidate DNA sequence effects on reactivity towards carcinogens and alkylating anti-tumor drugs. We are developing mass spectrometry-based methods capable of analyzing the rates of formation and repair of specific DNA lesions, including tobacco carcinogen induced DNA damage, oxidative lesions, and interstrand cross-links.

2. Brief statement of the type of problem(s) you would consider appropriate for undergraduate participation:

Undergraduates in the lab have the opportunity to be involved in a variety of projects, e.g. DNA purification by HPLC; synthesis and isolation of modified DNA nucleosides; gel electrophoresis assays; mass spectral analysis of chemically modified DNA; and structural analysis of DNA damage by UV, NMR, and mass spectrometry

3. Background/coursework necessary for participation in your research program: General and organic chemistry lecture and labs required. Analytical and biochemistry coursework desirable. Chemistry lab experience helpful, but not required.

4. Expectations: Students are required to work at least 12 hours/week. Maximum benefit will be obtained if 4-6 hour blocks of time are available for dedicated lab work on 3 days/week. Evening and weekend hours are possible. Students will work on independent projects with guidance from the faculty advisor, postdocs and graduate students in the lab. A minimum commitment of 2 semesters is required.

1. Brief statement of your research specialty: Computational chemistry of reaction dynamics and molecular structure and energetics; molecular modeling.

2. Brief statement of the type of problem(s) you would consider appropriate for undergraduate participation: Examples:

• Computer modeling of chemical reaction processes.
• Variational transition state theory calculations of rate constants.
• Modeling applied to nanoparticles, drug design, and photochemistry

3. Background/coursework necessary for participation in your research program:

Use of FORTRAN.
Aptitude for mathematics and computing and interest in both.
One year of physical chemistry with at least one A in physical chemistry courses.
B+ or higher GPA.

1. Brief statement of your research specialty: My research involves the use of NMR spectroscopy to study structure-function relationships in membrane proteins. The strategy we use in our lab for membrane protein structure determination consists of five steps:

a. Cloning and expressing isotopically labeled membrane proteins in E. coli bacteria;
b. Isolation and purification of recombinant proteins (affinity chromatography, FPLC, HPLC);
c. Reconstitution of membrane proteins in lipid environments
d. Solution and solid-state multidimensional NMR spectroscopy;
e. Molecular modeling of NMR data.

2. Brief statement of the type of problem(s) you would consider appropriate for undergraduate participation:

Undergraduates in the lab have the opportunity to be involved in membrane protein cloning expression and purification; preparation of samples for NMR spectroscopy, multidimensional solution and solid-state NMR experiments, computer modeling.

3. Background/coursework necessary for participation in your research program: Flexible, but the following are useful: General Chemistry, Biology and Biochemistry coursework desirable. Biochemistry lab experience helpful, but not required.

4. Expectations: Students are required to work a minimum of 12 hours/week, and may earn up to 4 credit hours per semester. Fewer credits may be earned, however, the time commitment must be maintained. Maximum benefit will be obtained if 4-6 hour blocks of time are available for dedicated lab work on 3 days/week. Evening and week-end hours are possible. Students will work on independent projects with guidance from the faculty advisor, postdocs and graduate students in the lab. A minimum commitment of 3 semesters is required.