• Independent Study/Research
  Classroom based learning is an important part of an undergraduate education. However, experiencing the full flavor of scientific work requires the addition of a different type of opportunity. Independent study research experiences are designed to complement regular courses by offering in-depth projects concentrating on one topic. Typically students work a full semester or a full summer on one particular project. Working closely with a faculty member, the student defines a research project, carries out experiments, and analyzes the results. The project culminates in a written report and oral presentation. Most students also present their projects at external scientific meetings, such as regional meetings of the American Chemical Society and similar groups. The department also offers smaller scale opportunities to explore research, through the Chem 205 course.

Click here to see Chemistry Dept. Guidelines for Independent Study Projects.

Click here to see Chemistry Dept. Research Paper Guidelines.

Click here to see Chemistry Dept. Guidelines for Student Travel.

Click here to see Guidelines for Preparing Large Posters.

• Bondurant Scholar
  Summer is an ideal time for immersing oneself in an independent study project. Many Roanoke graduates report their summer research experiences to be among the most memorable experiences of their undergraduate careers. To support the Chemistry Department's summer research program, a number of donors (including many past participants) have given money to the Bondurant Fund, which is used solely for the purpose of providing stipends to summer research students in the Chemistry Department. This support allows several students each summer to concentrate full time effort on their independent study projects.
  
• Summer Scholar
  Roanoke College has recently added a college wide program that also supports student researchers in the summer. A stipend and housing are provided for over a dozen students each summer, with projects drawn from all academic disciplines on campus. In addition to their disciplinary research, participants have regular meetings to share current research reports, and to explore other common interests such as learning the oral and written presentation skills they will use at the conclusion of their projects.
  
• Other Scholarships
  Additional funding exists for students pursuing independent study projects. Certain research projects have external funding specific to that project. Those external grants cover both research expenses and student stipends.

For general information on undergraduate research opportunities, contact Dr. Gail Steehler at GSteehle@roanoke.edu , or see her in room 465A of Trexler Hall.

• Organic synthesis and photochemistry contact Dr. G. Hollis at hollis@roanoke.edu.
• Crystallography and computational chemistry contact Dr. B.P. Huddle at huddle@roanoke.edu.
• Biochemistry of enzymes, including structure/function investigations of  active sites, contact Dr. T. Johann at johann@roanoke.edu
• Boron chemistry, environmental chemistry, and projects developing new laboratory experiments for instructional use, click here for Dr. V. Miller's research information or contact Dr. V. Miller at miller@roanoke.edu.
• Biochemistry research projects (protein structure and function, purine biosynthesis), contact Dr. C. Sarisky at sarisky@roanoke.edu.
• Inorganic synthesis projects and soil chemistry, contact Dr. G. Steehler at GSteehle@roanoke.edu.
• Optical spectroscopy of surfaces, surface chemistry in general, bioanalytical sensors, or environmental analytical chemistry, click here for Dr. J. Steehler's research information or contact Dr. J. Steehler at JSteehler@roanoke.edu.

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