Chemistry and Biochemistry Research Opportunities
Research is the cornerstone of our chemistry and biochemistry undergraduate programs at Central Michigan University. For over 50 years, every chemistry and biochemistry major has completed a faculty-mentored, thesis-based capstone research experience. We also offer a chemistry MS graduate program, and collaborate with other departments in offering interdisciplinary PhD programs, including the PhD in Science of Advanced Materials and the MS or PhD in Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology.
As a Chemistry graduate and undergraduate student, you'll conduct cutting-edge research, present your findings at scientific conferences, and publish papers in high-impact journals. You will also work along side nationally and internationally recognized faculty members on a variety of research projects, many of which are supported by external grants from agencies such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Our faculty members have also received national and regional recognition for their outstanding contributions to their research fields. Drs. Gabriel Caruntu and Benjamin Swarts have each received the prestigious National Science Foundation CAREER Award. Dr. Ben Swarts was also honored with the Henry Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award. Dr. Brad Fahlman recently received the Outstanding Achievement and Promotion of the Chemical Sciences Award from the Midland Section of American Chemical Society.
Below, explore the different research topics below that are currently being pursued by our faculty members and students. If you are an undergraduate or graduate student interested in learning more about getting involved in a faculty member's research, please feel free to contact them directly.
Unlocking amino acids
Madeline Clough is working on her undergraduate research project "Nitric Oxide Releasing Amino Acids". In this study, a series of water-soluble compounds are being investigated as potential donors capable of storing and releasing nitric oxide. Maddie’s study will contribute to the development of effective medicinal products to treat arterial diseases.
New uses for nanomaterials
Bernard Kavey is a PhD candidate in CMU’s SAM program. His research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of metal-oxide nanomaterials for applications in drug delivery and modern electronics. Benard’s career goal is to become a university professor in the nanomaterials research field as well as serving as a role model for young scientists.
Tackling TB treatments
Nicholas Banahene is a PhD candidate in the CMU BCMB program. His research focuses on the development of 18F-trehalose, a new tool that may enable tuberculosis imaging in patients, and the development of a new class of biofilm inhibitors to increase the effectiveness of existing anti-TB drugs and shorten TB treatment times.
Cutting-edge tools for advanced chemical research
Our chemistry research is powered by a comprehensive suite of major analytical instruments that enable precise measurement, analysis, and characterization at the molecular level. These state-of-the-art tools support innovative investigations across all areas of chemistry, providing students and faculty with the resources needed to conduct high-impact, publishable research.
NMR Spectroscopy
- Varian Inova 500 NMR Spectrometer
- Varian Mercury 300 NMR Spectrometer
Mass Spectrometry
- Gas Chromatography (GC)-MS Instruments
- Waters LCT Premier XE high-resolution ESI-MS
- Bruker UltraFlex MALDI TOF-MS
- Thermo LTQ XL MS/MS
Molecular Spectroscopy
- Thermo Nicolet FT-IR Spectrometers
- Varian Cary and Thermo UV/Vis Spectrometers
- Varian Cary Eclipse Fluorescence Spectrometers
Chromatography
- High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) Instruments
- Waters Nanoacquity Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC)
- Eksigent Nano-Liquid Chromatography (nanoLC)
- Akta Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography (FPLC)
- Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) Instruments
- Dionex Ion Chromatography System
Polymer/Materials Characterization
- Atomic Force Microscopes (AFM)
- Horiba Raman Microscope
- Hitachi HT-7700 Transmission Electron Microscope
- Rigaku Powder X-ray Diffractometer (XRD)
- Micromeritics Surface Area Measurement System
- Thermogravimetric Analyzers
- Biolin Theta-Lite Optical Tensiometer