Undergraduate Research – Discover Life’s Secrets and Solve Our World's Most Pressing Problems
Use chemistry to protect clean water, reveal the story of ancient climates and unlock early cancer detection.
Investigate the molecular world to solve environmental challenges, trace Earth's past and develop lifesaving diagnostic tools.
Decode cancer, design therapies and discover how the body fights disease.
Explore the frontiers of biochemistry and molecular biology to understand disease mechanisms and create transformative treatments.
Build materials for quantum computing and solar energy. Simulate nuclear reactions and explore the universe.
Push the limits of physics through cutting-edge research in energy, matter and the cosmos — on scales from atomic to astronomical.
Earn a competitive stipend through our undergraduate research fellowships — a chance to dive into real science, boost your resume and work one-on-one with a professor on a project you care about.
- Choose from five different departmental fellowships, made possible by the East, Morse, Okken/Guss, Tanaka and Gales families.
- Open to chemistry and biochemistry majors.
- Work full time on your project over the summer.
- Applications due mid-spring — start exploring ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ research now!
- Contact the department for more information at 605-688-5151.
Avery Dooley, Double Major – Chemistry and Biochemistry
"The close-knit atmosphere of the Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics helped me build lifelong friendships and a strong support system. The individualized attention in classes allowed me to thrive, and the academic rigor prepared me well for the challenges of medical school. My time in the lab gave me the skills and confidence to pursue research beyond graduation, an experience I’ll carry with me throughout my career in medicine."
Matthew Schell, Cancer and Medicinal Biochemistry
"From my very first semester, I wasn’t just washing glassware; I was designing and executing full protocols in cancer biology alongside graduate students and professors. Rather than following a script, I was trusted to think critically, troubleshoot and make meaningful contributions. That early responsibility sparked a level of collaboration and growth I never expected as a freshman, and it continues to shape how I approach medical science and teamwork today."
Matthew Wieberdink, Physics Major, Undergraduate Research Assistant
"The ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ in the Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics provided me with opportunities to get involved with research in my freshman year. Because of that, I've developed skills and passions in biophysics and research that have taken me across the country and that are invaluable to my future."
