Research Projects and Internships

On-campus Research

Undergraduate research is an exciting opportunity for chemistry students to work with faculty and experience the process of discovery. The faculty have developed a culture of scholarship in which students learn how to use research to strengthen their understanding of scientific concepts. Undergraduate research is actively encouraged throughout the students' curriculum to invigorate learning.

Summer 2024

Dr. Guillermo Ardon Munoz and his four research students worked on two projects.  The first project is the synthesis of Mebandazole, an FDA-approved drug for parasitic infections.  The second project worked towards the development of an efficient synthetic method for triazoles. 



Dr. Ardon Munoz research students for Summer 2024:
Jacob Alvira (BCH)
Olivia Dibble (PATH)
Emma Jacobs (CHM.ADOL)
Fadhl Salen (BMS)


Newby Research Group
Students in the Newby Group used spectroscopic and computational methods to determine the molecular structure and quantify noncovalent interactions.


sample
The sample used in our analysis is a dilute mixture of NMP and H2O in nitrogen that is sprayed onto a sample slide that is held at 20 K. A tiny mountain of solid nitrogen is formed when we made our sample! (Dime added to indicate size.)
 

FTIR
FTIR spectra that show the vibrational structure of NMP, H2O, and NMP:H2O complexes. The water molecule was found to interact primarily with the carbonyl group of NMP, with a preference for being on the side farthest from the methyl group.
 

NCI
An analysis of the calculated wavefunctions for the NMP:H2O complexes indicates weak C-H...O interactions in addition to the primary O-H...O hydrogen bonding.



Dr. Newby's research students for Summer 2024:
Joseph Nettles (BCH)
Jeremy Swartz (CHM)
Aaron Uzelmeier (CHM, MUS)


 
Summer 2023

How does a molecule get solvated?
(Dr. Josh Newby with students:  Kone Mamourou, Anna Dubany, Jeremy Swartz, Isiah McMurray, and Aaron Uzelmeier)

optimized-image_NewbyGroup.jpeg

The goal of this work is to better understand  the process of solvation. Our research will focus on how the first water molecule attaches to another molecule. Students learned how to use computational chemistry to complete a structural analysis of a molecular complex. This was done using computing resources remotely accessed at the San Diego Supercomputer Center. Students also performed FTIR studies of simple to experimentally verify computational results. These studies make use of a matrix isolation cell that operates at 15 K (-420 F). Student projects have focused on the microsolvation of petroleum impurities, drug precursors, and flavoring agents. 

 

Using Enzymes to Make Human Milk Sugars
(Dr Jessica Stachowski with students:  Kyra Couglin, Reece Wieder, Sandra Perkins, Lydia Coombs, and Bianca Hernandez Salazar)