Undergraduate research is a cornerstone of the Chemistry experience at Carnegie Mellon. From your first year, you can get involved in hands-on research alongside faculty and graduate students working on diverse topics like catalytic water treatment, nucleic acid imaging, light-activated materials, or machine learning for chemical discovery. Whether you are just exploring or already envisioning a future in research, there is a place for you here.

Our students do more than observe. They contribute meaningfully to ongoing projects, build technical skills, co-author publications, and present their work either on campus or at national conferences. With multiple entry points and flexible credit options, it is easy to start early and go deep.

Ways to Participate

There is no single path into research, and students get involved in many different ways depending on their interests and goals. Whether you're just curious about what research looks like or ready to take on your own project, the department offers multiple entry points. The table below outlines the most common ways to get started and how they differ.

Note: All students enrolled in 09-445: Undergraduate Research must complete a formal research paper by the last day of classes. You’ll agree on format and deadlines with your faculty mentor, but we provide ACS-style templates to help guide your writing.

Getting Started

Many students begin their research journey through our structured first-year sequence: 09-115 in the fall, followed by 09-116 in the spring. This two-part sequence is designed for students who are new to research and want to explore opportunities in chemistry from their very first year.

09-115: Introduction to Undergraduate Research offers foundational training and skills development for students planning to declare a chemistry major. The course introduces strategies for success in research and helps students prepare for hands-on experiences.

09-116: Undergraduate Research Shadowing in Chemistry is the follow-up course in which students are matched with research labs based on their ranked interests and availability. Students shadow mentors (graduate students or experienced undergraduates) over a seven-week period and may rotate through more than one group. These placements give students early exposure to lab culture, research techniques, and group dynamics.

For students who are not enrolled in these courses, opportunities are still available. Research is open to everyone, regardless of background or prior experience. Your first step is to reach out to the Director of Undergraduate Studies in Chemistry (ug-chem@andrew.cmu.edu), who can help identify openings across research groups and determine whether research is a good fit for your goals and schedule.

You are encouraged to browse our departmental research areas and identify two to three faculty members whose work interests you. The Director of Undergraduate Studies will help determine which labs have availability and whether they align with your interests and experience. If a potential match is found, they will initiate contact with the faculty member on your behalf to explore placement.

Before reaching out, it’s helpful to:

• Read a recent paper from the lab to understand their research
  
  

• Think about your availability, experience, and goals
  
  

• Reflect on whether your background and interests align more with 09-445 (Undergraduate Research) or 09-435 (Independent Study)
  
  

You can also meet with your academic advisor to talk through your options and make a plan.

Areas of Research

Chemistry at CMU is highly interdisciplinary, with research spanning different fields including:

• Atmospheric, Green & Environmental Chemistry

• Biological Chemistry

• Catalysis & Energy

• Material & Nanoscience

• Physical, Analytical & Theoretical Chemistry

Explore our current research groups here: chem.cmu.edu/research

Building your Research Experience

More than 90% of Chemistry majors at CMU engage in research during their time here, not because it is required, but because it is rewarding. Whether you're just exploring potential career paths or considering graduate school, participating in research helps you build skills and gain clarity about your future.

Some students join a lab for a semester to try it out; others stay for multiple years and complete a thesis. Research is open to everyone, and we’re here to support you at every step.

Engaging in research is not just for students aiming for graduate school; it is a valuable experience for anyone curious about applying chemistry to real-world problems. While not required, research provides opportunities to develop hands-on skills, clarify your academic and professional goals, and contribute meaningfully to a scientific community. In fact, more than 90% of Chemistry majors explore research in some form during their undergraduate career.

For students who wish to pursue research more deeply, there are several formal pathways for recognition and advancement. In some cases, 09-445: Undergraduate Research can also count as a chemistry elective once approved by the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Departmental Honors
Earned by students who complete at least one graduate-level course, conduct sustained research (typically 18+ units), and defend a written thesis. Honors students work closely with their faculty mentor and a three-member thesis committee.

Honors B.S./M.S. Program
This combined program allows qualified students to earn both their Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Chemistry, often in four years. Students take five graduate-level courses, complete a Master’s-level thesis, and are expected to present and publish their work. Applications are due no later than the end of the first semester of their junior year.

Summer Research Support
Many Chemistry majors earn SURA, SURF, SURG, and iSURF fellowships through CMU’s Undergraduate Research Office (link). Additional departmental funding may also be available through faculty labs. Summer research is often the key to a successful honors or B.S./M.S. experience.

Student Reflections

These student spotlights reflect the wide range of research experiences that undergraduates pursue in our department.

“I like understanding something I didn't before. There's a lot to enjoy in this field of work, and when I see my ideas work, it's really satisfying.”
— Payton Downey, Class of 2024 (Bernhard Group), Fugassi and Monteverde Award Recipient

“I used to say ‘I got lucky’ a lot, but it's more, like, ‘being ready.’ I use the skills, resources and everything that I've learned from prior experiences to seize opportunities and succeed in them. I definitely try to share this perspective with the first-year students that I'm mentoring.”
— Rafael Guzman-Soriano, Class of 2024 (Bernhard Group), K&L Gates Scholar

“I like knowing that the research I'm doing can be applied directly to solve environmental and social problems.”
— Camden Johnson, Class of 2025 (Collins and McDonough Groups), Gilman Award Recipient

“I started doing research the summer of my first year, and I've been doing it ever since. I'd always been interested in gene expression since DNA is the code for everything, and I saw there were these chemical aspects that I had never heard of before. I wanted to learn more.”
— Mackenzie Riley, Class of 2024 (Armitage Group), Resnik Award Recipient

“It's really important that the work I do has some larger biomedical application. It's really satisfying for me to see that direct impact.”
— Stella Trickett, Class of 2025 (Sydlik Group), Resnik Award Recipient

Research FAQs

Can I be paid instead of taking research for credit?
Yes. Some students are hired by faculty as hourly research assistants, especially over the summer. Others pursue credit through 09-445. You cannot receive both pay and credit for the same hours.

Do I have to work full time?
No. During the academic year, most students commit 6–12 hours per week. The number of hours is based on how many units you register for (1 unit = 1 hour per week).

How many units should I take?
That depends on your schedule and goals. Most students register for 9 or 12 units, but 3–18 units are allowed. Discuss expectations with your faculty mentor before registering.

What should go in the final report?
Your faculty advisor will set expectations, but in general, the report should describe your research question, methods, results, and what you learned. Students are encouraged to use ACS formatting guidelines.

Is research required for the major?
No. Research is not required, but many students choose to pursue it. Over 90% of Chemistry majors engage in research during their time at CMU, whether to explore a possible career path, gain hands-on experience, or contribute to scientific discovery. For many, it becomes one of the most meaningful parts of their undergraduate journey.

 Still Have Questions?

We’re happy to help. Reach out to the Director of Undergraduate Studies or the Undergraduate Academic Program Coordinator at ug-chem@andrew.cmu.edu  with any questions about getting started, registering for research, or making research a central part of your undergraduate experience.

Research isn’t just for graduate students. In the Department of Chemistry, it’s part of your journey from the beginning.