Research

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Last Updated: Aug 19, 2025, 11:55 AM

SIU chemistry student conducts experiment

The faculty of the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Sciences are top-tier researchers with research interests often spanning more than one field, which allows them to carry out research beyond the common boundaries of these fields. This includes interdisciplinary research that takes place at the Cal Y. Meyers Institute.

Faculty research is supported by state-of-the-art research support facilities, and the range of problems they study are often written up in prestigious peer-reviewed publications.

Research Opportunities

Chemistry majors are encouraged to participate in the faculty research programs by contacting individual faculty members about their research interests. Guided by the leading experts in the field, students will gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge research and develop critical problem-solving skills. Undergraduates engaging in research can access state-of-the-art instrumentation, such as ultra-fast lasers, NMR spectrometers, scanning electron and tunneling microscopes, and high-performance computing facilities. Many students work on research projects with paid assistantships from the sponsoring faculty. Students will have the opportunity to present at national conferences and win prestigious awards and scholarships.

  • McNair Scholars

    The SIU Carbondale McNair Scholars Program helps students realize their full potential by providing enriching educational experiences for low-income, first-generation college students and members of underserved groups in higher education. Beginning with a strong mentoring network, McNair scholars are fully supported and engaged in educational and professional development activities that lay the foundation for stellar research and academic skills.

  • REACH

    This competitive program, open to all disciplines, offers grant awards to students working on an independent research project with a faculty mentor. REACH also sponsors the University's annual Undergraduate Research Forum, held in late March or early April, in which students present posters describing their research projects

Research Support Facilities

  • Image Center

    The centrally located IMAGE facility provides training, technical service, and research in scanning electron, transmission electron, atomic-force, and light microscopy. Advanced capabilities include x-ray analysis, image analysis, and viewing of specimens under near-atmospheric conditions.

  • NMR Facility

    Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Facility at Southern Illinois University is a university-wide facility. It has three Varian high-field multinuclear spectrometers, an Inova 500, a Mercuryplus 400, and an Inova 300 wide-bore.

  • Mass Spectrometry Facility

    The Mass Spectrometry Facility is located in the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Sciences. The Facility owns and operates several high-performance mass spectrometers to support basic research efforts throughout Southern Illinois University. The Facility offers training for independent operation of instruments as well as sample analysis by Facility personnel.