Several chemistry faculty have ongoing research projects which students may participate. Other students explore novel research ideas of their own. Individually supervised research projects are usually the highlight of a student’s academic work at college. Junior and senior science students advise incoming students that whatever else they do at college, they should not miss the opportunity for one-to-one supervised research.

Although independent research is formally required for the BS chemistry degree, all undergraduate chemistry students are encouraged to engage, under the guidance of a faculty member, in a research project during the junior and/or senior year. Students may take research for academic credit. In some cases, students are paid stipends by internal and/or external grants. WVWC students are strongly encouraged to present their work at regional, national, and international meetings. Faculty members often incorporate student results in their scientific publications. Independpent research inspires and prepares Wesleyan students for graduate school, industry, and various other scientific endeavors.

Chemistry Faculty and Research Interests:

Edward Wovchko – inorganic, physical, and materials chemistry – the analysis of fundamental chemical processes occurring on the surfaces of high area materials using spectroscopy, ultrahigh vacuum techniques, and flow systems. Specific projects include: heterogeneous photocatalysis, thermal and photochemical destruction of environmentally hazardous molecules on solid adsorbents, and photochemical water splitting.

Karl Zachary – physical and analytical chemistry – dynamics of molecular liquids, particularly in laser scattering experimental methods and in the theoretical and computer-assisted modeling of such processes.

Allen Hamner – organic and biochemistry