About our program

Research Program

​Research is a central part a comprehensive education in chemistry and biochemistry.  It enhances teaching and learning, and enriches the experiences of  both students and faculty. In Chemistry at Western, both undergraduate and masters-level graduate students actively engage in faculty-directed scientific exploration.  We recognize that undergraduate research promotes both student involvement and high academic expectations.  In addition, our masters program provides a supportive environment for students to continue their growth as scientists. 

Undergraduate Research

The WWU Chemistry Department offers a broad spectrum of research projects for the undergraduate student, beginning as early as the sophomore year. More and more of our graduating seniors leave with not only a degree from the department, but with two or more years experience as a member of a research team made up of both graduate and undergraduate students, led by a faculty member. The undergraduate research student experience often includes presentations of research results at local and/or national professional meetings and appearances as co-authors on professional research publications. It is a unique opportunity to develop skills as a professional chemist/biochemist and is highly valued by both potential employers and graduate schools.

Research Resources

Access to chemical instrumentation and information technologies are a central component of both teaching and research in modern chemistry. Western's library provides access to essential information technologies such as SciFinder Scholar. In addition, Western's Scientific Technical Services (SciTech) provides full-service machine and electronic shop service and it maintains a centralized university instrument center that complements the department's own instrument holdings. In collaboration with SciTech, Western's Advanced Materials Science and Engineering Center (AMSEC) provides access to state-of-the-art instrumentation for materials characterization. 

WWU Library Resources

Student in lab holding glassware