The deadline to apply for R&I Departmental Programs for the Class of 2026 was September 2024
Applications for the Class of 2027 open September 2025!
About Research in Chemistry ("RChem")
Research in Chemistry is a course for students who are interested in learning about the research process, how to independently design and execute a chemistry research project, and deepen their knowledge of an area of chemistry that excites them.
Current Student to Contact
What would I do in the program?
During the January term students will learn how to read scientific journal articles and design experiments. In the spring semester, students will write a literature review on their individual topic of interest as well as a research proposal. Concurrently students will learn advanced chemistry researching techniques, both in the laboratory and computationally, and begin their research. In the fall semester students will complete their research, and produce a research paper, poster and oral presentation, the three main methods scientists use to communicate their work.
How do I know this program is a good fit for me?
Students in this program should be passionate about chemistry and able to work independently. They should have good time management and strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Research can be frustrating as there is often no “right” answer. A strong interest in what you are studying will go a long way to help you during those periods when your experiments are not going as you planned. This class is designed to teach you how to go through the entire process of research from formulating a hypothesis to presenting your findings. No prior research experience is required! Only a passion for chemistry!
What projects have past / current students worked on?
Materials Chemistry
Polymeric carbon nitride films for photoelectrocatalytic hydrogen production
Metal organic frameworks for enhanced capture of NO2 from the atmosphere
Nitrogen-doped Graphene Quantum Dots for Increased CO2 Reduction Efficiency and Hydrocarbon Selectivity
Environmental Chemistry
Sesamol as a Novel Redox Mediator for the Electrochemical Separation of Carbon Dioxide from Flue Gas
Development of Integrated Ionic Liquid System for Simultaneous Pretreatment and Biomass Saccharification of Fermentable Sugars
Optimization and Determination of Goethite-impregnated Powder Activated Carbon (GPAC) Desorption and Regeneration for Bisphenol A (BPA) Adsorption
Repurposing Carbon Black Nanoparticles for Use in Crude Oil Spills
Beta-Cyclodextran Polymers Crosslinked with Organic Chelating Agents for the Adsorption of Heavy Metal and Organic Pollutants
Organic and Biochemistry
Computational Design of a Novel Oral Dual Topoisomerase II/Hsp90 Inhibitor for Cancer Therapies
Computational Analysis of Nonpeptide Small Molecules as Potent Inhibitors of Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein-3
Design and Synthesis of a Novel Dual IDO/TDO Inhibitor for Cancer Immunotherapy
Investigation of Phytoestrogens as Treatments for Estrogen Receptor Negative Breast Cancer
Polysaccharides from Ganoderma lucidum as Novel Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Agents
Synthesis of a Tau Aggregation Inhibitor in Relation to Alzheimer’s Disease
The development of a novel chitin-based, biodegradable hydrogel used for the sustained release of aspirin into the colon
Electrochemistry and Batteries
Hybrid Polyacrylonitrile Membranes and their Application in Redox Flow Batteries
Improving the Efficiency of Glucose/O2 Biofuel Cells with Redox Dyes as a Mediator
Application Deadline
September 26,
12:00 PM (Noon)
12:00 PM (Noon)
Timeline
Junior J-Term,
Junior Spring,
Summer
& Senior Fall
Junior Spring,
Summer
& Senior Fall
Commitment
J-Term,
3-Week Summer Session &
Two Semesters
3-Week Summer Session &
Two Semesters
Course Information
CH4920, J-Term
CH4921 & CH4922, Academic Year
CH4921 & CH4922, Academic Year
Tim Anglin, NCSSM Durham Instructor of Chemistry
Tim Anglin has been a member of the NCSSM science faculty since 2015. As a faculty member, Tim instructs AP and Core Chemistry, Materials Chemistry, and Research. Before coming to NCSSM, Tim also instructed courses in Analytical Chemistry at the University of Minnesota. At NCSSM Tim also sponsors the Conrad Spirit of Innovation Challenge that promotes student entrepreneurship and technology development.
Michael Bruno, NCSSM Durham Instructor and Chair of Chemistry
A member of the chemistry faculty at NCSSM since 2013, Michael Bruno has taught a variety of courses including Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Research in Chemistry. He received his bachelor's degree in Physical Biochemistry from Dartmouth College and a doctorate degree in Biochemistry from Cornell University. He is passionate about teaching with a guided inquiry pedagogy, POGIL, and is serving on the POGIL Project Steering Committee from 2019-2021. He has been elected as a member and officer of the faculty senate, served on the calendar committee, the Graduate Visioning Committee, the Morganton Academic Programs Steering Committee and the Faculty Evaluation Committee. He has organized on-campus and off-campus workshops in guided inquiry learning. He has served as the Chair of Chemistry since 2015. His publications include PNAS, Biophysical Journal, Faraday Discussions, and a book chapter detailing the single-molecule kinetics methods he helped develop in graduate school.
Course Descriptions
CH4920 Research Chem I (*R*)
Prerequisite(s): By application in the Fall of the Junior year.
Corequisite(s): None
Graduation Requirements Met: January Term
Schedule Requirements Met: January Term
Meeting Times: Two week intensive January Term
This is an advanced course for January Term junior students with the maturity, independence, and motivation necessary to conduct their own research project. Students learn the scientific method and experimental design before conducting a trial experiment on a small scale. Students then write a mini- literature review on the topic of interest to them. Throughout the term students read from the primary scientific literature and participate in discussion groups on current issues in biological research. Students with a final grade of P or higher are expected to continue in Research in Chemistry II. This course includes a significant research component.
CH4921 Research Chem II (*R*)
Prerequisite(s): Students with Junior standing apply in the Fall for entry in RChem I taught during the 1st two weeks of Jan Term.
Corequisite(s): None
Graduation Requirements Met: One STEM credit OR One Chemistry credit
Schedule Requirements Met: One of five courses required each semester
Meeting Times: Seven periods per week and three labs
This is an advanced course for second semester junior students who have completed the CH492. Students write a detailed research proposal. Students begin to learn additional techniques and to gather data for their experiments. Based on the outcomes of the term's work, students may be given an opportunity to participate in summer research programs on campus. Students with a final grade of B or higher are expected to continue in CH496 Research in Chemistry III. This course includes a significant research component. This course includes topics that satisfy the chemistry graduation requirement.
CH4922 Research Chem III (*R*)
Prerequisite(s): Final grade of B or higher in Research in Chemistry II, or successful participation in a summer research program and permission of the Dean of Science.
Corequisite(s): None
Graduation Requirements Met: One STEM credit
Schedule Requirements Met: One of five courses required each semester
Meeting Times: Seven periods per week and three labs
Students continue work on their previous research to produce additional data and conduct statistical analysis, as needed. They may research extension questions based on their original work. Students write a formal research paper and prepare a formal presentation. Students are required to present their results at the NCSSM Research Symposium in the spring and are encouraged to present their research at the North Carolina Student Academy of Science competition and other competitions. This course includes a significant research component.