Undergrad Research Opportunities
There are many opportunities for undergraduates to get involved in research projects guided by faculty in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and this is a requirement (6 credit hours) for our ACS approved BS degrees and for distinction in major.
There are a number of sources of support for undergraduate research experiences including DU’s Partners in Scholarship (PinS) program and Summer Research Scholarships. For more information visit the Undergraduate Research Center. Additional grants are available through the Colorado-Wyoming Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (CO-WY AMP).
SHINE@DU Program
Program Overview
It has become obvious that the world will face severe and unprecedented environmental, health, and technological challenges in the next century. We strongly believe that these problems can only be solved, in part, by bringing together scientists with varied perspectives and experiences. To this end, every summer the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at the University of Denver invites local Denver Public School (DPS) students (ages 16 and up) to participate in a paid research internship program.
During this 6-week program, students will be paired with a mentor from one of the participating 10 research groups spanning the departments of chemistry, biology, and physics to engage in hands-on research experience while offering equitable pay, Regional Transportation District (RTD) passes for the duration of the summer and frequent group lunches every Friday. Relevant participating research areas include organic chemistry, biochemistry, analytical/environmental chemistry, ecology, magnetism; the student will be matched with an appropriate group based on their interests.
The immediate goals of this program are to reduce roadblocks for interested students by providing a flexible work schedule, a stipend, and transportation, while offering real-world research experience and access to cutting edge research equipment. Long-term goals aim to create a scientific community for the students to rely on throughout their career and to foster the next generation of lifelong scientists from the Rocky Mountain area. If we are to weather the challenges facing humanity ahead, we must do it together.
Are you interested in applying? Please fill out this quick survey and we will be in touch:
https://qualtricsxmbs6ct3xc7.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aXGLK7yDa2HP21U
Program Leadership
Dr. Worrell and Dr. Aron are the co-directors of the SHINE@DU program, which is supported by an NSF-CAREER Award (CHE- 2240141) to Brady Worrell.
Interested in finding out more? Check out a recent article about our program!
2025 Tentative Schedule
Week 1, June 16-20: Orientation and mentor meetup, Friday Lunch Social
Week 2, June 23-27: Friday Lunch & Learn Speaker (Industry speaker)
BREAK, June 30-4: Fourth of July vacation - no lab!
Week 3, July 7-11: Friday Lunch & Learn Speaker (Academia speaker)
Week 4, July 14-18: Friday Lunch Social (Grad students)
Week 5, July 21-25: Friday Lunch & Learn Speaker (National Lab speaker)
Week 6, July 28-August 1: Closing Symposium and Friday Poster Session
Class of 2024
Kaelie Cazares (Aron Lab)
Caleb Smiles (Michel Lab)
Beauty Khalifa (Worrell Lab)
Class of 2023
Jay Sledge (Worrell Lab)
Melanie Contreras (Aron Lab)
Jane Goldman (Michel Lab)
Jonathan Valdez (Majestic Lab)
Sharmila Bc (Horowitz Lab)
Jocelyne Martin (Siemens Lab, Department of Physics & Astronomy)
