Chemistry

Internships
Most chemistry majors apply for NSF-sponsored Research Experiences for Undergraduates, as well as for other research internships at various universities around the country. All of these internships involve original research into a chemical problem. A couple of examples of universities where students have worked in the past couple of years are Bowling Green State University, University of Oregon, The Ohio State University, University of Akron, and Penn State University.

Research
All students who major in chemistry must complete a capstone requirement in chemistry research. In addition, students have the opportunity to work on research projects in the department beginning as early as their freshman year. The projects that the students work on can be research ideas that the students themselves have proposed, or they can work on a research project proposed by the faculty members in the department. Students can also work on joint research projects that involve other programs such as biology, geology, psychology, environmental science and molecular biology.

Some examples of research projects conducted by students within the chemistry department in the past year are the following:

• Synthesis, Modification, and Characterization of Cationic BODIPY Derivatives for the Assay of Antibacterial Activity
• Creating a Natural Treatment for the Prevention of Poison Ivy Allergic Reactions
• Detection and Quantitation of Biotin and Claritin in Human Hair Using Solid Phase Extraction, High Performance Liquid Chromatography, and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrome
• Synthesis and Characterization of Low-Generation 1,4-Phenylenediamine Core Dendrimers for Release Studies with 2-Naphthol

The Muskie Summer Fellows Program also provides opportunities for students to conduct research with faculty members. Students receive a stipend as well as free housing for the twelve-week fellowship

Honoraries
The Muskingum University Chapter of the Student Affiliate of the American Chemical Society (ACS) has been active on campus for many years. Students may join this group as early as their first year. This group sponsors many activities, including field trips, chemical demonstrations, and fund-raising projects, and coordinates social activities at the beginning and end of the academic year and occasionally over holiday breaks.

Employment
The department typically employs 10-12 students each semester to work as tutors and graders for the introductory chemistry classes, and as assistants in the chemistry preparation laboratory, preparing solutions for various lab courses and setting up equipment for these labs.

Professional Activities
Students periodically accompany faculty to regional and national professional meetings to present their research in the form of posters or papers.  In addition, the department faculty arrange several opportunities throughout the year for students to attend seminars held by chemistry programs at nearby institutions.

After Graduation
Career Possibilities for Chemistry Major

Many graduates have found employment as chemists at various chemical companies. Some of these companies have paid for these individuals to pursue advanced or professional degrees such as an MBA or a law degree. The following are examples of recent employers of our graduates:

• Procter & Gamble
• Rohm & Haas
• Eli Lilly

A few students have also found employment as chemists in governmental organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Others have gone on to immediately pursue professional degrees in law and business upon graduation with their chemistry degree from Muskingum. A few students have moved on to earn professional qualifications in Pharmacy, and a few others have earned secondary licensure to teach chemistry at the high school level.