Research Opportunities

Undergraduate research is an excellent way to get some hands-on chemistry experience and see if it’s right for you. Often, you can get course credit or a small stipend for hours spent working in the research lab. Several faculty members in the Chemistry Department at CSUB conduct research with undergraduate students. To apply for a position, complete the application for undergraduate student researchers and submit it (along with your resume) to the faculty member you are interested in working with.

Faculty, Research Areas, and Position Availability

Equipment & Resources

Students in the CSUB Chemistry Department have access to a virtual alphabet soup of state-of-the-art scientific instruments. The chemistry department has purchased several new instruments and upgrades in the last several years: an ICP-MS, a Shimadzu GC-MS with direct probe and CI options, a research grade Nicolet FT-IR spectrometer, a research grade Shimadzu gradient-HPLC with autosampler, a few new UV-vis spectrophotometers, and a Bruker Avance III 400 MHz Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectrometer that allows remote operation. This new equipment is on top of what the department already had: a GC-MS, an FT-IR, an HPLC, UV-vis spectrophotometers, and a walk in freezer. Other resources utilized by our students include two greenhouses (one with entirely computerized environmental controls), a PC lab, Mac lab, and UNIX computer lab.

Research & Internship Opportunities off Campus

Looking for a research or internship off campus? Start by searching Get Experience, a free, searchable online database developed by ACS to help students find experience opportunities in chemistry. It contains information on research experiences, internships, co-ops, and other chemistry-related opportunities for undergraduate chemistry students. Another great resource is the catalog of biomedical research internships which is updated by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Also explore the listings posted below.

You can stay up to date on these and other research opportunities by following us on Facebook.

Chemistry Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (Chem-SURF)
The Chem-SURF Program at the University of California, Irvine (UCI), provides a 10-week summer research opportunity for undergraduates to become fully immersed in challenging, cutting-edge, exciting, and transformative interdisciplinary research projects in the fields of chemical biology, chemical physics, computer science, molecular biology, nanoscience, pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacology, and analytical, atmospheric, biochemistry, bioinorganic, bioorganic, computational, environmental, inorganic, materials, organic, physical, polymer, surface and theoretical chemistry.

DHS HS-STEM Summer Internship Program
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) sponsors a 10-week summer internship program for rising juniors and seniors majoring in homeland security related science, technology, engineering and mathematics (HS-STEM) disciplines. The DHS HS-STEM Summer Internship Program provides students with the opportunity to conduct research in DHS mission-relevant research areas at federal research facilities located across the country.

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (Fred Hutch) Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP)
The Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) is an intensive, nine-week internship designed to provide research experience and mentorship for undergraduate students who are interested in biomedical research. Under the guidance of a faculty mentor, interns will complete an independent research project and present their findings at a competitive poster session.

Nebraska Summer Research Program
The Nebraska Summer Research Program offers research opportunities in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields in addition to an interdisciplinary Minority Health Disparities program aimed at conducting cutting edge social and behavioral research into understanding and reducing health disparities and in diversifying minority health researchers. A complete listing of faculty mentors and research project descriptions can be found on their website. Students can also find information about program benefits including a competitive stipend, room and board, travel expenses, and more.

Pediatric Oncology Education (POE) program at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
The POE program offers a unique opportunity for pre-doctoral students preparing for careers in the biomedical sciences, medicine, and pharmacy to gain biomedical and oncology research experience. Students participate in basic or clinical oncology research, research and clinical conferences, and a core lecture series designed specifically for them. A primary goal of the program is to encourage students to pursue a career in cancer research, either as a laboratory-based scientist or a physician scientist. Thus, qualified students with an interest in cancer research are particularly encouraged to apply.

SCI Scholars - Industrial Internships for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Undergraduates
The program is a joint effort of the Society of Chemical Industry (SCI) America International Group, the American Chemical Society (ACS), and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), and was developed to introduce chemistry and chemical engineering students to careers in the chemical industry. Exceptional sophomores and juniors with a GPA of at least 3.5 and who are majoring in chemistry or chemical engineering are encouraged to apply. SCI Scholars receive $6,000-$10,000+ for a ten-week internship. Students will be awarded a certificate and an additional $1,000, which can be used for any purpose, such as participation at an ACS or AIChE meeting.

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Student Internship Program (SIP) 
Student employees in the USDA SIP gain valuable professional experience as an assistant in scientific, professional, technical, and/or administrative areas. The internship opportunity could be a paid or unpaid internship and gives students insight into considering a future career with USDA. Annually USDA employs thousands of students nationwide throughout our 7 Mission Areas, 17 agencies and 14 offices.

Conferences

CSUB undergraduate chemistry researchers are strongly encouraged to talk to your research advisor about attending the conferences listed below. These conferences are great opportunities to network with other chemistry students and talk to potential employers and graduate programs.

American Chemical Society (ACS) National Meetings
ACS holds two national meetings annually, one in the spring (March/April) and one in late summer (usually August). Abstract submission usually occurs well in advance of the meeting date (5-6 months).

American Chemical Society (ACS) Regional Meetings
ACS also holds several smaller, regional meetings that occur. Often these meetings have much later abstract submission deadlines and typically at least one can be found that is closer to home.

CSU Program for Education and Research in Biotechnology (CSUPERB)
CSUPERB holds a symposium every year (usually in winter) for faculty and student researchers in the CSU system. CSUPERB also administers several awards and grants, including student travel grants. 

SACNAS National Conference
The Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) National Conference is one of the largest annual gatherings of minority scientists in the country, the interdisciplinary, inclusive, and interactive SACNAS National Conference motivates and inspires. It features professional & leadership development sessions, networking and mentoring events, cultural activities & performances, in addition to scientific symposia sessions. Held annually every fall.

Southern California Conferences for Undergraduate Research (SCCUR)
SCCUR is hosted by a different Southern California School each year, and is typically held in the fall.

Student Researchers Competition (SRC) and Student Researchers Poster Competition (SRC-Poster)
The CSU Bakersfield Office of Grants, Research, and Sponsored Programs hosts SRC (usually in winter) and SRC-Poster (usually in spring) on campus each year. Winners of the the campus SRC go on to compete at the statewide competition.

Western Spectroscopy Association Conference (WSAC)
WSAC is specifically for those with an interest in spectroscopy, optics, and related topics.

Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry

California State University, Bakersfield
9001 Stockdale Highway #62
Bakersfield, CA 93311-1022
(661) 654-2030| Email: chemistry@csub.edu
Location:  Science II Building - Maps