Student-faculty collaborative research is the centerpiece of our curriculum. The Department views research as the ultimate teaching tool and encourages all students to learn chemistry by doing chemistry. Students work on independent research projects in the labs of their faculty mentor over the course of several semesters or several years.

Students can become involved in research in several ways:

(1) Throughout the academic year, students - even those in their first year - can enroll in our Chemical Research courses, CHEM 375/376.

(2) During summer months, the college's Summer Science Scholars program supports students to work on research projects with faculty.

(3) Students can elect to build upon an established research project and conduct Senior Honors research that culminates in a senior thesis and defense.

Some additional information (and a research synopsis) about the areas of ongoing research in our department:

• Carbohydrate Chemistry
• Catalysis & Biobased Products - synopsis
• Inorganic Photochemistry - synopsis
• Materials Chemistry - synopsis
• Bioorganic Chemistry - synopsis
• Nonlinear Laser Spectroscopy
• Oscillatory Biochemical Systems - synopsis
• Structure/Function of Enzymes - synopsis

Kenyon chemistry and biochemistry students present their research at conferences and meetings throughout the country and their work has appeared in numerous publications.