Student research at É«ÖÐÉ« is a cornerstone of academic excellence, empowering students to pursue their passions, develop crucial laboratory and critical thinking skills, apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge. The chemistry faculty and staff encourage all students to seek an experience, whether it’s at Pomona or at another institution. By actively participating in research, our hope is that students gain a deeper understanding of the research process, its challenges, and its rewards. Here we present information about opportunities for academic year and summer research, funding sources, fellowships and conferences. As a rule of thumb, it’s always a good idea to have conversations with your professors about research.
Academic year research at Pomona
During the academic year, students can receive 0.5 or 1 credits for independent research (Chem 199) as a member of a professor’s laboratory or carry out research on a volunteer basis if there are concerns about the time commitment to a research project. Alternatively, some faculty members have grants with funds set aside to pay student researchers during the academic year. This may be a benefit to students on financial aid who want to pursue paid research in lieu of a campus job. Ideally, students should approach faculty members about academic year research early in the semester, if not, before the start.
Summer research at Pomona
Summer is a busy time for student research in the Chemistry department and allows for students to immerse themselves in a chosen field of study and work closely with faculty mentors. Summer research in the Chemistry Department is supported by the college’s Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP), department funds and grants. Experiences are usually 8-10 weeks in the labs of most Chemistry faculty members and can start as early as the 3rd week of May. Research labs have a tendency to fill up quickly because space is limited and demand is high. Even though the SURP application process starts in January-February, we recommend conversations with faculty members start in the fall, such as in November or December. Be mindful that each professor has their own means by which you should contact them to inquire about research or apply for a position. This can be found in the faculty and staff project descriptions below.
In addition to these opportunities, two research scholarships are available to students and provide both summer and academic year research funding to support a sustained, in-depth undergraduate research experience, the and Linares Scholars Program. The latter scholarship seeks to provide underrepresented students extensive and thorough research opportunities. The program is coordinated by Prof. O’Leary.
Chemistry Faculty Research Projects
Presented here are current areas of research being explored by É«ÖÐÉ« Chemistry faculty.
Ball Laboratory
The Ball Laboratory is interested in developing new metal-catalyzed/-mediated organic reactions. Our focus is to develop methodologies to make and activate sulfur(VI) fluorides. In particular we are interested in using sulfur (VI) fluorides as a more air and water stable alternative to traditional synthesis of sulfur-based organic molecules. Our strategy is to achieve this goal by metal-catalyzed activation of sulfur(VI) fluorides via sulfur-fluorine exchange (SuFEx) to make sulfonylated compounds. Additionally, we have interest in sulfur (VI) fluorides in cross-coupling chemistry.
Our research involves a two-step strategy: 1) development of new catalytic reactions, and 2) mechanistic investigations of these reactions with model organometallic complexes. Experiments and results from each component facilitate the innovation in the other providing an impactful, deeper understanding of the chemistry. The goals of this research for students is to learn how to turn theory into practice, to critically work through scientific challenges, and to understand and take ownership of their work. Most importantly, I want students to appreciate and develop a love for science!
Students will gain extensive experience in organic and inorganic synthesis, metal catalysis, NMR spectroscopy, and physical organic chemistry. Students with a wide variety of interests are welcomed into our lab! Please explore the links to learn more about the .
Garza Laboratory
In Silico Studies for Prediction of Energy Transfer Reactions and Receptor-Ligand Interactions. Our lab utilizes a series of computational techniques, in connection with experimental results, to study two main areas. The first one is the study of diffusion-controlled reactions on catalytic surfaces with Euclidean or fractal surfaces to study energy transfer. An example is our study in dendrimer structures, which are novel systems, used in pharmaceuticals and energy storage. The second area of study in our lab is the prediction of binding-conformation of small ligands to appropriate target binding sites in a receptor. We complement the results of these simulations with molecular mechanics and/or molecular dynamics to estimate the strength of the intermolecular interactions between these small molecules and their biological targets. Some of these receptors or biological targets are responsible for specific neurological disorders (Alzheimer’s) and cancers (leukemia).
Johal Laboratory
Dual Polarization Interferometry (DPI) and Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM-D) Analysis of Ligand-Protein Interactions at the Solid-Aqueous Interface. The underlying theme of our research program is to take advantage of molecular self-assembly processes to construct functional nano-materials for optical and biosensing applications. Our research program primarily explores the electrostatic self-assembly (ESA) of novel polyelectrolytes, biological macromolecules, and ionic surfactants using layer-by-layer (LbL) methods, including direct adsorption and spin-assembly, to fabricate well-defined multilayer assemblies. Current work focuses on characterizing protein-drug and membrane-peptide antibiotic interactions at the solid-liquid interface, by using DPI and piezoelectric gravimetric QCM-D methods.
Liu Laboratory
Professor Liu’s research interests span three areas that all intersect chemistry and biology. (1) She investigates the persistence of Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of cholera disease. An objective of this work is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which fluctuations in available sugars affect the physiology of V. cholerae. (2) Dr. Liu also aims to engineer novel biosensors. An objective of this work is to engineer riboswitch-based biosensors to monitor intracellular concentrations of endogenous small molecules. (3) Dr. Liu also engages students in discipline-based educational research, investigating how students learn chemistry and biochemistry. Learn more about the for joining it. Note that applications to the lab are reviewed three times each year: March 15, August 1, and December 15.
O’Leary Laboratory
Professor O’Leary is interested in using chemical synthesis, computational chemistry and advanced NMR spectroscopic techniques for developing new methods for studying the solution conformation of organic molecules. He has also published articles in the areas of catalysis, chemistry education and the history of science.
Sazinsky Laboratory
Microbial Sulfur Metabolism & Protein Engineering. Our lab utilizes protein crystallography, enzymology and recombinant DNA technologies to study, engineer and predict protein function. Current efforts aim to explore (i) the reactivity and mechanism of enzymes involved in microbial sulfur respiration and biogeochemical sulfur cycling in collaboration with Professors Crane and Cavalcanti (ii) the application of glycosyl hydrolases to improve the bioavailability medicinally important natural compounds and (iii) the improvement of phytases to enhance phosphate bioavailability.
Taylor Laboratory
Several projects related to analytical chemistry as outlined below:
- Volatile biomarkers research focused on bacteria either found in the C. elegans microbiome for fundamental research or known human pathogens for medical diagnostic applications..
- Materials chemistry research focused on water treatment to remove contaminants from drinking water. The main material we will be working with over the next two academic years are zirconium-based metal organic frameworks. We will tune the properties of the MOFs to enhance sorptive capacity for a variety of different contaminants beginning with fluorochemical surfactants.
- Trace elemental analysis of coffee to determine where it was grown using principal component analysis to examine elemental trends. We will be examining isotope ratios in future work.
Laboratory Development and Chemical Education Research
Prof. Muzikar: Currently not accepting research students.
Prof. Vasquez: Currently not accepting research students.
Prof. Wellman: Currently not accepting research students.
External Opportunities
The number and types of external opportunities varies greatly from year to year, making it difficult to cultivate a comprehensive list and curate it. Below are suggested places to look for ideas. To introduce some of these opportunities, in the fall, chemistry hosts a discussing NSF-funded research at other institutions. Another option to find an external opportunity would be to contact Pomona alumni. Many like to pay it forward.
Research Fellowships
Below are just a few fellowships that students commonly apply to. A full list can be found in the .
For undergraduates:
For graduating seniors and graduates:
Conferences
Students are encouraged to attend to present work and/or learn more about particular fields of chemistry and biochemistry during their time at Pomona. Travel funds may be available through the Dean of Students Office, the Chemistry Department, the conference organizers and/or the grants of your faculty mentor.
Conferences students have attended in the past include:
- ) - occurs 2x a year – August and March
- (ASBMB) - Spring
- (SACNAS)
- (ABRCMS)
- (NOBCChE)