Chemistry Learning Center:
Undergraduate Research Opportunities
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Read what one of our students has to say about undergraduate opportunities in InChemistry, Feb/Mar 2000, pp. 12-14.
This reference below was prepared for undergraduates interested in research at the University of Georgia Chemistry Department. Information on research faculty is arranged according to division: Analytical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry.
Analytical Chemistry Faculty
I. Jonathan Amster
Analytical Chemistry
Room 1285
542-2001
amster@amstersgi.chem.uga.edu
My group uses mass spectrometry to solve problems in bioanalytical and material science. A number of undergraduate researchers have used the research experience gained in my laboratory to prepare themselves for graduate studies in chemistry, biochemistry, and medicine. Examples of recent undergraduate projects include 1) using mass spectrometry to examine the regulation of mercury detoxification proteins in E. coli, 2) the development of mass spectrometric methods to assay recombinant proteins in unpurified bacterial cultures, 3) the development of methods to identify proteins by high accuracy mass spectrometry of their enzymatic digests, 4) amino acid sequencing of synthetic peptides, and 5) fundamental studies of peptide fragmentation during laser desorption. Undergraduate researchers gain hands-on experience in mass spectrometry with one or more of the available instruments, which include Fourier transform and time-of-flight mass spectrometers.
James A. de Haseth
Analytical Chemistry
Room 1502
542-1968
dehaseth@dehsrv.chem.uga.edu
Research in Professor de Haseth's laboratory focuses on projects that involve the use of Fourier transform infrared spectrometry. These projects involve the investigation of protein folding with the use of particle beam FT-IR spectrometry. Undergraduate researchers are needed to run spectra of protein solutions and to measure protein activity. The undergraduate students will be instructed in the use of FT-IR spectrometers and a uv/vis diode array spectrometer. Another project involves the determination of polymer properties. Infrared spectra of polymers must be collected, and polymers must be made from standard recipes. The last project involves the measurement of liquid chromatographic eluites (components) with the use of a particle beam interface. Undergraduate research students would be instructed in the use of a liquid chromatograph and an infrared microscope. For every credit hour of research to be earned by an undergraduate research student, he/she will be expected to work three hours in the laboratory. Projects can range from one to five credit hours per quarter.
Ron Orlando
Analytical/Bioanalytical Chemistry
Room 165 CCRC
542-4429
orlando@mond1.ccrc.uga.edu
The research conducted in my laboratory focuses on trying to solve biomedical questions with a combination of chromatography and mass spectrometry. Some of these projects include identifying the mechanism responsible for cataract formation, developing pathological analyses to identify various disease states, and locating receptors for neurotransmitters. In the process of trying to answer these questions, we also develop new and improved analytical techniques aimed at reducing the amount of time and quantity of material needed to perform these experiments. Undergraduates could expect to perform research into developing these new analytical procedures and may be able to assist in the biomedical problem solving research.
John L. Stickney
Analytical/Materials/Surface Chemistry
Room B5
542-1967
stickney@sunchem.chem.uga.edu
Our group is interested in the formation of materials. Currently, we are involved in studies of the electrodeposition of epitaxial thin-films of compound semiconductors. We are developing a method which we call electrochemical atomic layer epitaxy (ECALE). ECALE involves the alternated electrodeposition of atomic layers of elements to form a compound. Different solutions are used to deposit each element, separately, using underpotential deposition (UPD) of that element. UPD is a phenomenon where an atomic layer of an element deposits on a second element at a potential under that necessary to electrodeposit the bulk element. Surface analysis is performed on substrates and deposits using techniques such as low energy electron diffraction (LEED), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS), and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM).
Inorganic Chemistry Faculty
Donald M. Kurtz
Inorganic Chemistry
Room 1506
542-2016
kurtz@sunchem.chem.uga.edu
Our research deals with properties of iron sites within proteins. One approach we use extensively is site-directed mutagenesis. A typical project for an undergraduate student would be to clone and overexpress a mutated protein, then characterize the mutated protein by any of several spectroscopies such as NMR, EPR, Raman, and UV/vis. Thus, the student would be exposed to techniques involving molecular biology, protein chemistry and inorganic spectroscopy.
Organic Chemistry Faculty
Thomas E. Johnson
Organic/Materials/Supramolecular Chemistry
Room 501
542-1985
tjohnson@sunchem.chem.uga.edu
We are a multidisciplinary research group interested in the synthesis of new molecules and materials with novel applications in the biological and physical sciences. Currently, we are working at the interface of biology and chemistry to develop synthetic materials and receptors possessing diagnostic and/or therapeutic action for human disease processes. Though firmly rooted in organic chemistry, our experimental approach combines strategies used in the fields of analytical, biological computational, polymer, and supramolecular chemistry.
George Majetich and co-workers
Organic Chemistry
Room 348A
542-1966
majetich@sunchem.chem.uga.edu
We make drugs! In particular, chemotherapeutic agents and anti-leukemic agents. Active programs in DNA synthesis and the use of microwave systems for synthetic organic chemistry are also under investigation. I presently have undergraduate co-workers signed up for Summer and Fall Quarter. I generally only take on two such students each quarter. Anyone interested should visit me in room 348A.
S. William Pelletier
Institute for Natural Products Research
Room 262
542-5800
pelletier@sunchem.chem.uga.edu
Dr. Pelletier's groups objective is to carry out a program of fundamental studies in the interdisciplinary areas of analysis, chemistry, and pharmacognosy of naturally-occurring compounds of biological interest from plant and animal organisms. Projects have involved research on plant alkaloids, terpenes, insect pheromones, phytoalexins, antitumor agents, plant pigments, the synthesis of biologically-active natural products, and the application of modern spectroscopic methods to the elucidation of the molecular structure of naturally-occurring compounds.
Their focus has involved the isolation, characterization, and elucidation of structures of new compounds of possible use as drugs for the treatment of human disease, especially those with anti-hypertensive, anticancer and CNS activity. The biologically active compounds isolated may possess significant potential in basic and applied medical research.
Two undergraduates can be accommodated for research work in his laboratories. Students should plan on spending 6 to 10 hours per week in laboratory work. Interested students should setup an appointment with Miss Holland in room 262.
Robert S. Phillips
Bio-Organic Chemistry
Room 313
542-1996
My research interests are in the area of Bio-Organic Chemistry. Thus, the research performed in my laboratories is at the interface between Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry. The main goal of my research is to develop an understanding of the chemical mechanisms by which enzymes catalyse reactions at enormously high rates. This is done by changing substrate structure (by chemical or enzymatic synthesis of substrate analogs) or enzyme structure (by site-directed mutagenesis of the genes), and then examination of the effects on the reaction. These studies are facilitated by x-ray crystallographic analysis of the natural and mutant enzymes. Thus, undergraduate students in my laboratory can perform a wide range of experimental techniques, ranging from organic synthesis, growth of microorganisms and enzyme purification, measurement of rates of enzymatic and/or chemical reactions, and molecular biology. The enzymes being studied in my laboratory now include tryptophan indole-lyase, tyrosine phenol-lyase, kynureninase, and a thermostable secondary alcohol dehydrogenase. Normally, I have room for 3-4 undergraduate students to work in my laboratory each quarter.