Developing an Undergraduate Research Laboratory for Experimental Physical Chemistry [Book Chapter]
Embarking on a faculty career in physical chemistry at a primarily undergraduate institution (PUI) is exciting, but also overwhelming. Becoming both an effective teacher and a productive researcher requires a good plan, hard work and support from others who understand what it takes to be successful. The phrase, “building a laboratory,” calls to mind the physical construction of a research instrument, but beginning a career at a PUI involves much more than assembling equipment. Funding for the lab must be secured, students must be recruited and mentored, and the lab must be overseen to keep things running on a daily basis. While many of these tasks would also be part of starting a career at a doctoral level institution, there are many special considerations that must be taken into account when working with undergraduate students because their laboratory experience and chemical knowledge are still within those beautiful but nascent stages. Here, this unique aspect makes building a research program challenging, but also very rewarding. Exposing young minds to the wonders of physical chemistry and building personal relationships through the mentoring process can be immensely gratifying. This chapter is a compilation of holistic advice for building an experimental physical chemistry research laboratory for undergraduates, reflecting a typical experience found in the United States.
- Research Organization:
- Marshall Univ., Huntington, WV (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES). Chemical Sciences, Geosciences & Biosciences Division (CSGB)
- DOE Contract Number:
- SC0019732
- OSTI ID:
- 1972418
- Journal Information:
- Physical Chemistry Research at Undergraduate Institutions: Innovative and Impactful Approaches, Volume 2, Journal Name: Physical Chemistry Research at Undergraduate Institutions: Innovative and Impactful Approaches, Volume 2
- Publisher:
- American Chemical Society (ACS)
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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