The North Dakota State department of chemistry is, according to their mission statement, dedicated to education, research, scholarship and creative endeavors. One way the department is dedicated to research is through programs specifically for undergraduates.

Many undergraduate researchers have participated in NDSU chemistry professor Seth Rasmussen’s laboratory. “I like to offer research positions in my lab so that students can learn the best way, through hands-on experience rather than through just lecturing,” Rasmussen said.

Normally only graduate-level students have opportunities to work in labs, but exceptions can be made for some undergraduates. The chemistry program at NDSU offers a myriad of opportunities to do just this.

Rasmussen also says that having the experience under your belt helps you to land jobs.

“Job placement in my laboratory has been nearly 100 percent, and I know where almost all of them are right now.”

John Hershberger, a chemistry professor at NDSU, also touts the research program.

“We traditionally have had a strong background in synthesis research, but we recently have expanded into other studies involving more advanced equipment,” Hershberger said.

Synthesis in chemistry is the process of creating new molecules from pre-existing ones. It’s useful in many different industries, including agricultural chemistry and pharmacy production. Some of the more advanced equipment here have more research-oriented uses. There are giant magnets that are called Nuclear Magnetic Resonance machines, or NMR for short. These machines are used to look at how a molecule rotates to tell its structure. This is useful in organic chemistry and biochemistry fields to aid in their research.

Kelly Howard, a student at NDSU, said the reason that she thinks the biochemistry and chemistry department is great is all the help that she receives.

“All the professors here are able to answer my question and give me the help that I need.”

She also said that finding a research opportunity was easy, and students who show respect and determination will have a good chance to find a research position.