Chemistry students Sarah Sher and Blithe Casterline have received national recognition for their research on the carcinogenic compounds that exist within popular brands of bottled water.
In promoting their work, the two traveled from coast to coast, presenting their findings at national conferences.
Sher and Casterline note, ""Many institutions cannot provide this type of exposure for their undergraduate students, but Southwestern was able to take us to places that students of our level rarely go."
 

Since 1985, the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry has received a research grant from the Robert A. Welch Foundation that helps provide equipment and stipends for students conducting research during the summer. Each Welch scholar works closely with the faculty mentor for an eight week period over the summer. These projects provide research opportunities in the areas of medicinal, organic, analytical, environmental, inorganic and biochemistry. Students often continue working on these projects the following year and use this research experience as the basis for their Chemistry and Biochemistry capstone. In addition, Welch scholars have the opportunity to present their results the following year at national meetings.  more...

Merck Program

In 2004, the Chemistry and Biology departments were awarded a Merck/AAAS research grant for $60,000.  Only 14 other colleges and universities in the nation were awarded this prestigious grant.  more...

Instruments

The laboratories in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry are equipped with high-caliber research instruments which are used by both faculty and students. more...