The KU Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry has had an active summer undergraduate research program for more than 46 years. This 10-week program has been a valuable experience for undergraduate students who are considering a research career in chemical, biological or pharmaceutical sciences. Many graduates of the program have gone on to pursue graduate degrees and now have a fulfilling research career. We hope you will bring these programs to the attention of your students who might be interested in a summer of full-time research.
Students should preferably be juniors, although we will consider applications from outstanding sophomores if they have completed organic chemistry prior to the start of the summer research program. Competitive stipends will be offered plus room and board.
Students should apply online > Undergraduate Research Program | Pharmaceutical Chemistry (ku.edu)
This year we are hosting an informational webinar for students interested in the program, zoom information is included in the attached flier. If you need more information, please email Michelle Huslig pharmchem@ku.edu.
We strongly encourage applications from minorities and women.
Due to a gracious donation from our alumni the department anticipates funding to support a minimum of 5 students for the summer of 2024. The 10-week program starts on Monday, May 20 and runs through Friday, July 26.
University of Kansas, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry Summer Undergraduate Research Program
Learn (and earn) about the Chemistry and Biology of Drug Research, May 20 – July 26, 2024.
The Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the University of Kansas offers a ten-week program for undergraduate students to participate in paid laboratory research. Students will engage in a full-time research experience under the supervision of faculty members and in close collaboration with graduate students and postdocs, applying chemical principles to problems involving drugs and related molecules. In Pharmaceutical Chemistry, the emphasis is on promoting the therapeutic effects of the drug or to minimize toxicity by controlling delivery of the drug to specific sites of action. This involves increased attention to physical-organic, physical, biophysical, and analytical chemistry.
The program provides an opportunity for students to evaluate the possibility of entering a graduate program in pharmaceutical sciences. As a direct result of the summer undergraduate research experience, many former participants entered graduate schools and successfully completed doctoral degrees. Participants receive basic instruction in laboratory and research techniques including laboratory safety, effective use of a major university science library, and instruction in the first-hand use of specialized laboratory instrumentation of importance to a given research problem.
Who should apply
Undergraduates who have completed their junior year by the beginning of the summer are encouraged to apply, but highly qualified sophomore students will be considered. Courses in general, organic, and analytical chemistry should be completed before the start of the program. (The University of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Applications are invited from all qualified people regardless of race, religion, color, sex, disability, national origin, ancestry, age or veteran status. Applications from minorities and women are especially encouraged).
Stipend, hours, and academic credit
Participants will receive a competitive stipend plus room and board in one of the university’s dorms. Students will be enrolled in one credit hour of a graduate level course at the University of Kansas for the summer semester and receive academic credit for their research work. Excellent recreation facilities and other University privileges are available to program participants.
Through a gracious donation from our alumni, we are pleased to be able to provide up to 5 fellowships in the Summer of 2024 under the title of: Douglas & A. Yvonne Mendenhall Pharm Chem Undergraduate Research Fellowship.
Informational Webinar
An informational webinar will be held on January 4, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. CT via Zoom.
Discover more information and apply online or contact the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Michelle Huslig, program manager.
Selections will be made on a rolling basis and students notified prior to the completion of evaluation period on February 15.
