Research

We鈥檙e one of the first colleges in the country to offer undergraduate student/faculty research in chemistry, beginning in 1947.

A strong research program is the foundation of our department and the reason our students are so successful. We offer research through traditional Loading... as well as independent faculty-student research.

Summer Research Opportunities

Be a part of Hope College鈥檚 rich tradition of undergraduate research, working with a faculty mentor to answer questions at the forefront of scientific investigation.

All continuing full-time Hope students are eligible. Additionally, limited positions may be available for non-Hope students. Selection criteria include academic record, interest in chemistry, career plans, independence, and creativity. Summer research students receive a 10-week paid stipend and subsidized on-campus housing.

Current Research Projects

ANALYTICAL RESEARCH

Brown Group

Electrochemical Preparation and Characterization of Chemically Modified Electrodes. Led by Dr. Kenneth L. Brown.

BIOCHEMISTRY RESEARCH

Burnatowska-Hledin Group

Characterization of a Novel Vasopressin Receptor. Led by Dr. Maria Burnatowska-Hledin.

Chase Group

Regulation of Cystine/Glutamate Exchange by System xc-. Led by Leah A. Chase.

Dittenhafer-Reed Group

Understanding Mitochondrial Function in Human Health and Disease. Led by Dr. Kristen Dittenhafer-Reed.

Pikaart Group

Protein-DNA Interactions in the Developing Red Blood Cell and Interference by Toxic Metals. Led by Dr. Michael J. Pikaart.

CHEMISTRY EDUCATION RESEARCH

Stewart Group

The Development of Interdisciplinary, Investigative Case Studies in Science. Led by Dr. Joanne L. Stewart.

Inorganic Chemistry Research

Surface chemistry and tribology with applications in drig-delivery nanomaterials on joint sliding and cartilage repair. Led by Dr. Meagan Elinski.

Goch Group

Development of nanomaterials for water remediation and energy-related applications in a sustainable manner. Led by Dr. Natalia Gonzalez-Pech.

Turlington Group

Discovering new reactions of small molecules coordinated to transition metal complexes. Led by Dr. Christopher R. Turlington.

ORGANIC SYNTHESIS RESEARCH

Gillmore Group

Photochromic Photooxidants: a new application of old photochromes, toward gating photoinduced charge transfer. Led by Dr. Jason G. Gillmore.

Sanford Group

The Preparation and Electropolymerization of Monomers for Sensor Applications. Led by Dr. Elizabeth M. Sanford.

Johnson Group

Organometallic catalysis for the activation and functionalization of C-C single bonds. Led by Dr. Jeffrey B. Johnson.

PHYSICAL CHEMICAL听RESEARCH

Krueger Group

Biophysical Studies Using Laser Spectroscopy and Computational Modeling. Led by Dr. Brent P. Krueger.

Polik Group

Laser Spectroscopy and Computational Chemistry of Highly Energetic Molecules. Led by Dr. William F. Polik.

Research History

Hope鈥檚 first faculty research space was developed by biologist Samuel Mast in Van Raalte Hall in 1903. Our department鈥檚 current approach to research that features student and faculty collaboration was developed by chemist Dr. Gerrit Van Zyl during his tenure (1923鈥�55). He made it a point to involve students in research as a teaching tool and also helped obtain outside funding to support it.

Today, the level of student-faculty collaboration on real, ongoing chemistry research projects sets Hope apart from other undergraduate institutions and distinguishes our graduates from their peers.

CURRENT GRANT FUNDING

In the past 10 years, 70 grants have been awarded to Department of Chemistry faculty, totaling over $12 million.

American Chemical Society Petroleum Research Fund

Gillmore (2019) $70,000
Turlington (2018) $55,000

American Heart Association

Burnatowska-Hledin (2019) $154,000

Department of Education FIPSE Award

Shorb and Krueger (2019) $161,000

National Science Foundation

Krueger (2019) $400,000
Dittenhafer-Reed (2018) $208,000
Johnson (2018) $274,000

Awards and Recognition

Faculty Awards

Our faculty has received many accolades for their work at Hope through teaching and research, including:

COLLEGE AWARDS

Janet L. Andersen Excellence in Teaching Award: Gillmore (2015), Seymour (2013)
Ruth & John Reed Faculty Achievement Award: Chase (2019), Johnson (2016), Stewart (2010)
Towsley Scholarship: Dittenhafer-Reed (2019), Anderson (2013), Johnson (2010)
Provost's Award for Service to the Academic Program: Burnatowska-Hledin (2016)
Academic Computing Innovation Award: Polik (2013)
Hope College Alumni 10 Under 10 Award: Elinski (2020), Klein (2020), Dittenhafer-Reed (2019), Rosnik (2019), Maley (2019)
Vanderbush-Weller Award: Sanford (2019), Gillmore (2015)

COLLEGE LEADERSHIP

Board of Trustees: Krueger (2014), Stewart (2010)
Academic Affairs Board Chair: Polik (2013), Krueger (2011)
Status Committee: Sanford (2019), Gillmore (2014)
Vice Provost for Research and Scholarship: Polik (2016-2019)

NATIONAL AWARDS

Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award: Johnson (2015), Gillmore (2014)
NSF CAREER Award: Johnson (2012), Gillmore (2010)
ACS Stanley C. Israel Regional Award for Advancing Diversity in the Chemical Sciences: Chemistry Department (2013)
ACS Inorganic Division Award: Anderson and Ohnsorg (2016)
Midstates Consortium for Math and Science Janet Andersen Lecture Award: Stewart (2018)

NATIONAL LEADERSHIP

American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellows: Johnson (2017), Polik (2006)
CUR Councilor: Polik (2013)

Student Awards

Our students are often recognized on a college and national level for their work in courses and research, including: