Research and Opportunities

Hands-on learning is at the core of all our majors.

In any major or minor throughout the chemistry department, you’ll have numerous opportunities to apply what you’re learning and gain experience through research, lab work, internships, and more. It’s all part of how we equip you with skills that transfer to any career.

And you’ll be able to get involved right away. Bethel’s size and vibrant community present opportunities for you to get involved from your first day on campus. 

Research opportunities

Research is at the heart of Bethel's chemistry department. You'll find opportunities to apply knowledge and skills from the classroom to significant questions and problems in the laboratory.  

Projects span analytical/environmental chemistry, medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, computational chemistry, and more. And you’ll be able to present your findings at regional or national conferences and develop key skills like searching scientific literature, formulating questions, analyzing results, and presenting your work.

Conduct research with professors

Students frequently collaborate with faculty on research projects, and all students present their research at a regional or national conference. A Chemistry Seminar sequence of four courses provides the support during the academic year for students to develop the ability to:

• Search, read, and critique scientific literature
• Formulate valid, relevant, and significant questions and experimental methods
• Analyze experimental results
• Utilize diverse instrumentation
• Present research projects graphically, orally, and in written formats

Summer research

Summer is a vital time to acquire skills, develop work habits, improve professional and academic connections, and strengthen your resume. At Bethel, chemistry and biochemistry majors regularly participate in focused research during the summer—particularly after sophomore or junior years. Learn more about Bethel’s support for research on the Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship website.

• Conduct research on campus. You can participate in the Chemistry Department Summer Research Fellowship program, where you can work closely with professors on intensive projects. Your paid research would be funded by endowments, gifts, grants, and internal support, these summer research opportunities are a valuable part of your academic journey.
• Experience other institutions. Or you can also take advantage of REU programs across the country, experience large-university research environments, or secure internships through our professional networks.

For more information on research and TA opportunities, contact the department chair or a faculty member. 

Specialized labs

You'll learn in state-of-the-art facilities at the Nelson-Larson Science Center and Barnes Academic Center, using advanced instrumentation—such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer—in our chemistry labs. Our specialized labs include a human cadaver lab, neurosciences labs, a cellular/molecular biology lab, and more.

Teaching assistant (TA) positions

Gain practical experience through paid TA positions, where you'll help prepare labs, supervise experiments, and assist in grading and tutoring. Each year, 20-30 students work as TAs, dedicating between one to fifteen hours per week. For more information on research and TA opportunities, contact the department chair or a faculty member. 

Clubs and organizations

Engage with classmates and build connections through clubs like the Pre-Med Club, Creation Restoration Club, and Tri-Beta National Chemistry Honor Society. These organizations also host networking events with alumni and potential employers, enhancing your professional growth.

Opportunities to travel

Take your learning around the world. You’ll have many options for studying abroad or go on a mission trip over a full semester, January session, spring break, or the summer.