Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Chemistry and Biochemistry Research

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is best known for its wealth of research collaborations among students and faculty and other departments in the College of Engineering and Natural Sciences. These research ventures involve traditional areas such as analytical, physical, organic and inorganic chemistry as well as biochemistry with direct applications to the defense of the nation, our environment, energy, pharmaceuticals and the petroleum engineering industry. Undergraduates are encouraged to apply to the Chemistry Summer Undergraduate Research Program (CSURP) where professors serve as close mentors on student research projects. Faculty specialize in the following areas:

Analysis of Creatine Ethyl Ester
Catalysis
Chemical Biology
DNA Damage from Chemical Carcinogens
Drug Characterization
Drug Discovery
Environmental Chemistry
Functional Materials
Hair Cortisol as a Biomarker for Stress
Nanobatteries
NanoJapan
Organic Synthesis
Protein Function in Cancer Biology
Quantum Dots for Early Disease Detection
Study of Individual Differences

Chemistry Summer Undergraduate Research Program

Research plays a critical role in the development of a chemist, and TU strives to provide as many hands on laboratory projects as possible. Our college’s education model defines research as an inseparable component of TU’s undergraduate experience. Through a rich pool of resources and the diversity or our college’s research initiatives and faculty, the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry takes every opportunity to strengthen its program.

The department’s 10-week summer research experience, Chemistry Summer Undergraduate Research Program (CSURP), aligns with TU’s signature initiative, the Tulsa Undergraduate Research Challenge (TURC). Students engage in state-of-the-art research under the direct supervision of a faculty mentor while developing professional development skills and serving the Tulsa community.

TU’s small, comprehensive academic environment contributes to the success of CSURP. Research faculty members are inspired with new waves of creativity while working with bright, imaginative and eager students. Students receive individualized attention from their faculty mentors and are exposed to innovative research ideas in the inorganic, organic, physical, analytical/environmental and biochemical fields of chemistry. CSURP supports TU’s meaningful curriculum and provides students with a strong selection of promising career opportunities.

CSURP is available to all TU students. For more information about this program, please contact:
Gordon Purser
CSURP Director and Professor of Chemistry
918-631-3331
gordon-purser@utulsa.edu