Research

Faculty Research

In addition to teaching, we work diligently to conduct research in multiple disciplines of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences. Our research efforts have produced various notable grant awards and respected publications to help advance the chemical sciences. Chemistry is known as the "central science," and we have created partnerships with members of other related STEM departments here at Appalachian and other local and national institutions. This includes faculty and students in the field of, Biology, Physics, Environmental Science and more. Explore faculty bios to see the current research projects they are working on.

Get Involved

  • Determine what area in Chemistry or Fermentation Sciences you are interested in.
  • Find faculty members who share this interest.
  • Once you have an idea of a few faculty members that you may be interested in working with, send an email to each faculty member.
    • Be sure to introduce yourself by including your concentration, topics you are interested in, as well as a request to meet with them to discuss their research projects and if they are taking on students in the future.
    • This is also an opportunity to get to know each faculty member and assess who would be the best mentor for you.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Currently, we only serve undergraduate students, giving us the unique chance to provide undergraduates with opportunities to gain hands-on experience researching in our labs.

Many students get involved in research because it is an integral part of undergraduate training that prepares them for graduate school and professional schools, as well as jobs in the chemical industry. Students conducting research strengthen their critical thinking skills and improve their ability to communicate effectively with their peers and mentors while gaining confidence working in a lab setting. Our faculty research mentors strive to challenge and support students during their time conducting research.

Research stipends and opportunities to travel to present research findings at local, regional, and national conferences are also available to selected students conducting research.

Latest News

Dr. Mike Hambourger

Dr. Mike Hambourger and collaborators receive NC Department of Agriculture funding
Mar 12, 2024

Dr.

Chemistry, Department News, Faculty and Staff, Grants and Research
Dr. Robert Swarthout, associate professor in the Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences and Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, is the principal investigator on the project. Department of Physics and Astronomy professors Dr. Chris Thaxton and Dr. James Sherman serve as co-investigators.

Drs. Robert Swarthout, Chris Thaxton and James Sherman Receive $531,902 NSF Grant
Sep 25, 2023

BOONE, N.C.

Awards, Chemistry, Department News, Faculty and Staff, Grants and Research
Dr. Jefferson Bates, associate professor in Appalachian State University's Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences, is the co-recipient of a National Science Foundation (NSF) Research in Undergraduate Institutions (RUI) Award. Photo by Chase Reynolds.

Dr. Jefferson Bates receives NSF RUI award to study new chemical compounds
Aug 11, 2023

BOONE, N.C. — Dr.

Chemistry, Faculty and Staff, Grants and Research