The Department of Chemistry’s commitment continues to focus on student-centered learning activities and your financial support is appreciated more than ever. Your gift today to one of the key funds listed below goes directly toward ensuring that students get the best chemistry experience possible at Ball State.
"There were several ways in which the Department of Chemistry and Ball State University helped shape me as a scientist. For one, the exciting atmosphere of discovery drifted through the halls of the Cooper Science Complex while I was there from 2010-2013. Second, and likely most important, the patience and dedication of instructors was integral in getting students jazzed about creatively pursuing new knowledge. Finally, generous support from the CRISP summer research program and the Sousa Memorial scholarship allowed me to thrive in the research laboratory, cementing my passion for science." Dr. Jeffrey Dick - Department of Chemistry, Purdue University B.S. Chemistry 2013 - Ball State University |
Chemistry Research – #1516
Through the Chemistry Research Fund, we've been able to support the Chemistry Research Immersion Summer Program (CRISP), providing undergraduate students with a unique summer research opportunity for nearly 50 years!
- Students work side-by-side with a faculty mentor on an original research project.
- Students gain high-end technical lab skills & critical experience in instrument operation, not typically available in standard lab courses.
- Students learn how to present their discoveries to their peers & the larger scientific community.
"For a young chemist, the opportunity to get involved with research is one of the most important and rewarding experiences a university can offer. The Chemistry Summer Undergraduate Research Program had a huge impact on my career by providing a stipend that allowed me to remain on campus for the summer and gain my first research experience. As I continued my studies, research continued to be a major facet of my undergraduate life, and the department provided further support through the Mikal Sousa Memorial Scholarship. The education and research experience I gained in the chemistry department at Ball State University was foundational in preparing me for a career as a chemistry professor." Dr. Kyle Crabtree - Department of Chemistry, UC Davis B.S. Chemistry 2006 - Ball State University |
Chemistry Student Support Fund – #1505
Education helps our students to be the best they can be. However, many students find it difficult to apply to several universities for graduate school due to rising application costs. This fund was established specifically to help ease the burden of that expense and give students more options. With assistance from this fund, our most capable students can have more opportunities available to them. Won't you contribute and assist our good students to be the best they can be?
Scholarships and Awards
We are fortunate to be able to offer scholarships to several excellent students each year. We’d like to grow these funds in order to sustain their giving ability and, in some cases, raise the amounts given to the awardees.
- Cardinal Chemist Scholarship – #1550
- David C. McIntyre Memorial Scholarship – #1551
- Mikal L. Sousa Memorial Scholarship – #1553
- Park Wiseman Scholarship – #1554
- Sandra K. & Robert J. Morris Chemistry Scholarship – #1555
- D. J. Angus Scientech Chemistry Award – #1557
- Newell C. Cook Sr. & Jr. Scholarship – #5354
- Dr.'s Nancy & Mohammad Behforouz Chemistry Scholarship - #1558
"Joining The Chemistry Summer Undergraduate Research Program was one of the best academic decisions I made. This program helped me realize my potential as a chemistry student and find a home within the chemistry department. It was very rewarding to work with students who were more advanced than me and have guidance from my professors. By providing a stipend, I was able to take a break from my current job to explore my research experience. As I continued my studies, the mentorship, knowledge, and learning skills were all fundamental in preparing me to pursue a PhD in Chemistry. I was very honored to receive the Park Wiseman Scholarship because Dr. Wiseman taught my grandpa, who also happened to major in chemistry. The generous support from CRISP and the Park Wiseman Scholarship allows me to continue my studies and passion in hopes of teaching and inspiring future undergraduate chemistry students." Veeda Scammahorn - Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan B.S. Chemistry 2021 - Ball State University |
Robert J. Morris Chemistry Symposium – #1503
This is a fund that was set up in honor of the late Bob Morris, former Department Chair, Dean, Associate Provost and Acting Provost, and to celebrate his life at Ball State University. This is an annual event each spring where a prominent researcher in chemistry is invited to campus to give a seminar. Outstanding BSU chemistry student researchers also give a presentation. Faculty, students, alumni, the Morris family, friends and colleagues across the university, and also the community beyond, will attend.
*In 2026, the keynote speaker for this event will be Dr. Kathryn McCulloch, Associate Professor of Chemistry at California State Polytechnic University in Pomona. 
Chemistry – #1501
There are many more activities, events, etc. the department supports in order to improve the learning experience for our students and encourage both personal and professional growth, such as:
- Open houses for students
- Regular seminar speakers for career-networking
- Honor graduating chemists at our annual senior banquet
- Scientific Instrumentation
- Student and faculty travel to conferences
- AND MORE!!
"My undergraduate research experience in chemistry was a foundational period in my career. I was able to gain hands-on experience designing and executing experiments and interact with other aspiring chemists through the CRISP summer research program. These experiences led directly to an internship opportunity at Eli Lilly, graduate school, and an eventual career as a process chemist. My undergraduate research at Ball State would not have been possible without generous support from donors. Summer research stipends and scholarships made it possible for me to forgo taking a summer job and focus on developing my research skills. The costs of lab supplies and travel to conferences were out of my reach, but were covered by departmental funds. It’s hard to overstate how beneficial undergraduate research at Ball State was to me. Research stipends, scholarships, and departmental funding made that possible." Dr. Lucas Moore - Ampac Fine Chemicals B.S. Chemistry 2013 - Ball State University |
We invite you to contribute, perhaps in honor of one of the teachers, staff or colleagues who have made a difference on your own journey. Help the Department of Chemistry to carry on its age-old tradition of providing for our students intellectually, professionally, and when possible, financially.
"My enriching research experience began with the opportunity to be a part of the CRISP at Ball State. I had the opportunity to work in Professor Philip A. Albiniak’s research lab for over 3 years. This experience ignited my interest in organic chemistry and this was one of the most rewarding experiences I have had. I was honored with the Mikal Lynn Sousa scholarship, which allowed me to invest even more time to perform research in the lab and focus on my education. Working with all the chemistry faculty inspired me to pursue a Ph.D. in organic chemistry. Overall, I received both excellent training and education from Ball State and could not have asked for a better and more hands-on education than what I received." Dr. Anna Salvati - Adesis, Inc. B.S. Chemistry 2014 - Ball State University |
"Being a commuter and a first-generation college student, I had difficulty finding my place at Ball State University. It was not until I began conducting research that I found a family in the chemistry department. The resources provided by research occurring during the semester and in CRISP, go far beyond simply knowledge, but extend to mentorship, opportunity and financial aid. Research has allowed me to receive guidance from my PI, develop critical thinking and master lab techniques. These experiences ultimately led me to receive a competitive national scholarship, publish my first paper, and complete an industrial internship. These accomplishments along with the financial support from the Mikal Sousa Memorial Scholarship has allowed me the opportunity to pursue a PhD in chemical biology. The philanthropic nature of my professors, department and donors is the reason I found a nest at Ball State University." Dr. Alex Quillin - MillporeSigma B.S. Chemistry 2020 - Ball State University |
| Rank | State | Gifts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | IN | 36 |
| 2 | GA | 1 |
| 2 | NC | 1 |
