One Ball State Day 2024
Chemistry
Thank you for visiting our page and your commitment to our department and all of our students!

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 2006 - Ball State University


 

Chemistry Research – #1516

The Chemistry Research Immersion Summer Program (CRISP) is a great success story. We have been able to offer this unique summer research opportunity for undergraduate students going on almost 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. 
  • A typical student stipend is about $3,200  

"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

 

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
  • Dr.'s Nancy & Mohammad Behforouz Chemistry Scholarship - #1558
  • Newell C. Cook Sr. & Jr. Scholarship – #5354
"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 relatively new 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 attend.    

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 because of application costs.  With assistance from this fund, our most capable students can have more choices available to them.  

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:     

  • Global Women’s Breakfast   
  • Science Social - open house 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."

     Alex Quillin - Department of Chemistry, Washington University

     B.S. Chemistry 2020 - Ball State University

Success!
First 5 Challenge!
Theatre & Dance, CICS, Special Education, Comm Studies, and School of Music are the winners of an additional $500 in challenge funds!
Completed
Leaderboard
Brunch Leaderboard
The five areas that raise the most money from 10 a.m. - Noon each receive $1,000 in challenge funds
Rank Prize Area Raised
1 $1,000 Men's Tennis $11,320.00
2 $1,000 Theatre & Dance $6,379.00
3 $1,000 Indiana Academy $5,260.00
4 $1,000 Gymnastics $4,645.00
5 $1,000 Men's Golf $3,605.00
Ended
Leaderboard
College Donor Leaderboard
The college that has the most donors will receive $5,000 in challenge funds.
Rank Prize College Donors
1 $5,000 College of Fine Arts 666
2 College of Communication, Information, and Media 618
3 College of Sciences and Humanities 617
4 College of Health 329
5 Teachers College 272
Ended
Leaderboard
Academic Area Gift Leaderboard
The three academic departments with the most gifts by midnight receive $5,000, $3,000 and $1,000 in challenge funds.
Rank Prize Department Gifts
1 $5,000 Theatre & Dance 863
2 $3,000 Communication Studies 465
3 $1,000 Indiana Academy 258
4 School of Kinesiology 131
5 Burris Laboratory School 122
Ended
Success!
Paint the U.S. Cardinal Red
Paint the U.S. Cardinal Red. Gifts from all 50 states will unlock $5,000 from the Alumni Council to Ball State's greatest needs.
Completed
Success!
Young Alumni Challenge
Gifts from 50 young alumni (graduated 2013-2023) between noon and 4 p.m. unlocks $500 to Student Scholarships!
Completed
Success!
Morning Donor Challenge
Brittanie Davis won $1,000 for Spectrum in challenge funds Paaige Turner won $1,000 for Comm Studies in challenge funds Mary Spillman won $1,000 for the Journalism Department Marilyn Chalupa won $1,000 for the Career Center Riley Harman won $1,000 for the Counseling Psych, Social Psych, and Counseling Dept.
Completed
Success!
I Spy Charlie
I Spy Charlie campus treasure hunt: Find a Charlie Cardinal plush hidden around campus for a chance to designate $250 to the fund of your choice! Follow @BSUFoundation on Instagram for details.
Completed
Success!
Dean McCarthy Cutout Challenge
The first five CSH departments/areas that dress up Dean McCarthy’s cardboard cutout in a discipline-specific outfit and post to social media using #OneBallState will unlock $100 each from Dean McCarthy.
Completed
Success!
Dash & Splash Fan Favorite
Dash & Splash event: Fan favorite receives $250 to designate to the fund they represent.
Completed
Success!
LinkedIn $1,000 Challenge
Share a One Ball State Day post on LinkedIn on April 5th for a chance to designate $1,000 to your favorite Ball State area! Use #OneBallState and tag the Ball State Foundation!
Completed
Leaderboard
Morning Leaderboard
The three departments/units/teams with the most donors by 10 a.m. receives $2,500, $1,500, and $1,000 in challenge funds.
Rank Prize Area Donors
1 $2,500 Theatre & Dance 138
2 $1,500 Indiana Academy 60
3 $1,000 Communication Studies 51
4 Soccer 33
5 School of Kinesiology 30
Ended
Leaderboard
College Leaderboard
The three colleges with the biggest percentage of increased gifts from OBSD 2022 will receive $3,000, $2,000 and $1000.
Rank Prize Department % +/- Gifts
1 $3,000 College of Architecture & Planning +13.88% 238
goal: 209
2 $2,000 College of Health +5.37% 353
goal: 335
3 $1,000 College of Sciences and Humanities -2.74% 675
goal: 694
4 College of Communication, Information, and Media -4.64% 945
goal: 991
5 College of Fine Arts -22.58% 1,046
goal: 1,351
Ended
Leaderboard
Donor Leaderboard
The five units with the most donors by midnight will each receive $1,000
Rank Prize Area Donors
1 $1,000 Athletics 1,006
2 $1,000 College of Fine Arts 666
3 $1,000 College of Communication, Information, and Media 618
4 $1,000 College of Sciences and Humanities 617
5 $1,000 Theatre & Dance 512
Ended
Success!
OBSD Video Challenge
Share any of the official One Ball State Day videos on Facebook and use #OneBallState. Two participants will get to donate $500 in challenge funds toward their favorite area.
Completed
Leaderboard
Evening Leaderboard Challenge
The five areas with the most donors between 8-10 p.m. will each receive $1,000 in challenge dollars.
Rank Prize Area Donors
1 $1,000 Theatre & Dance 74
2 $1,000 Indiana Academy 53
3 $1,000 Communication Studies 38
4 $1,000 Men's Golf 28
5 $1,000 Field Hockey 26
Ended
Success!
International Alumni Challenge
Daniel Vidal from Puerto Rico was the first international alum to Men's Tennis!
Completed
Leaderboard
Last Hour Leaderboard
The area that rasises the most money from 11 -11:59 p.m. will receive $1,000 in challenge funds.
Rank Prize Area Raised
1 $1,000 Theatre & Dance $4,550.00
2 Field Hockey $1,424.98
3 Indiana Academy $870.00
4 Black Alumni Council $835.00
5 Sociology $725.00
Ended
Success!
Foundation Employee Challenge
If the Foundation reaches 100% employee participation, Jean Crosby and Ray Allen will give $500 each.
Completed
Success!
Dash & Splash Winners
Dash & Splash: Top two racers receive $1,000 each to designate to the fund they represent.
Completed
Leaderboard
CSH Leaderboard
The CSH department/area with the largest percent increase in the number of gifts from last year's OBSD will receive $500 from Dean McCarthy.
Rank Prize Department % +/- Goal
1 $500 Physics & Astronomy +150.00% 10
goal: 4
2 Computer Science +80.00% 45
goal: 25
3 Biology +78.26% 41
goal: 23
4 Criminal Justice and Criminology +77.78% 32
goal: 18
5 Philosophy and Religious Studies +27.91% 55
goal: 43
Ended
2
Match
College of Sciences & Humanities Match
Kassie Cosgrove will match gifts to CSH up to $250!
$250 MATCHED
Completed
Chemistry
Rank State Gifts
1 IN 33
2 IL 2
3 WV 1
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Or you can contact us at oneballstateday@bsu.edu.