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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!
Pop it, Snap it, Share it! Benny Cutout Social Media Challenge
Faculty, staff, and student social media challenge! Share a photo of your Benny Cutout to show a window into your Ball State world. Be sure to stamp your post with #OneBallState. Two random participants will get to donate $500 in challenge funds toward their favorite area.
Completed
Leaderboard
Morning Leaderboard
The three departments/units/teams with the most donors by 10 a.m. receives $3,000, $2,000, and $1,000 in challenge funds.
Rank Prize Department Donors
1 $3,000 Theatre & Dance 125
2 $2,000 Indiana Academy 79
3 $1,000 Communication Studies 66
4 Football 65
5 Student Scholarships 61
Ended
Leaderboard
Academic Department Leaderboard
The three academic departments with the most gifts by midnight receive $5,000, $3,000 and $1,000 in challenge funds.
Rank Prize Academic Department Gifts
1 $5,000 Theatre & Dance 679
2 $3,000 Communication Studies 398
3 $1,000 School of Kinesiology 187
4 School of Music 149
5 Center for Information & Communication Sciences 122
Ended
Leaderboard
College Gift Leaderboard
The three colleges with the biggest percentage of increased gifts from OBSD 2023 will receive $3,000, $2,000 and $1,000.
Rank Prize College % +/- Goal
1 $3,000 Honors College +80.72% 150
goal: 83
2 $2,000 Miller College of Business +69.78% 472
goal: 278
3 $1,000 College of Health +32.86% 469
goal: 353
4 Teachers College +30.59% 397
goal: 304
5 College of Sciences and Humanities -8.30% 619
goal: 675
Ended
Leaderboard
Donor Leaderboard
The five units with the most donors by midnight will each receive $1,000
Rank Prize Unit Donors
1 $1,000 Theatre & Dance 456
2 $1,000 Indiana Academy 325
3 $1,000 Football 273
4 $1,000 Communication Studies 199
5 $1,000 Soccer 163
Ended
Leaderboard
Provost Marri College Leaderboard Challenge
The three colleges with the most donors will unlock an additional $250 for 1st place, $150 for 2nd place and $100 for 3rd place from Provost Anand Marri.
Rank Prize College Donors
1 $250 College of Fine Arts 641
2 $150 College of Communication, Information, and Media 558
3 $100 College of Sciences and Humanities 548
4 Miller College of Business 432
5 College of Health 389
Ended
Success!
Paint the U.S. Cardinal Red
Gifts from all 50 states will unlock $2,500 from the Alumni Council to Ball States greatest needs.
Completed
Success!
One Ball State Day Video Social Media Challenge
Share any of the One Ball State Day videos on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram Stories using #OneBallState for a chance to earn extra challenge dollars. Two participants will get to donate $500 to their favorite area. Tag @BSUFoundation or @BallStateAlumni ❤️
Completed
Success!
EPM Employee Giving Challenge
VP for Enrollment Planning and Management Paula Luff, will match dollars raised from EPM employees, up to $500, to the Jack Beyerl Student Emergency Aid Fund.
Completed
Success!
Foundation Employee Giving Challenge
100% participation of Foundation employees unlocks $500 from Foundation and BSUAA President Jean Crosby.
Completed
Success!
First Student, Employee, Parent, and Alumni Challenge
First Alumni: Bill Jenkins, Theatre & Dance First Employee: Debra Roberts, Teachers College First Parent: Scott Fuller, Gymnastics First Student: Jayden Gillam, Christian Student Foundation
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 Department Raised
1 $1,000 Theatre & Dance $9,882.80
2 $1,000 Football $8,032.54
3 $1,000 Indiana Academy $6,463.36
4 $1,000 Men's Golf $4,685.00
5 $1,000 Men's Tennis $4,360.00
Ended
Leaderboard
Evening Donor Leaderboard
The five areas with the most donors between 8-10 p.m. will each receive $1,000 in challenge dollars.
Rank Prize Unit Raised
1 $1,000 Indiana Academy $8,142.54
2 $1,000 Cardinal Excellence Fund $7,140.00
3 $1,000 Theatre & Dance $6,951.80
4 $1,000 Honors College $6,129.18
5 $1,000 Department of Architecture $6,025.00
Ended
Leaderboard
College Donor Leaderboard
The college that has the most donors by midnight will receive $5,000 in challenge funds.
Rank Prize College Donors
1 $5,000 College of Fine Arts 641
2 College of Communication, Information, and Media 558
3 College of Sciences and Humanities 548
4 Miller College of Business 432
5 College of Health 389
Ended
Success!
Mentor Social Media Challenge
It’s all about who you know, and who you help! Share a story about an impactful Ball State mentor or mentee experience to X (Twitter). One participant will get to donate $500 to their favorite area. Stamp your post with #OneBallState and tag @BSUFoundation or @BallStateAlumni ❤️
Completed
Success!
1,918th Donor
The 1,918th donor will win an additional $500 to designate to the area they gave to.
Completed
Success!
LinkedIn Social Challenge
Share a One Ball State Day post on LinkedIn on April 3rd for a chance to designate $1,000 to your favorite Ball State area! Use #OneBallState and tag the Ball State Foundation!
Completed
Success!
Top 100 Student Challenges
The top two students from the Top 100 Student Awards designate $1,000 to the fund of their choice.
Completed
Leaderboard
CSH Department Leaderboard
Dean McCarthy will donate $500 to the CSH Department with the largest percent increase in the number of donations from last year.
Rank Prize Department % +/- Goal
1 $500 Physics & Astronomy +140.00% 24
goal: 10
2 Charles W. Brown Planetarium +50.00% 30
goal: 20
3 Political Science +36.67% 41
goal: 30
4 Sociology +29.41% 22
goal: 17
5 Chemistry +28.95% 49
goal: 38
Ended
Share on social with #OneBallState
Chemistry
Rank State Gifts
1 IN 40
2 DE 4
3 IL 2
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