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 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

 

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 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:     

  • 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."

 Alex Quillin - Department of Chemistry, Washington University

     B.S. Chemistry 2020 - Ball State University




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Chemistry
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1 NONE 0
1 AA 0
1 AE 0
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Early Bird Challenge
Rise and shine! The first student, employee, parent, and graduate who give will earn $250 extra for the fund they supported.
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Race to Give Challenge
The first 2 academic departments and the first 2 sports teams to receive a gift will each receive $500 in challenge funds.
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Morning Leaderboard Challenge
The three areas with the most donors by 10 a.m. will receive $3,000, $2,000, and $1,000 in challenge funds.
Rank Prize Units, Funds, & Programs Donors
1 $3,000 Theatre & Dance 27
2 $2,000 Indiana Academy 14
3 $1,000 Special Education 5
4 Proud Ball State Parents & Families 4
5 Educational Leadership 3
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Morning Giveaway Challenge
From 8 - 11 a.m., five donors will be selected at random and $1,000 will be given to the fund their most recent gift went to.
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Ball State Employee Challenge
A random Ball State employee will earn $250 for the fund they supported from 10-11 a.m.
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Brunch Leaderboard
The five areas that raise the most money from 10 a.m. - Noon will each receive $1,000 in challenge funds.
Department (129)
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Young Alumni Giving Challenge
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Young Alumni Giving Challenge
When ten young alumni give by Noon, YAC President Giang Petroviak, will donate $200 to the Young Alumni Council Student Leadership Scholarship fund.
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Selfie Challenge
Post a One Ball State Day selfie with #OneBallState and earn $250 for the fund of your choice! We'll choose one random winner at 1 p.m.!
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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 27
2 $1,000 Indiana Academy 14
3 $1,000 Special Education 5
4 $1,000 Proud Ball State Parents & Families 4
5 $1,000 Educational Leadership 3
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Social Media Video Challenge
Post a One Ball State Day video on social media with #OneBallState. We'll select two random participants, and they'll get to designate $500 to the fund of their choice! Winners will be chosen at 9am and 3pm!
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Monthly Donor Challenge
Help us get to 100 monthly donors by midnight! Two recurring donors will be randomly selected and earn $250 for the fund their gift was to.
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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 31
2 College of Communication, Information, and Media 13
3 Teachers College 10
4 College of Sciences and Humanities 7
5 Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning 4
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Faculty and staff social media challenge!
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Faculty and staff social media challenge!
Share a photo of your OBSD postcard so everyone knows what you’re supporting on OBSD. Be sure to stamp your post with #OneBallState. Two random participants will get to donate $500 in challenge funds toward their favorite area. We'll choose a winner at 7pm!
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Power Hour
The area that receives the largest gift between 6 -7p.m. will be awarded an extra $1,000.
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First Time Donor Challenge
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First Time Donor Challenge
The unit with the most first time alumni donors will receive $1,000.
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Paint the U.S. Cardinal Red
Gifts from all 50 states will unlock $1,918 to support the Ball State Fund.
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College Gift Increase Leaderboard
The three colleges with the biggest percentage of increased gifts from OBSD 2024 will receive $3,000, $2,000 and $1000.
Rank Prize College % +/- Goal
1 $3,000 College of Fine Arts -93.49% 62
goal: 953
2 $2,000 Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning -97.44% 4
goal: 156
3 $1,000 College of Communication, Information, and Media -98.10% 16
goal: 840
4 Teachers College -98.34% 15
goal: 903
5 Honors College -98.67% 2
goal: 150
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OBSD Video Challenge
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OBSD Video Challenge
We’re randomly selecting two One Ball State Day videos posted on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram with #OneBallState. Two lucky winners will each get to donate $500 to the area of their choice! Be sure to tag @BSUFoundation and use #OneBallState. Winners will be chosen at 8 p.m.!
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Evening Donor Leaderboard
The five areas with the most donors between 8-10 p.m. will each receive $1,000 in challenge dollars.
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Name That Goose Challenge
Honk honk! The two most creative goose names will each earn $500 for the fund of their choice! Get creative and post your goose name with #OneBallState and #HonkHonk on social media. Winners will be selected at Noon and 10:30 p.m.!
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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 Department Donors
1 $250 College of Fine Arts 31
2 $150 College of Communication, Information, and Media 13
3 $100 Teachers College 10
4 College of Sciences and Humanities 7
5 Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning 4
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Dean McCarthy CSH Donation Leaderboard Challenge
The five departments in the College of Sciences and Humanities with the greatest percentage increase in donations over 2024 will each receive $200 from Dean Maureen McCarthy.
Rank Prize Department % +/- Goal
1 $200 Psychological Science -94.44% 1
goal: 18
2 $200 Criminal Justice and Criminology -95.65% 1
goal: 23
3 $200 Charles W. Brown Planetarium -96.67% 1
goal: 30
4 $200 Computer Science -97.22% 1
goal: 36
5 $200 Geography and Meteorology -97.30% 1
goal: 37
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LinkedIn Challenge
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LinkedIn Challenge
Share a One Ball State Day post on LinkedIn on April 1st or April 2nd for a chance to designate $500 to your favorite Ball State area! Must use #OneBallState and tag the Ball State Foundation!
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Graduates of the Last Decade Challenge
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Graduates of the Last Decade Challenge
In honor of 10 years of the Young Alumni Council, 250 gifts from graduates of the last decade to any University Fund unlocks a $250 donation from the Young Alumni council to the Student Leadership fund.
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Foundation Employee Giving Challenge
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Foundation Employee Giving Challenge
100% participation of Foundation employees unlocks $500 from Foundation and BSUAA President Jean Crosby towards the Ball State Fund.
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EPM Employee Challenge
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EPM Employee 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.
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International Alum Challenge
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International Alum Challenge
The first international alum to make a gift on One Ball State Day will earn $500 in challenge funds for the fund they supported.
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Closing Time Challenge
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Closing Time Challenge
The last student, employee, parent, and alumni donor will each earn $250 for the program they supported.
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