College of Science and Mathematics
Research
Research opportunities are available for both undergraduate and graduate students at the College of Science and Mathematics. These research experiences help students understand a particular topic or phenomenon in a field while simultaneously strengthening their comprehension of research and research methods. Students will engage in inquiry-based learning that involves practicing a discipline, not just being told about it. Students learn and apply the tools by which knowledge is created in their disciplines. They discover firsthand how the steps of the research process are related to one another, experience the triumphs and pitfalls inherent to the creative process, see that research is an iterative process and that ambiguity is part of the real world, develop an understanding and appreciation of how knowledge evolves, and produce an original contribution to that body of knowledge.
Students who are interested in pursuing research should reach out to faculty. It is important to find a faculty mentor whose research aligns with their interests. To learn more visit our virtual 360 tour or watch our featured research playlist.
360 Virtual Tour Research Video Playlist
Research by Discipline
These fields of science strive to understand basic mechanistic processes at scales from within ecosystems to the entire globe and provide a framework for investigating aspects of human-accelerated environmental change, including climate change, acid deposition, eutrophication, land-use change, the impacts of invasive species, and loss of native biodiversity.
Faculty
This research comprises faculty and students interested in understanding the processes and mechanisms of developmental change, from infancy through adolescence. We seek to understand change over both short and long timescales, and how interactions at all levels of the developing system produce change.We represent a broad range of theoretical viewpoints, including embodiment, connectionism, ecological psychology, and developmental systems theory.
Faculty
This discipline aims to educate and train students to make paradigm-shifting discoveries in a diverse range of disciplines, including molecular biology, cell biology, genomics and quantitative biology, stem cells and developmental biology, cancer biology and human disease modeling. Our research emphasizes interdisciplinary training and collaborative research using cutting-edge technologies.
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Biological and biophysical chemistry use chemical and physical techniques to investigate biological systems and their structure, properties, and behavior. These investigations are important in understanding the cause of disease and developing treatments and cures for these diseases.
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Analytical and physical chemistry provide measurement techniques that can be used to address challenges facing our communities ranging from crime to climate change and environmental health. Research programs in this area build on the departments strong traditions of laboratory training and take our technical expertise to engage with our local community.
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Nanochemistry is a new field of chemistry dealing with the syntheses, characterizations, and applications of nanoscale (from ~1 to ~100 nm) materials. In this size regime, many materials show unique physical and/or chemical properties that neither their bulk counterparts nor atoms/molecules have. Our discipline provides various research activities in, but not limited to, creating new chemical nanostructures, uncovering and understanding their novel properties, and learning how to organize these new nanostructures into larger and more complex functional structures and devices.
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The main goal in this area of research is to discover efficient, practical, and environmentally friendly synthetic routes for the preparation of organic compounds that are beneficial to the society (e.g. pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, etc.). This broad area of research may involve one or more of the following topics: organic or organometallic synthesis design, reaction techniques, process chemistry, multiphase catalysis, green solvents, catalyst immobilization and/or recycling, and chromatographic separations. In addition, a variety of instrumental analytical techniques (NMR, IR, UV-Vis spectroscopy; mass spectrometry; X-ray crystallography) are used for structural identification of newly discovered compounds. A current topic is "green chemistry" and both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, as well as enzymatic reactions, feature prominently.
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Chemical Education Research (CER) uses quantitative, qualitative, and mixed method techniques to investigate effective approaches to cognition, instruction, and assessment. Such investigations are important in aspiring future chemists, retaining people within the field of Chemistry, and broadening the wider public's understanding of Chemistry as a discipline and its applications to their everyday life.
With constantly improving curriculum and burgeoning technology affordances, there are many exciting opportunities for research in chemical education.
Faculty
The end target with this research is to further refine the data to a point where the information that results can be applied to business decisions. It is this process of informing downstream processes with more refined and higher value data that is a fundamental to companies becoming truly harnessing the value of their data and achieving the results that they desire
Faculty
- Auernheimer, Brent
- Shih-Hsi, Liu (Alex)
Faculty
An applied branch of physics concerned with the application of the concepts and methods of physics to the diagnosis, management, and treatment of human disease. It is allied with medical electronics, bioengineering, and health physics.
Faculty
- Huda, Amir
- Gherase, Mihai
The goal of high energy physics is to understand the most fundamental constituents of matter and their interactions, and the origin, nature, and fate of the universe. Using powerful accelerators and particle detectors, we can study what comes from the small Big-Bangs to answer the deepest questions about the nature of space and time, the origin, nature, and fate of the universe.
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Astronomy is the science of everything beyond Earth’s atmosphere. Astronomy is the oldest of the sciences. It is here that humankind’s interest in science began. "To boldly go where no one has gone before" isn't a cliché here: it's what we do.
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Condensed Matter Physics is the study of the properties and mechanisms in crystalline and amorphous solids and liquids. Matter Physics is the largest field in Physics and highly interdisciplinary with Chemistry, Engineering, and the life sciences. Most of the development in modern technology is related to Condensed Matter Physics.
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Physics Education seeks to examine the historical, current, and possible future methods of teaching physics. It is an area of research that utilizes models and techniques to characterize and assess learning difficulties and develops measures to quantify learning gains.
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Theoretical Physics seeks to take the enormous complexity of the universe that we see around us – the afterglow of the Big Bang, stars fusing hydrogen to helium, the motion planets around the Sun, the phenomenon of lighting, the binding of quarks into protons and neutrons – and tries to give a single underlying physical principle to explain all of these phenomenon. This effort has led to the Standard Model of particle physics (which explains the small scale phenomenon in the Universe) and General Relativity (which explains the large scale phenomenon in the Universe). Current efforts seek to combine these two pillars of theoretical physics into a single theory.
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Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) research centers on the understanding and modification of behavior through systematic assessment and intervention strategies. ABA uses principles of learning and motivation that have come from decades of scientific research to solve problems of behavior that matter to society.
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Our faculty and students delve into the intricate relationship between biology and behavior. We explore topics such as neural mechanisms, hormonal influences, and genetic factors that underlie cognition, emotion, and behavior. Employing cutting-edge neuroscience techniques and interdisciplinary approaches, we aim to unravel the biological basis of human and animal behavior, shedding light on how our biology shapes our mental and emotional experiences.
Faculty
Research in clinical psychology is dedicated to understanding and addressing the complexities of mental health and emotional well-being. We investigate a wide range of topics, from the diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders to the promotion of mental wellness. Employing evidence-based practices and diverse therapeutic approaches, we strive to improve the lives of individuals and communities through research, assessment, and intervention.
Faculty
Cognitive Psychology research attempts to unravel the intricacies of mental processes such as attention, memory, language, decision-making, perception, and problem-solving. Using a diverse range of research methods to explore the workings of the human mind, and drawing from various theoretical viewpoints, including cognitive neuroscience, information processing, and computational modeling, this field investigates the underlying mechanisms of cognition and contributes to our evolving understanding of how the mind operates.
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Research in developmental psychology examines the complex processes of human growth and change across the lifespan. We explore the intricate interplay between nature and nurture, examining how genetics, environmental influences, and personal experiences shape cognitive, emotional, and social development. Employing diverse research methodologies, including longitudinal studies, cross-cultural analyses, and intervention research, we seek to answer fundamental questions about how individuals evolve from infancy through adulthood, contributing to our understanding of human development and informing policies and practices that enhance well-being across the lifespan.
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Quantitative psychology is the science of developing and applying statistical and mathematical models to understand behavior and psychological processes. Our researchers utilize advanced statistical methods and computational techniques to explore various aspects of human behavior, from data analysis to measurement and experimental design. Quantitative psychologists create innovative methodologies that underpin research in psychology and other disciplines, making significant contributions to the advancement of scientific inquiry.
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School psychology research focuses on enhancing educational outcomes and promoting the well-being of students in educational settings. Research in this field investigates a wide range of topics, from learning disabilities and academic achievement to social-emotional development and school-based interventions. School Psychologists work collaboratively with educators, parents, and students to support academic success and foster positive learning environments, making a meaningful impact on the educational experience of children and adolescents.
Faculty
This field explores the intricate interplay between individual traits, social dynamics, and behavior. We examine topics such as social influence, personality development, group dynamics, and interpersonal relationships. Employing diverse theoretical frameworks, including social cognition, trait theory, terror management theory, and cultural psychology, we aim to uncover the fundamental factors that shape human interactions and individual differences, contributing to a deeper understanding of the human experience.
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Research in applied mathematics integrates both analytical and computational approaches to solving various problems with real-world applications. Current research interests in the department include: developing machine learning approaches to detect genomic anomalies and predict future disease cases; developing models for environmental and epidemiological problems; numerical methods for solving ordinary and partial differential equations, inverse problems, optimal control problems with science and engineering applications, and problems in linear algebra.
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Mathematics Education research involves theoretical and empirical studies that examine the development of students’ and teachers’ knowledge and practices in mathematics. Through both quantitative and qualitative methods of research, we aim to answer questions on how people think and learn about mathematics, and how research informs the teaching of mathematics for grades K-16.
Faculty
Research in pure mathematics invites students to create new mathematics. It is a highly innovative endeavor with the sole purpose of furthering the understanding of the mathematical universe, its objects and their properties. Abstraction is an essential part of research in pure mathematics, as it often leads us to the discovery of more profound and universal results, which we call Theorems. Theorems serve as puzzle pieces in our effort to fully understand a particular object or area of study. Once we have enough of them, the picture of the whole emerges, and we are able to characterize previously undiscovered mathematical objects and their properties. Engaging in pure mathematics research requires dedication, perseverance, creativity and the willingness to explore the unknown but it is also a very unique and rewarding experience. Some would say it involves lots of fun and enjoyment; some of us think about it as a child’s play - a play with mathematical ideas. We invite all interested students to come and join us in this beautiful area of research.
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Statistics is the art and science of uncovering hidden truths within data, transforming numbers into insights that drive decision-making, innovation, and progress across diverse fields. It involves the development of methodologies, models, and techniques for data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Statisticians explore patterns, relationships, and uncertainties in data, helping to answer complex questions and solve real-world problems. From understanding the behavior of subatomic particles in physics to predicting market trends in economics, and from unraveling the mysteries of genetics to improving healthcare outcomes, research in statistics is the backbone of evidence-based knowledge, offering a profound impact on virtually every aspect of our lives. It empowers us to make informed choices, fosters innovation, and ultimately advances our understanding of the complexities of our data-driven world.
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