Resources

Getting involved in research can open up many new opportunities and enhance skills. UCI is one of the best institutions in the country for chemistry research, and many labs are open to taking undergraduates. 

This program run by the National Science Foundation allows students to experience research at a different university, primarily for summer research. Make sure to check when the applications for the interesting programs open; spots are likely open on a rolling basis.

Side note: Summer undergraduate research programs (SURP) are similar but not necessarily funded by NSF.

Research can also require quite a bit of funding. UROP at UCI awards students with funding based on their specific research proposals.

This is a good list potential industry jobs following an undergraduate degree in chemistry. You can also use this list to methodically search for internships. Searching for internships will be useful for most people; whether you go directly into industry or pursue graduate school.

The SOP office provides a wide range of scholarships which should not be overlooked. There's something for everyone!

We will list a few scholarships from SOP that are related to the objectives of chemistry students here. E.g. Goldwater and NSF GRFP

Funds 3 years of graduate study ($34,000/yr) toward research-based M.S. or Ph. D. (NOT M.D.) in science, engineering, or social science in the U.S.

For students who have research experience, especially publication(s) or presentation(s).

The UC LEADS Program identifies, encourages, and trains undergraduates who have potential for leadership as graduate students and as future leaders committed to addressing the educational and economic factors leading to underrepresentation of domestic minorities in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

The program is a fully funded two-year program, with two summers of research at UCI and one other UC.

The Goldwater Scholarship provides up to $7,500 each year to allow those who are awarded to focus on excelling in their research. 

The Ambassador program focuses on mentorship for the scholarship application and research in general.

The MSP’s mission is to increase the participation of individuals from underrepresented groups in biomedical research careers.

MSP programs are supported by the NIH. Programs offer paid year-round and summer research training and internships, critical mentorship by UCI faculty, guidance through the process of applying to PhD programs, and many more benefits.

Each year, 1-3 outstanding students will be selected as the Beckman Scholars based on their academic record, quality of previous research experience, and potential to become prominent research leaders in the chemical and life sciences.

Scholars will be supported by a $6,800 stipend in summer 1, $4,800 stipend during the academic year, and $6,800 stipend in summer 2. In addition they will get $2,800 towards research-related travel and supplies.

The Amgen Scholars Program provides hundreds of selected undergraduate students with the opportunity to engage in a hands-on research experience at many of the world’s leading educational institutions. It is intended for students with an interest in pursuing a Ph.D. or M.D.-Ph.D.

Participating U.S. institutions include Caltech, Duke, Harvard, JHU, Stanford, UCLA, UCSF, etc.