Undergraduate Research Opportunities with Dr. Haefner
Several undergraduate research positions are currently available for in the area of synthetic inorganic chemistry. Students will become part of an on-going research project in one of several areas.  Several grant opportunities exist, including the Adrian Tinsely Program (semester and summer grants), Norris/Richards Scholarship through the NEACS.

Research Areas: 

  • Design of novel polymetallic molecular clefts for use as artificial saccharide receptors:   Research will involve the synthesis, characterization and reactivity of a series of bimetallic molecular clefts. Initial work examines the interaction of sugars with monometallic complexes.

  • Development of molecular scale wires:   Research centers around linking metal-metal bonded species to build extended arrays of metal ions exhibiting direct metal-metal interaction.

  • Synthesis of solvated polymetallic complexes possessing metal-metal bonds: Research involves the preparation of a new class of metal-metal bonded compounds supported via highly labile formamide and acetamide based ligands.

  • Supramolecular chemistry of Cucurbitural with transtion metals and carbohydrates: Research involved studying the ways in which the barrel like molecule cucurbitural interacts with transition metal ions and simple saccharides.

Research Techniques:  Students will be exposed to a variety of synthetic techniques that include the manipulation of air-sensitive compounds. Students will also have an opportunity to work with several characterization methods including 1H, 13C NMR, Uv-visible and infrared spectroscopies, and Electrochemical techniques such as cyclic voltammetry Time Commitment:  Undergraduate research assistants are expected to commit to working approximately 4-5 hrs/week. Undergraduate chemistry majors wishing to receive credit will be expected to work a minimum of 5-8 hrs/wk. Research times are flexible and can include evenings and weekends at the students request. These positions are volunteer positions and no stipend will be provide. Funding opportunities during the summer are available. Who may participate?   All undergraduate students with an interest in science, including freshmen, are eligible. No prior research experience is needed. Completion of organic chemistry is recommended but not required. Motivated freshman and sophomores who have not had organic chemistry may also participate. Students should be able to perform simple stoichiometric calculations. Contact:  For additional information contact Dr. Steven Haefner at (508) 531 - 2984 or via e-mail at shaefner@bridgew.edu
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E-mail: shaefner@bridgew.edu
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Created 01/12/05
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