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Research

Researchers in the Department of Chemistry are making discoveries at the molecular level that advance the field of chemistry.

Student working in the lab

Robust Research

Research in the Department of Chemistry spans all areas of modern chemistry and overlaps with other disciplines, such as biology, computing, engineering and physics. The research groups in our department strive to provide answers to fundamental questions in chemistry, offer solutions to the biggest problems that face our society and develop innovative technologies.

And our discoveries don’t stay confined to the lab. The department is one of NC State’s top producers of patent and invention disclosures. Our startups, software and other products and projects are aiding in drug development and discovery, solar cell efficiency, molecular diagnostics and many other key areas.

Our research is generously supported by grants from federal funding agencies, including the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation and U.S. Department of Energy, in addition to industrial sponsors and regional, state and local funding agencies. This funding allows us to maintain state-of-the-art instrumentation and facilities and other shared resources that benefit both the department and the university community.

Explore our diverse research areas.

$10 Million+ in FY ’17 Research Expenditures

Our department is a leader at NC State in annual research expenditures, which indicate a vibrant research enterprise.

Hands-On Opportunities

In our department, rich and tailored research training experiences are available to both graduate and undergraduate students.

Our graduate stipend and benefits package is highly competitive, and several fellowships and supplements are available to provide additional support to our graduate students. Students in the Department of Chemistry are eligible and regularly participate in a number of externally funded training programs that provide stipend supplements and professional development opportunities. Many of our graduate students also take part in paid internships at regional and national companies, including BASF, Genentech, GSK and Novozymes.

Undergraduates are also a significant part of research efforts. They work and learn alongside faculty and graduate students in our research labs through internships and Research Experiences for Undergraduates. Many have the chance to travel to conferences and to work on research publications.

My internship helped me understand how industry approaches science. In addition, the mentorship and connections were and still are invaluable.

Christian Kasey, Ph.D., former Novozymes intern

Tackling Disease

Researchers in our department are conducting interdisciplinary research to advance the study, diagnosis and treatment of disease.

Bioinformatics student with augmented reality molecule on tablet

Energizing the Future

Our researchers are investigating new molecules and materials to deepen our understanding of solar energy conversion processes and develop new technologies that can change the ways we live and work.

Students work in the chemistry lab of Felix (Phil) Castellano
Students work in the chemistry lab of Felix (Phil) Castellano on Centennial Campus. Photo by Marc Hall