Winston-Salem State University students will soon have more opportunities to take part in cutting-edge research in organic synthesis and green chemistry, thanks to a $400,000 grant from the National Science Foundation awarded to Dr. Fenghai Guo, professor of organic chemistry and provost fellow for Research & Sponsored Programs.
The goal of the project is to provide high-quality educational experiences for students from all backgrounds by adding high-impact undergraduate research projects in organic synthesis and green chemistry into the chemistry curriculum, specifically organic chemistry I and II courses.
Green chemistry focuses on designing chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances. It’s often described as “chemistry for sustainability” because it aims to protect human health and the environment while still meeting scientific and industrial needs.
Students will also work with modern research equipment that is used in the industry today and participate in peer mentoring.
“Undergraduate research is considered a high-impact practice (HIP) in higher education, and the quality of the undergraduate education experience is vital to the career development of students,” said Guo, the project’s principal investigator. “By incorporating research endeavors into the curriculum, students will develop essential skills, thereby increasing their competitiveness for opportunities in STEM.”
This three-year project will develop and implement evidence-based innovative models and approaches for improving the preparation and success of undergraduate students enrolled at WSSU so that they can pursue graduate programs and/or careers in STEM.
“This project has the potential to empower students and foster confidence in chemistry by infusing research and green chemistry into our chemistry program,” said Dr. Kenneth Brown, chair of the WSSU Chemistry Department. “It will allow students to gain valuable research experience, essential lab skills, and potentially lead to high-paying jobs in STEM upon graduation from WSSU.”
This award reflects NSF’s statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation’s intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
