Chemistry Research First Program

Applications are now open for Summer 2024.

The Chemistry Department at LVC is happy to offer Research First, a program that provides opportunities for incoming LVC first-year students to work with college faculty/student research teams during the summer before their freshman year of college.

This immersive experience in scientific research provides opportunities to learn many new techniques in Chemistry & Biochemistry. We will select a limited number of incoming students for this program, based on high school records and experience.

Research First students are paid research assistants in one of our Student-Faculty Research Groups. By engaging in summer research, you will complete one of your general education requirements, even before taking your first class at LVC!

As a Research First student, you will become involved in challenging and interesting research areas that include, but are not limited to:

• investigation of new polymers with enhanced strength and resilience
• design and preparation of chemical sensors and biosensors
• testing of materials for environmental impact and remediation
• characterization of reaction mechanisms
• development of new enzyme assays

We will teach you everything you need to know to do meaningful research in the laboratory. You will learn a lot and get to know science students and faculty at LVC, all before you begin college in the fall!

If you match the profile given below, we encourage you to apply for Research First. In our selection process for this program, we will be looking for students who:

• Will graduate in the top 20% of their high school class
• Have strong high school backgrounds in science and mathematics
• Scored 1200 or greater combined on the SAT math and verbal exams (SAT optional)
• Have an innate sense of curiosity and a genuine interest in discovery research

During Research First, you can spend up to four full weeks during June and July working on discovery research in one of our groups, receive room and board while staying at the College, and receive a weekly stipend. Acceptances are made on a rolling basis.

Questions? Contact Dr. Michelle Rasmussen at 717-867-6643 or rasmusse@lvc.edu.