Green Chemistry at NDSU

About the Program

The Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Coatings and Polymeric Materials at North Dakota State University will host 10 undergraduate students in an interdisciplinary summer research program focused on Green Chemistry.

Each REU student will work with an individual Research Mentor over the course of 10 weeks, maximizing one-on-one mentoring experience. In addition to the research activities, students are expected to attend workshops on conducting research and professional development sessions.

The program begins late May and runs through early August.

Who should apply

• Undergraduate students interested in research opportunities in Green Chemistry.
• Students from underrepresented groups and non-ACS accredited programs are especially encouraged to apply.

Eligibility

Participation in the Green Chemistry at NDSU REU program is limited to students who meet the following criteria:

• U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
• Current undergraduate credential with at least one semester of coursework remaining before obtaining a bachelor's degree

Program details

• $5000 stipend for successfully completing 10-week program
• Room and board on NDSU campus
• Unique research and professional development opportunities
• Cohort building activities and networking

Descriptions of Projects

Oxygen Diffusion Through Biobased Films

The Parent group focuses on developing catalysts for renewable oxidation chemistry. One application of our research is the design of improved catalysts for forming biobased films and coatings. These coatings are made from feedstocks known as drying oils, which include flaxseed oil, soybean oil, and hempseed oil. In order to understand how catalysts interact with oxygen gas to form these coatings, it is important to know how oxygen gas diffuses through these films as they form. During this REU project, you will study the diffusion of oxygen through films at different stages of oxidation.

Multi-enzyme Immobilization on Metal-Organic Materials

Enzyme immobilization in MOFs (metal–organic frameworks) offers enhanced enzyme reusability and sustainability, protection, and substrate diffusivity. The enzymes and substrates, however, often have to be smaller than MOF pores, usually a few nm, limiting the broad application of MOFs as enzyme hosting platforms. Our group is developing new MOF-based enzyme immobilization approaches to remove this limitation and boost enzyme catalytic efficiency via unique ligand design and selection.

Application of Machine Learning, Cheminformatics and Computational Chemistry

The research in Rasulev group is focused on the application of Machine Learning, Cheminformatics, and Computational Chemistry methods in characterization and design of novel materials, including bio-based polymeric materials and nanomaterials. The group applies experimental data, computation, data analysis, and predictive structure-property relationship modeling to predict various materials properties.

Biobased Grafted Copolymers for Food Packaging Paper Modification

During the internship in Voronov's group, students will have an opportunity to work on the synthesis, characterization, and testing of biobased polymeric materials for food packaging paper modification. Combining acrylic plant oil-based monomers derived from various plant/vegetable oils with hemicelluloses from different plant sources, the students will learn how to carry out synthesis of grafted copolymers via free radical polymerization mechanism.

Assessment of Students' Knowledge of Green Chemistry

As implementation of green chemistry into university-level courses increases, it is becoming increasingly important that educators have tools to measure student knowledge of green chemistry principles. We are investigating two different approaches to capture changes in students' knowledge – using selected-response and constructed-response questions.

Green Catalysis for Materials and Medicine

Our group is exploring sustainable methods for the in situ generation and application of new catalysts to affect coupling reactions that are critical for the synthesis of monomers for new materials and scaffolds for medicinal chemistry applications.

Modeling of Quantum Dots for Photo-Catalysis of Biomass Valorization

Catalytic valorization of lignin, which is potentially the largest source of renewable aromatics, represents the most attractive but challenging topic in biomass conversion. It was recently shown that CdS Quantum Dots (QD) efficiently catalyze the selective cleavage of β-O-4 bonds, the most abundant linkage in lignin through a photo-redox mechanism based on a Cα radical intermediate.

Structure-Property Relationship of Biobased Materials

Quadir group is involved in discovering new routes to sustainable nanotechnology for biomedical applications. The part of our REU project involves integration of ideas for colloid chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, and biology.

Green Synthesis of Monomers from Biomass

Research projects in the Sibi group involve the development of green methods for the synthesis of monomers from biomass. A key feedstock material we have used extensively is 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), which is readily available from cellulose.

Synthesis and Characterization of Polymers from Biomass

The Webster group studies polymers made from biomass and their use in applications such as coatings, composites, 3D printing, and foams. A specific focus is on crosslinked polymers, also known as thermosets.

North Dakota State University

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Overview:

North Dakota State University (NDSU) is a public, land-grant, research university located in Fargo, North Dakota. It is a top-ranked R1 institution, known for its commitment to student-focused learning and its dedication to research. NDSU provides affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment.

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Services Offered:

The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Admission:

NDSU provides comprehensive admission services, including application assistance, financial aid information, and campus visits.

Academic Programs:

NDSU offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines.

Campus Life:

NDSU provides a vibrant campus life with various co-curricular activities, dining services, residence life options, and athletic events.

Student Support:

NDSU offers support services such as career advising, counseling, and wellness resources.

Research Opportunities:

NDSU provides ample research opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge research projects.

Online Programs:

NDSU offers a variety of online degree programs for students seeking flexible learning options.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

NDSU offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in various co-curricular activities, including clubs, organizations, and sports. The university also provides a variety of dining options, residence halls, and recreational facilities.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Affordable Education:

NDSU offers an excellent education at an affordable price.

Research Opportunities:

NDSU is a research-intensive university, providing students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research.

Hands-on Learning:

NDSU emphasizes hands-on learning, providing students with practical experience in their chosen fields.

Strong Faculty:

NDSU has a strong faculty committed to teaching and mentoring students.

Vibrant Campus Life:

NDSU offers a vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community.

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Academic Programs:

NDSU offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Agriculture and Biological Systems:

NDSU is a leading institution in agriculture and biological systems, with strong programs in areas such as animal science, plant science, and biotechnology.

Engineering and Architecture:

NDSU offers a variety of engineering and architecture programs, including civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and architecture.

Health Sciences:

NDSU has a strong presence in health sciences, with programs in areas such as nursing, pharmacy, and public health.

Humanities and Social Sciences:

NDSU offers a variety of humanities and social sciences programs, including English, history, and political science.

Business and Economics:

NDSU has a strong business and economics program, with programs in areas such as accounting, finance, and marketing.

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Other:

NDSU is committed to diversity and inclusion, and it offers a variety of resources and programs to support students from diverse backgrounds. The university also has a strong commitment to sustainability and has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.