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SFJ Chemistry & Biochemistry Research Fellowship

»The Stauffer-Fletcher Jones Chemistry & Biochemistry Research Fellowship

The Stauffer–Fletcher Jones (SFJ) Research Fellowship provides undergraduate students the opportunity to engage in mentored research with a faculty member in Chemistry or Biochemistry during the summer. This eight-week program is designed to help students develop essential research, laboratory, and scientific communication skills while gaining firsthand experience conducting authentic research in the state-of-the-art Keck Center.

Participants will have opportunities for specialized instrumentation training, as well as involvement in professional development activities and research seminars. The program culminates with students presenting their research findings at the Schmid Summer Research Showcase, highlighting their contributions and growth as emerging scientists.

Chemistry and Biochemistry majors and Chemistry Minors are invited to apply. We encourage students who are new to research or have not performed research previously to apply.

  • $4200 fellowship funded by the Stauffer-Fletcher Jones Endowment
  • 8 weeks from June 8th to July 30th 
  • Housing is available. (June 6th - August 1th)
 

Interested in this Research Opportunity?

Applications are due Friday, April 3rd at 11:59 p.m.

Start Your Research

Build Connections in the Scientific Community

Present Your Research

 

In preparation for applying to the SFJ Fellowship, we encourage you to reach out to and meet with potential faculty research mentors to learn more about their research and discuss possible opportunities within their research groups. Meeting with a prospective SFJ research mentor is a required step prior to the final selection of SFJ Fellows. If you are already conducting research with an SFJ mentor, this requirement has been fulfilled.


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Application Requirements

1. Individual Information 

Applicants must complete a standard application with their personal information. 

2. Personal Statement

Applicants must submit a personal statement answering the following prompt:
  • The Stauffer-Fletcher Jones Research Scholars Program encourages and supports promising undergraduate students in chemistry and biochemistry to conduct research under the guidance of a faculty mentor. If you are interested in this opportunity, tell us about yourself, your research interests, and how you feel this program will benefit you for your future professional goals. (1 page, 500-750 words).

3. Selection of CHEM-BCHM Faculty Research Mentor

Applicants must select a first- and second-choice research mentor from among the SFJ faculty mentors listed below. If the applicant has already started research with an SFJ mentor, they do not need to specify a second-choice research mentor. Read our SFJ mentor bios here to learn about their research interests. You may also research these faculty on our Chapman Chemistry and Biochemistry webpages.

4. One Faculty Reference 

Applicants must have a reference from a current research mentor if they have begun conducting research with their SFJ mentor, OR a member of the Schmid faculty from any program who knows the student.

Benefits for Scholars

  • Scholars will receive a $4,200 stipend and housing (if needed).
  • Scholars will have meaningful and hands-on research experience in partnership a Research Mentor in Chemistry or Biochemistry.
  • Scholars will receive advanced instrumentation training in the Keck Center state-of-the-art research facilities.
  • Scholars will participate in professional development workshops and seminars.
  • Scholars will learn how to present their research at the Summer Research Showcase.

Important Dates

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Schwartz (eschwart@chapman.edu)

Fellowship Requirements and Expectations

  • If selected, a commitment to work in research mentor's laboratory for 30 hours a week for 8 weeks over the summer.
  • Attendance at the professional development workshops and seminars and presentation of research at the Summer Research Showcase during the last week of the program. 
  • Scholars are expected to demonstrate exemplary scientific and academic ethics and a deep sense of duty as a leader in our Chapman community.

Stauffer-Fletcher Jones (SFJ) Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Mentors

You will be required to meet with your prospective SFJ research mentor before the final selection of the SFJ fellows. Reach out to the faculty you are interested in conducting research with and learn more about their research group. If you have already begun research with an SFJ mentor, you have fulfilled this requirement.

For more information about the SFJ Faculty Mentors, please view this document.

SFJ Faculty Members

1. Dr. Dan Dries - Associate Program Director of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Assistant Professor of Chemistry Education

2. Dr. Vincent Esposito - Assistant Professor of Chemistry 

3. Dr. Chris Kim - Interim Dean of Schmid College & Professor of Environmental Geochemistry

4. Dr. Jerry LaRue - Program Director of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Associate Professor of Chemistry

5. Dr. Michael Ibba - Executive Vice President, Provost, Chief Academic Officer, & Professor of Microbiology, AND Dr. Lorenzo Leiva Araya - Postdoctoral Associate

6. Dr. Cecilia Lopez - Assistant Professor of Biochemistry

7. Dr. Andrew Lyon - Professor of Chemistry

8. Dr. Magy A. Mekhail - Assistant Professor of Chemistry

9. Dr. Cedric Owens - Associate Professor of Biochemistry 

Contact

Elaine Benaksas Schwartz, Ph.D.
Associate Dean of External Relations and Student Advancement
Schmid College of Science and Technology
eschwart@chapman.edu 

    Fellowship Sponsors

    This fellowship is supported by The John Stauffer Charitable Trust and Fletcher Jones Foundation who provide critical endowment funding for undergraduate science fellowships, particularly in chemistry and biochemistry, by funding intensive summer research programs and mentoring opportunities.