Every fall and spring semester, the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry selects a graduating senior to receive the Excellence in Undergraduate Research Award.

Candidates for this award have shown outstanding achievement in independent, undergraduate research. In general, the student's work is a significant contribution and shows originality, creativity, and a level of independence appropriate to chemistry/biochemistry. The criteria for this award do not include a minimum GPA, substantial outside activities, or other criteria used for the Outstanding Senior Award.

Students may self-nominate, but candidates who have strong endorsements from Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry faculty are most strongly considered. Application details and forms are sent to qualified students.

Once the winner is chosen at the Department level, the application packet is forwarded to the College of Science for college-wide competition. At a special College award reception, the Department and College award recipients are presented with their awards. Each recipient is also mentioned in the Commencement Booklet at the College of Science graduation ceremony.

Recent winners include

• Troy Comi (Spring 2012; Biochemistry)
• arik Ozumerzifon (Spring 2012; Chemistry)
• Andrea Hartzell (Fall 2011; Biochemistry)
• Allena Goren (Fall 2011; Chemistry)
• Beryl Magnolia Jones (May 2011; Ecology and Evolutionary Biology)
• Mounir Koussa (May 2011; selected by Neuroscience)
• Michael Mitchell (May 2011; MCB and Math)
• Keeper Sharkey (May 2010; CBC and Chemistry)
• Erin Acino (May 2010; Biochemistry)
• Griffin Santarelli (May 2009; Dr. Victor Hruby - Organic Division; and Dr. Russell Faust - Ohio State University)
• Brian Zacher (May 2008; Dr. Neal Armstrong - Analytical Division)
• Rae Ana Snyder (May 2007; Dr. John Enemark - Inorganic Division)
• Aaron Finke (May 2006; Dr. Dominic McGrath - Organic Division)
• Chris Cabello (December 2003; Dr. Victor Hruby - Organic Division)
• Sean Premeau (May 2003; Dr. Craig Aspinwall - Analytical Division)