Chemistry Research

At Detroit Mercy, you'll have plenty of hands-on opportunities to experience research and scientific discovery.

What sets us apart?

Each year, many of our undergraduate science students work with faculty on research projects.  This provides an important early educational opportunity that opens doors for them in the future as entrepreneurs, highly skilled scientists, consultants and university professors.

This unique opportunity for undergraduate research with faculty members sets Detroit Mercy apart from other research-based universities.  It is often cited by recent graduates as one of the strongest foundations for future success. In fact, many undergraduate students and faculty are co-authors of scholarly papers published in top quality journals.

Learning through discovery

Detroit Mercy utilizes the “learning through discovery” science education model.  Our focus is on the student rather than the faculty member as the active agent. This empowering transition enhances learning, encourages critical thinking and allows you to be you an active partner in research.

Sample of research our students and faculty have investigated:

• Developing the chemical processes that create ethanol from peat and other cellulosic plants that are indigenous to Michigan.
• Using cutting-edge methods to investigate the long-term degradation of plastics and polymers, potentially resulting in better performance of plastics in applications such as automobiles and medical equipment.
• Seeking the causes of and treatment for Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
• Designing new materials to mimic biological molecules and nano-tech materials and their activities, which could lead to such devices as molecular-level computers.
• Synthesizing materials aimed at cleaning polluted water and decontaminating industrial waste streams.
• Understanding and improving the stability of membranes employed in fuel cells.
• Analyzing the composition of food, dietary supplements and consumer products.
• Investigating pesticides in the waters of Southeastern Michigan.