Building A Research Program At A Primarily Undergraduate Institution

Abstract

Developing and building a research program in spectroscopy at a primarily undergraduate institution is a challenging and rewarding experience. In this talk, I will discuss my personal experience developing a research program in infrared spectroscopy applied to atmospheric chemistry at Connecticut College, a small liberal arts college located in the northeast of the United States. Working with undergraduate students in a research setting provides an excellent opportunity to mentor students one-on-one, but also comes with challenges related to student time and expertise. I will present strategies that I have found useful in addressing the unique needs of undergraduates performing research in molecular spectroscopy.