The Fort Wayne resident is one of about 45 students participating in the Department of Chemistry's summer undergraduate research program, now in its 30th year.

The program allows students to work on research projects with faculty during the 10-week program.

"I love being in the lab, doing research now instead of having to wait until graduate school like students at other universities," Wick said. "Our program is mentally challenging and provides me with practical experience. I get to see the things we talked about in class during the school year."

Chemistry research fosters close, personal relationships among faculty and students, said Karlett Parra-Belky, a chemistry professor mentoring Wick.

"Research is the best way to learn chemistry," Parra-Belky said. "The students see the results of their work almost instantly. It provides them with a better understanding of science and they become more competitive in the job market and for graduate education. This is a great learning experience.

"I love working with students on an individual basis," she said. "I love to see them grow. I get to see their enthusiasm as they are as learning."

Ball State created the chemistry department in 1965. Faculty then began offering individualized research experiences. The summer research program was formalized in 1973.

The program provides the starting point for nearly two and half years of undergraduate research opportunities, said Bob Morris, chair of the chemistry department.

About 80 percent of Ball State's chemistry majors work with faculty mentors as undergraduates, he said.

"Most larger schools offer research, but they don't say that those positions are only available to a few of their best students," Morris said. "At Ball State, students often begin research work the summer after their sophomore year and continue right through their junior and senior years.

"Our students need research experience in order to find the best jobs in the chemical industry, succeed in the best graduate schools or be accepted into the nation's best medical schools," he said.

As a result of the summer research program, about 95 percent of Ball State's chemistry graduates are working in a field directly related to their major, Morris said.

"Research experience is a valuable asset for students whether they choose to do post-graduate studies or enter the job market after graduation," said David Varie, a research scientist with Lilly Research Laboratories.

"Currently, when we evaluate bachelor-level applicants for chemistry positions, only those whose resumes include research experience receive a second review," he said.

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, contact Morris at rmorris@bsu.edu or (765) 285-8060. Parra-Belky may be contacted at kparrabelky@bsu.edu or (765) 285-8146. A print-quality photo is available to download at www.bsu.edu/photoservices. Log on and follow the instructions. For more stories visit the Ball State University News Center at www.bsu.edu/news.)