Eagon Research Group

Synthetic Organic & Medicinal Chemistry

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How to Join the Team
    There's no formal application to joining the research group or any grade prerequisites--you just have to ask!  My group is open to all Cal Poly students majoring in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology or related fields.

Primarily, I'm looking for students who:
 My research is not well suited to students who are:
This is not a hard-and-fast list, and there are exceptions.  I don't automatically turn anyone away.  However, I try to make sure that my research group is a good "fit."  No one is happy if they get stuck in a 3-month long project they dislike.  If you're not sure, the best thing to do is speak with me or a current member of my group.  There is no minimum GPA or grade requirement to join my research group.
Uncle_Sam.jpgWhat is it Like to Work in Your Lab?
     Undergraduate researchers will primarily work in a hood synthesizing new drugs. Like any lab-based work, you'll be expected to dedicate large blocks of time when you're working in lab, averaging 8 hours per week.  Most students will come for a 3-5 hour block of time a couple of times a week. Additionally, we will occasionally have group meetings where we'll discuss progress with our current topics.  If you have a large course load and a number of extracurricular activities, you'll need to look at your schedule carefully before considering research.
Do I Get Credit?
    Yes.  You'll sign up for a 2 unit CR/NC undergraduate research class that will appear on your transcript.  There are no exams or written reports.  As long as you put time into your lab work, usually about 8 hours a week, you will receive credit.  If you decide to stay with my research group after the first quarter, you'll sign up for a 2 unit graded research class for each quarter and your senior project will be a thesis based on your research that you will submit at the end of your senior year (CHEM 461/463).  Non Chem./Biochem. majors may have to work with their departments to make course substitutions as needed, but we haven't had any issue doing this in the past.
What Happens in the Summer?
     Research continues during the summer months as well for those who are interested.  During the year, I try to secure funding so that I can pay a certain number of students to work for 8-10 weeks during the summer.  If I am not able to fund every interested student, senior students and those who have not already received summer funding get priority.  If you want to work on a volunteer basis over the summer, you are more than welcome!  There are also often many summer research opportunities at other universities, such as NSF REU programs at many UC campuses.  I will provide information about these as they become available.  I also try to connect students with employment opportunities through my network.

Other Considerations
     It's common that I get a number of requests to join each quarter.  Some things that determine the size of my group include:
  • Funding
  • Physical space
  • The amount of time I have to mentor each student
I always try to take as many students as I can effectively mentor, but there is a limit.  If my group is full, you may want to consider joining another research group.  I'm more than willing to discuss other research opportunities in the department.  There are several faculty members at Cal Poly doing exciting chemistry related to medicine and biotechnology. 

Why Do You Say You're Not Looking for Pre-Medical Students?
     Medicinal chemistry is done on the atomic scale and is very different from working with gross anatomy.  Your family doctor has probably never touched a round-bottom flask since their undergraduate chemistry days, and you really shouldn't ask me for an appendectomy.  Due to the ever-increasing competitive nature of domestic medical colleges, many undergraduate pre-medical students feel enormous pressure to fill their resumes with as many extra-curriculars as possible, including research.  If you're passionate about becoming an M.D./D.O., consider instead working in the health field by applying for internship/shadowing programs that get you in a hospital.  I do accept pre-medical students to my research lab and I don't discourage students interested in medicine from asking about my research.  You may find that medicinal chemistry is more interesting, as we get to be on the cutting edge of medicine!  Also remember that getting a doctorate in chemistry or biochemistry for in-state students is still pretty much free, as opposed to the average cost of medical school.

Post-Doctoral & Graduate Student Positions

      Cal Poly is a primarily undergraduate institution, and we do not have the support for post-doctoral students nor do we have a graduate program in chemistry.