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Department of Chemistry College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics

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Russell – Forkey Summer Research Awards

Emeritus Professor Dave Forkey and Emeritus Professor Jack Russell were organic faculty members in the department who highly encouraged and mentored student participation in undergraduate research. They impacted numerous students by providing them with rich and valuable undergraduate research experiences. Dr. Jeff Mann, a former Alum of the chemistry department was so positively impacted by the mentorship and undergraduate research experience he obtained during his undergraduate career at Sacramento State, that he helped to set up the endowed Russell-Forkey Summer Undergraduate Award Program.

The Ralph G. and Barbara J. Mann Endowment, with donations from other donors, helps to financially support summer research for undergraduate students so that they can dedicate their summer fully to research without the need to find additional employment.

Applicant Information

The Chemistry Department is planning to offer 2-4 summer research grants for undergraduates.

Application Deadline: Monday April 20, 2026

In order to apply, you must be:

  • A Chemistry or Biochemistry major
  • Enrolled in or have completed at least one of these Chemistry labs: Chem 25, 31, 110L, 125, 141, 162 OR have conducted research with a Chemistry faculty member for at least one semester.
  • Sponsored by a Chemistry faculty member (lab instructor or research mentor) with whom you will be doing the research

To complete an application:

  • Fill out the application page (student information, application checklist, and stipend/project grant information)
    • The application fillable PDF can be found on the Chemistry Canvas Page. You can also ask your research advisor for the form. Please be sure you are including this form in your application package.
  • Obtain a letter of recommendation from your research mentor for the project
  • Complete an essay (500-1000 words) that includes the following:
    • Why you are interested in doing research
    • A description of the research project you will be working on, including a specific list of the goals of the project (as determined by you and your research mentor) including the anticipated number of weeks planned to work over summer.
    • Your career goals and how doing the research will benefit these goals

Two forms of support are available to students

  • Project Grants will be available for up to $500 for supplies, equipment, services and travel directly related to activities for approved research projects.
  • Stipends. Students working on approved research projects will be paid at a rate of $16.90/hour during the summer. A maximum of $4,000 will be available for each student.

Total requested budget (project grant + stipend) should be in the range of $2000 - $4000. While smaller requests will be considered, larger requests will not be allowed.

Submit application package to Dr. Gherman (ghermanb@csus.edu).
Application Deadline: Monday April 20, 2026