University of San Diego Magazine 75th Anniversary 2024

academic excellence

A s an undergraduate chemistry major at USD, Tim Clark ’01 (BA), PhD, spent two semesters working with a faculty mentor to understand how an unusual reaction takes place. The experience helped him land an internship with a San Diego pharmaceutical company the summer after his sophomore year, and then gain admission to a University of Michigan summer research program the following summer. “Undergraduate research gives students a definite leg up, whether it be on the job market, graduate school or medical school,” said Clark, a USD chemistry professor since 2011 and now the university’s director of undergraduate research. This position has recently evolved for an increased emphasis on USD’s long commitment to helping students push the bounds of academic inquiry. While research is instrumental in graduate school, USD has encouraged more opportunities for undergraduates during the past two decades, Clark said. His new position reflects an expanded commitment to undergraduate research. “It’s become a point of priority among the administration, and it’s recognized as a high-impact practice,” he said. “It’s part of the recruiting process to show students that they have these opportunities to connect with faculty. You’ll hear it being talked about in prospective student tours and in promotional materials.” Every summer, more than 100 students remain on campus to conduct research with a faculty mentor, which will boost job prospects and improve their chances of gaining admission to prestigious graduate degree programs. Countless more undergraduate students perform research during the academic year. Many science majors are required to have research experience as part of the curriculum requirements for graduation. Additionally, many students are co-authors on research articles that appear in peer-reviewed academic journals.

“It’s a high-impact educational experience,” Clark said. “Students build confidence in an area of research, whether that be in the sciences, engineering, humanities, arts, social sciences or business. It prepares them for success in ways they otherwise wouldn’t have. They see what they’re learning in the classroom become more relevant.” Clark’s own work focuses on organic and organometallic chemistry, necessary for advancements in medicine, food science and cutting-edge technologies, among other disciplines. He includes students in every aspect of his research. Clark, like faculty members across campus, has played an important role in creating opportunities. He’s been awarded more than $2.5 million in external funding — from organizations such as the National Science Foundation, the American Chemical Society, and the National Institutes of Health — which has allowed him to mentor more than 70 undergraduates in research. He’s also worked with high school students, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. In his new role, Clark will manage programming and funding that emerges from the Office of Undergraduate Research. Summer researchers can secure $6,000 stipends. Students also have the opportunity to apply for $500 in travel expenses, which allows them to present research findings at conferences. Clark’s own journey began as a kid growing up in Vista, California, when he considered pursuing a career as a chiropractor. He was the first in his family to attend college, initially majoring in biochemistry. That plan took a detour when he started taking classes in chemistry and doing undergraduate research. “I took chemistry at USD and had teachers who inspired me and excited me,” he said. “By my sophomore year, I had a new career goal in chemistry.” •

We celebrate academic excellence. We recognize free inquiry and academic freedom as fundamental to the Catholic intellectual tradition. We pursue excellence in teaching, research and creative expression. And we do it with joy and gladness in our hearts, in service to our local, national and international communities.

– Andrew Faught