At Sul Ross State University (SRSU), Associate Professor Hong Young Chang is building a research-driven learning environment. Supported by The Welch Foundation, he is providing students with hands-on experience in advanced chemistry, which will open pathways to graduate school, professional careers, and scientific discovery.
Located in the mountains above Alpine, Texas, a gateway to Big Bend National Park, the “Frontier University of Texas” is known for its small class sizes, close faculty-student relationships, and a 468-acre working ranch that serves its animal science programs. The university’s chemistry program reflects these strengths, with a hands-on, mentorship-centered approach.
“Our chemistry program has one goal: to teach chemistry well,” said Chang. “Especially for those students interested in agricultural, environmental, forensic, geological, health, or veterinary sciences, it is very important to teach research methods. They must learn how to access research and how to think like a scientist to succeed in their academic and professional careers.”
A solid-state chemist by training, Chang completed his PhD at the University of Houston in Texas, where his graduate studies were supported by The Welch Foundation. After completing postdoctoral work at Washington State University, he returned to Texas, he says, because of its thriving educational and research environment and strong commitment to science education.
Chang is currently the only chemistry professor in the SRSU program, with a recent hire in forensic science adding complementary expertise. Due to his loaded teaching schedule, he must reserve advanced research for the summer program. Despite limited personnel, he remains committed to expanding research opportunities for SRSU students.
“I’m grateful to The Welch Foundation for allowing undergraduate students to broaden their perspective on chemistry through their participation in the summer research program,” Chang said. “Sul Ross State University is a relatively small university, but the students are very high quality and have a strong desire to study science.”
Over the past five years, 13 undergraduate students supported by the Welch Foundation grant have participated in the summer research program. During the program, students learn how to design reactions, synthesize new compounds, analyze crystal structures, and measure the physical and optical properties of new transition metal oxide materials known as polyoxometalates (POMs). These complex materials can form asymmetric crystal structures that exhibit fascinating physical properties.
Chang emphasizes the importance of understanding how atomic-level structure influences material behavior. “I’m focusing on the relationship between structure and physical properties,” he explained. “Students can see how chemistry connects to real physical phenomena.”
The Welch Foundation has been instrumental in making this research possible. A supplemental equipment grant supported the purchase of a spectrometer for UV-visible reflectance and a thermal analyzer for simultaneous Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), giving students access to tools typically found only at larger research institutions. The departmental grant also provides student stipends, allowing undergraduates to devote time to research without sacrificing financial stability.
The impact is substantial. Students gain experience in scientific communication, data analysis, and problem-solving—skills that translate directly into graduate study and professional careers. Research supported by Welch funding already has resulted in three peer-reviewed publications, with two more in preparation.
Looking ahead, SRSU hopes to hire additional chemistry faculty and further grow its teaching and research capacity. With support from The Welch Foundation, SRSU’s chemistry program is demonstrating that high-impact research and close mentorship can thrive and create new opportunities for Texas students at small institutions.