An Introduction to Chemical Research

If you are looking for the 101st way to functionalize a CH group in an organic molecule that resists your ministrations, this book is not the place to look for it. But it you want a balanced view of the life skills that you need to make a living in chemistry, and have fun doing it, Ruth Ann Murphy’s book is a wonderful introduction. It ranges widely, from what chemistry is to how to apply to graduate school, and how to write proposals and obtain funding. It also has some fascinating vignettes of the chemical life, even in the sections you might think would be boring, like laboratory safety. The overall aim of chemistry, to help build a better world for all, is not lost. “An Introduction to Chemical Research” is an excellent book, covering in unpretentious language practical matters that a chemistry student will face in their life.

Roald Hoffmann, PhD, Chemist and Writer

Nobel Laureate in Chemistry

Frank H. T. Rhodes Professor, Emeritus Cornell University

Having developed professional and academic textbooks since 1997 with pioneering authors like Steven S. Zumdahl, I know what defines a field-leading text. I’ve had the privilege of working with Dr. Murphy at UMHB since 2017, and her profound expertise illuminates every page of this new book on chemical research.

The book’s brilliant framework guides readers through the foundational “five Ws” of research before masterfully integrating the “how,” creating a comprehensive and intuitive learning path. Dr. Murphy grounds this journey in the scientific method itself, connecting the philosophy of Bacon to the practical genius of Galileo, who pioneered the rigorous application of mathematics to experimental observation. This approach makes the text both practical and insightful, covering essential skills from lab safety and the use of electronic notebooks to modern challenges like the ethics of AI in research. Real-world case studies on discoveries like penicillin and Teflon further bridge theory with application, making Dr. Murphy’s experience as a top-level educator evident in every chapter.

Dr. Murphy has not just written a textbook; she has set a new gold standard by creating an indispensable guide for the complete researcher. The book wisely demystifies the profession, emphasizing that success hinges not on genius, but on being “prepared, diligent, teachable, and collaborative.” By shaping not just the student’s methods but also their mindset, this groundbreaking work will inspire the next generation of scientists. For any serious student or practitioner in the field, this text is destined to become the new benchmark.

Thomas P. Martin

M.S., Chemistry

Adjunct Instructor of Chemistry

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

Introduction to Chemical Research A Guideline for Success by Dr. Ruth Ann Murphy is a textbook that focuses on chemical research. It focuses on a wide range of aspects of chemical research including the definition of research, how to conduct research, and how to present research. The entire textbook was informative and enjoyable to read. This report focuses on three chapter I found particularly useful: “Chapter 10. Topic Selection: A Seed of Chemical Research,” “Chapter 20. Sharing Chemical Research: Written Presentations,” and “Chapter 21. Sharing Chemical Research: Spoken Presentations.”

“Chapter 10. Topic Selection: A Seed of Chemical Research” focused on how to choose a research topic. It went over important things to consider when choosing a research topic such as funding and completion time frame. The chapter stressed the importance of choosing a topic that is interesting to the research while still considering practical factors such as the need for research in the chosen field and the time it would take to complete the research. I found this chapter useful because choosing a topic to research is somewhat difficult to me, and this chapter outlined how to choose a topic in a clear concise way with helpful examples that adequately demonstrated the concept being discussed. It also gave examples of where ideas for research topics can come from, such as conversations with colleagues, literary research, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The variety of sources listed in the textbook illustrated how many different viable sources can be used in chemical research. The inclusion of AI in this list was notable. Many people see AI as either good or bad, with no middle ground. However, this book claimed it was a viable tool, if it is used properly, and cited responsibly. I found this point to be a well thought out approach to the use of Artificial Intelligence in scientific pursuits.

“Chapter 20. Sharing Chemical Research: Written Presentations” focused on how writing is used throughout the research process. It covered numerous types of writing needed in research and did not limit itself to the cumulative presentation of chemical research, but also various types of written communication used during the research process. It gave a detailed description of what each type of writing should include, with examples of each section. It also went into detail of what level of formality is expected for each type of written communication. I found this chapter helpful because it was not limited to formal publications. Many courses skip over how to use the less formal types of communication such as letters, emails, and text messages, in research in favor of formal publications such as journal articles and poster presentations. This results in many undergraduate students not knowing what type of communication is appropriate in different situations, and they often come across as overly informal or rude when communicating with authoritative figures. Since the chapter discussed both sides of formal communication, it is a valuable tool for students trying to communicate with their professors, fellow researchers and superiors in addition to being helpful a guideline for experienced researchers throughout the research process.

“Chapter 21. Sharing Chemical Research: Spoken Presentations” focused on the importance of oral communication in research. It discussed formal presentations as well as general communication strategies that can be used during the research process. Like chapter 20, I enjoyed how the chapter did not skip over the less formal types of communication used in the lab. I found “Table 21.2 Some Suggested Power Phrases for Chemical Research” especially useful. It not only gave phrases that are beneficial for communication, but it also gave a description of how they can be used, and why they are a good alternative to other phrases. As someone who struggles with communication, especially conversations, I found the explanation of why the phrase is best to be incredibly helpful in understanding the chapter. Additionally, the chapter consistently gave feasible ways to improve communication in presentations, meetings, debates, and general communication in the lab. The section on debates was enlightening because I was unaware that this form of communication was a necessary skill in chemistry research. The textbook explained when and why debates are used in chemical research in addition to giving suggestions on how to improve the skill.

The chapters stated here are just three examples of how this textbook is a valuable tool for learning about the research process. The book gave clear guidelines on how each aspect of research should be approached, with examples that supported those points by showing how following the guidelines benefited the research process. The textbook was easy to read without feeling overly simplified. Overall, this book serves as an excellent resource for undergraduate students preparing to start research for the first time, undergraduate and graduate students working under experienced researchers, and for chemists starting their own research process. It would be an excellent addition to any undergraduate research or introduction to research course.

Amber Marie Dickey

B.S. Chemistry, UMHB, 2025

Ruth Ann Murphy, PhD

Dr. Ruth Ann Murphy holds a BS in Chemistry and a PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of Texas at Austin. She also pursued additional graduate studies in Organic Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Her academic career includes teaching appointments in Chemistry at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, and the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. She later served as Chemistry Coordinator and Assistant Professor at the University of Albuquerque.

Dr. Murphy then joined Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, as Professor of Chemistry and chaired the Division of Science and Math. She subsequently accepted a teaching appointment at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) in Belton, Texas, where she is currently a tenured Professor of Chemistry.

At UMHB, her leadership roles have included Chair of the Department of Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Geology; Amy LeVesconte Professor of Chemistry; Chair of the Health Professions Advisory Committee; Director of the Campus Recycling Program; and Principal Investigator for the Robert A. Welch Foundation of Houston chemical research grant.

Dr. Murphy has also contributed to professional organizations, serving as Chair of the Texas Association of Advisors for the Health Professions. She is a member of the Texas Association of Advisors for the Health Professions and the American Chemical Society, including its Division of Chemical Education, Division of Chemical Health and Safety, and Division of Fluorine Chemistry.

She is the author of Environmental Chemistry in the Lab and co-author with Dr. James Beard of Environmental Chemistry in Society, Third Edition, both published in 2022.

Dr. Murphy is passionate about introducing students to chemical research and developing research projects tailored to their individual interests.