University of San Diego Magazine: Those at Our Core - Academic Excellence

Timothy Clark ’01 (BA), PhD, talks about the importance of undergraduate research

In Spring 2023, the USD Board of Trustees adopted updated vision and mission statements for the university. This year, USD celebrates 75 years as an anchor institution — 75 years being a part of the community and 75 years working alongside its neighbors near and far to make the world a better place.

The updated vision and mission speak to the community’s deep commitment to service and compassion. USD’s mission states that “we are advancing academic excellence to create a more inclusive, sustainable … and hopeful world.” The vision states that “strengthened by the Catholic intellectual tradition, we confront humanity’s challenges by fostering peace, working for justice and leading with love.” 

Those aren’t just catchy taglines or lofty goals. 

Those words, chosen with the utmost care, are the university’s true north. They inform decisions, directions and strategy. The vision and mission are embodied through six core values — academic excellence, Catholic identity, human dignity, care for our common home, ethical conduct and compassionate service, and inspired and meaningful lives. 

In the story that follows, you’ll learn more about the meaningful and inspiring ways through which one Torero lives out USD’s mission, vision and values.

As 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.”

— Story by Andrew Faught