Ian Gould explores the geochemistry of the deep oceans and how it contributes to Earth's carbon cycle as an inspiration for development of green chemistry techniques. He also has research programs in understanding student performance in chemistry courses and is developing an intelligent online tutoring system for organic chemistry to improve student success.

Gould is the interim director of the School of Molecular Sciences and is an ASU President's Professor. He has played a key role in creating a new biochemistry program for ASU Online. The program is the only online biochemistry track in the country after which graduates can apply directly to medical, dental or pharmacy schools, or pursue additional science degrees. 

In 2019, he was given the Faculty Teaching Achievement Award.