Students Tackle Summer Research in the Sciences
While many buildings on campus stood empty this summer, the Dow
Science Center and the Kapp Science Laboratory Center were filled
with the sounds of student and faculty research from a variety of
departments, including biology, biochemistry and chemistry.
Topics ranged from “Plankton Dynamics in a Bog-Dystrophic Lake” to
“Surface Analysis of Foil Detectors from High Velocity Impacts of
Meteorite Fragments.” Students presented their research during a campus
forum in September.
Students conduct science research.
“Students can get a lot from the textbook and laboratory
coursework, but research is a completely different experience,” says
Jeff Turk, assistant professor of chemistry. “Undergraduate research
breeds students that become mature, confident and independent problem
solvers.
“Professionally, it not only helps me with my research, but the
commitment of investing that time in a student is very satisfying,” he
says.
“This was a great experience because it is helpful to have research on
your resume,” says senior Daniel Gonzales-Morales. “It was a good
learning process. I got a chance to show what I learned in the
classroom and apply it to laboratory work. I'm very grateful to the
chemistry department for the opportunity.”
A sampling of students’ research projects is below.
Student: Amanda Rogers, senior biology major
Title of Project: “Characteristics of Winter Territories in Falco Sparverius (American Kestrel)”
Description of Project: “I worked out at the bog doing bird
banding and a territory study of the veery. The territory study
consisted of catching the veery, putting radio transmitters on them and
following them around. Each bird had a unique frequency that was
transmitted, and we could pick up with a receiver. We marked the points
where we found the birds, and we are going to be gathering GPS data.
The GPS points can then be used in a computer program to make maps of
the territories and determine the size.”
Faculty Advisor: Mike Bishop
Student: Daniel Gonzalez-Morales, senior biology and chemistry major
Title of Project: “Synthesis, Analysis and Derivatization of Nitrogen and Sulfur-Containing Ligands”
Description of Project: “I was working with Dr. Joel Dopke
on a research project involving ligands containing a combination of N
and S atoms attached to a benzene-containing cyclononane backbone.
These ligands bind metal ions and create metal complexes that will
assist in studying the transfer of metal ions in biological and
environmental chemistry. We were able to isolate one of these ligands
and react it with zinc and other transition metals successfully. I was
responsible for my own laboratory workstation along with equipment and
instruments such as the rotovap, NMR, IR and ion selective electrode.
Working with Dr. Dopke gave me an opportunity to learn new methods and
techniques in inorganic and organic chemistry. This has been a great
opportunity for me because I will present our findings at the March
National American Chemical Society meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah.”
How I became interested in the research: “I was always
interested in doing research, but since I'm a double major I don't have
room for it in my schedule during the school year. When the opportunity
to research during the summer was offered, I said I would do it for
free; little did I know I was going to be getting paid for it.”
Faculty Advisor: Joel Dopke
Student: Christopher E. Duymich, junior biochemistry major
Title of Project: “Synthesis and Evaluation of Group-1 Neuraminidase Inhibitors”
Description of Project: “I was working on designing and
synthesizing group-1 Neuraminidase inhibitors. My project involved the
actual synthesis of possible molecules that could inhibit the sialic
acid cleavage. We were able to successfully synthesize a few of the
intended products and are working on streamlining the process. Once we
finish this process, we would then be able to do neuraminidase
inhibition tests with H1N1 Influenza. These tests would allow us to see
how well our molecules inhibit the sialic acid cleavage.”
How I became interested in the research: “I have always been
fascinated with the field of chemistry, especially organic synthesis. I
really enjoy working in the lab, and this was a perfect opportunity to
learn some new chemistry and work in a different lab environment to
gain more experience. It has been an ongoing learning experience.”
Faculty Advisor: Jeffrey Turk
Student: Kelsey Hughes, senior biochemistry major
Title of Project: “Sulfotransferase Dimerizing Monomers”
Description of Project: “I characterized two mutant bovine
phenol sulfotransferases that I constructed during the previous
academic year. After purifying the proteins, I determined their
pH-activity profiles, measured their catalytic kinetic properties, and
performed equilibrium titration binding studies. The mutants behave
comparably to the wild-type enzyme in most respects, although some data
indicate different kinetic properties. This work is ongoing.”
How I became interested in the research: “I have been involved
in research since my sophomore year because I enjoy working
independently to learn both theory and application of experiments to a
relevant scientific question.”
Faculty advisor: Joe Beckmann
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Posted: Mon, October 13th, 2008 at 8:54AM
