Kapp Prize Awarded to Top Research Presentations
Oral presentations on Hindu gender behavior, the properties of a specific chemical compound and the social implications of prohibition in the early 20th century were student research projects selected for recognition at Alma College’s annual Honors Day.
Meredith Brown, Daniel Jaremko and Tristan Smith are the 2012 recipients of the Ronald O. Kapp Honors Day Prize for their outstanding Honors Day presentations in the humanities, natural sciences and social sciences.
The prize is named for the late Ronald O. Kapp, who was an Alma College biology professor for 32 years and vice president of academic affairs for 20 years.
From left: President Jeff Abernathy, Meredith Brown, Tristan Smith, Daniel Jaremko.
A panel of judges from each division selected the prizewinners after assessing the presentations for quality of scholarship as well as how well the materials was presented. The prize is open to all students and groups.
Brown, a senior from Midland, presented “The Complication of Kali: Built-in Challenges to Hindu Construction of Gender.” In her study, Brown contrasted traditional Hindu ideals of “feminine” and servant-like gender behavior found in mythology, sacred scriptures and other texts with the attributes of Kali, a Hindu goddess of destruction that is portrayed as powerful and autonomous. Brown is majoring in religious studies. Her faculty sponsor was Kate Blanchard, assistant professor of religious studies.
Jaremko, a junior from Allegany, N.Y., presented “Copper Coupling Reactions of Cluster Halides.” In his study, Jaremko examined the properties and reactions of aminated dodecaborate clusters and their derivatives. Their properties of high stability and low toxicity give the clusters potential for use in a variety of applications, such as pollution remediation, cancer therapies and clean energy production. Jaremko is majoring in chemistry. His faculty sponsor was Joel Dopke, assistant professor of chemistry.
Smith, a senior from Lowell, presented “Prohibition in the Age of Excess: Social and Scientific Implications of the Eighteen Amendment.” In her study, Smith examined prohibition and the temperance movement and their impact on the transformation of American society at the turn of the 20th century. Smith is majoring in biology and history. Her faculty adviser was Edward Lorenz, professor of history and political science.
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Posted: Tue, April 10th, 2012 at 3:35PM
