Four Waynesburg University students recently presented their undergraduate research at the American Chemical Society’s 2021 Spring National Meeting.
“Presenting this research at a national conference helps to further develop their professional skills, adding another dimension to their future success in the field. Our Department is extremely proud of what they have accomplished,” said Dr. Evonne Baldauff, chairperson of the Department of Chemistry and Forensic Science.
The following student research was presented:
- Heather Allaman, senior chemistry major, presented her project titled “Engineering of the cytochrome P450 enzyme towards marine natural product total synthesis.” Allaman worked with Dr. Takashi Suyama, assistant professor of chemistry, on her project.
- Courtne Hanlan, senior biochemistry major, presented research on a LEGO-based microfluidic device that would be used to test and analyze different substances. Hanlan worked with Dr. Heidi Fletcher, associate professor of chemistry, on her project.
- Kim Taylor, senior chemistry major, presented her project titled “Total Synthesis of Laucysteinamide A, a Monomeric Congener of Somocystinamide A.” Taylor worked with Dr. Suyama on her project.
- Paige Smith, senior chemistry major, presented her project titled “Flavor analysis of coffee over time through HS-SPME GC/MS.” Smith worked with Dr. Bradley Davis, assistant professor of chemistry, and Dr. Baldauff on her project.
The research was first performed as an undergraduate research requirement and later submitted as an abstract to the ACS to be approved to present at the national conference hosted April 5 through April 30.
“The incorporation of undergraduate research serves a foundational pillar in the training of these new scientists, teaching them to think critically, creatively and thoughtfully,” Dr. Baldauff said. “We believe it is an extremely valuable component of their education to learn to communicate their research to other scientists.”
For more information, contact Dr. Baldauff at ebaldauf@waynesburg.edu or 724-852-7617.
