Two Waynesburg University senior chemistry majors, Samantha Bruffy and Naomi Wilson, traveled to the 48th biennial convention for Gamma Sigma Epsilon (GSE) and society centennial celebration at Davidson College, in Davidson, North Carolina, Friday, Nov. 8, through Sunday, Nov. 10.
GSE is a national chemistry honor society that promotes academic excellence and undergraduate research scholarship in chemistry. Waynesburg’s University’s chapter, Rho Iota, originated in 2007. The purpose of the convention, which meets once every two years, is to have all active chapters (over 70) convene for governance, fellowship and scientific exchange. Each chapter designates one voting delegate to vote on issues for the society.
All students attending have the opportunity to present their research projects at a poster session. Both Bruffy and Wilson presented their undergraduate research projects and received a $50 John F. Conn Award. Bruffy was also chosen for her outstanding poster presentation and received the W. Allan Powell award and an additional $100. In addition, a special chapter award of $200 is presented to the "Outstanding Chapter" whose activities are documented by a poster presentation, in which Waynesburg University’s chapter won.
“Many of activities presented on the poster are those that the members of GSE participate in alongside of the student affiliate members of the American Chemical Society,” stated Dr. Heidi Fletcher, GSE chapter advisor. “These activities serve as an opportunity to do outreach in the community by incorporating Waynesburg University’s mission of making connections between faith, learning and serving."
