Duquesne University Times

Undergraduate Students Spend Summer Vacation in Science Research

Posted on May 25, 2011

The Bayer School, working with the National Science Foundation, kicked off Duquesne’s summer Undergraduate Research Program this week, continuing to connect students with exciting, real-world science research projects. The 47-student group is one of the largest in the program’s 12-year history and will be on campus through July 29.

 

“The best way to get students enthusiastic about a scientific career is to provide a learning environment rich in opportunities for scientific discovery and meaningful contributions to society,” explained Dr. Jeffrey D. Evanseck, professor of theoretical biophysical and physical organic chemistry in the Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Sciences.

The Duquesne students are joined by others from 13 colleges, including Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), Slippery Rock and Wheeling Jesuit University, and as far away as Florida International University and Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis.

“They don’t always have these opportunities in their own institutions,” said Philip Clarke, director of student services for the Bayer School “Working collaboratively with their faculty mentors is part of the experience they receive.”

When possible, students are matched with faculty from their own schools, so the strong student-mentor bond continues during the school year. Students are trained on the fundamentals of molecular modeling, and the use of state-of-the-art computational facilities and modern software.

The program’s laboratory projects are headed by Duquesne faculty in biology, chemistry and biochemistry, forensic science and law, and pharmacy. Some of the research experiences being explored by the students include nanotechnology, homeland security, advanced instrumentation, alternative energy research, semiconductor materials and pharmaceutical drug design.

Students will also attend seminars about career opportunities, and volunteer for community service at Wingfield Pines, the Murphy’s Bottom Ecological Project or the Frick Environmental Center.

Ethics training for the students culminates at a final ethics symposium on June 24 at the University of Pittsburgh, attended by over 120 summer research undergraduates from Duquesne, University of Pittsburgh, CMU and the Pittsburgh Tissue Engineering Initiative. The Summer Research Symposium will be on July 29, where more than 100 students will present their research in poster format or as oral presentations.