Research in Chemistry
One of the greatest opportunities St. Lawrence offers its undergraduates is the chance to do original research in faculty laboratories. Participating in research allows a student to experience the joy of discovery firsthand, an opportunity to see the scientific process in action, and the chance to become better acquainted with a faculty member whom can serve as a mentor to the student.
Faculty members at St. Lawrence are actively engaged in research and enjoy mentoring undergraduates. A number of opportunities exist for students to participate in independent study with a faculty member at St. Lawrence. Here are some of the highlights of our undergraduate research programs.
Other Biochemistry and Chemistry Research Opportunities
Opportunities also exist for undergraduate students to participate in research projects & summer internships at other locations during the summer. Summer Research Opportunities contains a list of available opportunities - the list is continuously updated during late fall and winter
Also, you may want to check out this NSF guide for undergraduate researchers.
Department Host Students Doing Summer 2022 Research
The following five students worked with Dr. Samuel Tartakoff.
Emma Rothe, Summer SLU Fellow – Investigation of the Wagner-Jauregg: improving reaction conditions and expanding dienophile scope.
Leah Biwot, Summer SLU Fellow – Design and synthesis of novel acridine-based DNA interchalators inspired by proflavine.
Leana Dickhens, Clare Boothe Luce Fellow – Exploration of oxygen-rich dienes in the Wagner-Jauregg reaction: studies towards morphine analogues.
Melinda Barath, Clare Boothe Luce Fellow – Isolation and quantification of astaxanthin pigments in Adirondack zooplankton.
Madison Ruggiera, Summer LAS Fellow – Design and synthesis of novel, water-soluble DNA interchalators.
Summer 2021: No summer research due to COVID-related changes in the academic calendar.
Department Host Students Doing Summer 2020 Research
Seven students joined St. Lawrence faculty members to work in the Chemistry department for the summer.
Rachel Siegel worked with Dr. Samantha Glazier and investigated the development of sensors to detect TNT.
Leo Romanetz worked with Dr. Samantha Glazier and developed experimental and data analysis methods to study the kinetics of DNA binding by antibacterial drugs.
Aseman Bagheri Sheshdeh worked with Dr. Samantha Glazier and reviewed research on several aspects of the COVID pandemic including public health policies and different approaches to vaccine development.
Beinan Yang worked with Dr. Sam Tartakoff on designing and proposing a total synthesis of naturally occurring organic molecules, which had recently been isolated from a Middle-Eastern herb.
Shiqi Xie worked with Dr. Amanda Oldacre and was writing sections of a review paper for electrochemical proton-coupled electron transfer. Recent advances in the field of electrochemical PCET warrants a new review.
Chyanne Turner worked with Dr. Amanda Oldacre with writing sections of a grant proposal for the American Chemical Society Petroleum Research Fund. The project proposed the use of modified petroleum coke as an electrode/electrocatalyst for nitrogen fixation.
Stephanie Merwin worked with Dr. Amanda Oldacre with writing sections of a grant proposal for the National Science Foundation. The project proposed biologically-inspired catalysts to degrade microplastic pollutants.
Department Host Students Doing Summer 2019 Research
Four students have joined St. Lawrence faculty mentors to work in the Chemistry Department for Summer 2019.
Jack Greene is working with Dr. Adam Hill, using infrared spectroscopy to study the structure of metal pairs bonded to the surfaces of silica nanoparticles. Here, he prepares a sample in the department’s nitrogen-filled glovebox.
Nicole Panek is majoring in Mathematics, and is working with Dr. Adam Hill to bring graph theory and density functional theory together to study the ring-like structures of silica networks and how those rings influence the behaviors of metal pairs.
Heinrich Salzmann is using the department’s pulsed laser system to measure the time evolution of light emitted from metal pairs. His work with Dr. Adam Hill will influence the design of renewable energy devices.
Cory Couture is working Dr. Judith Nagel-Myers in Geology to study the amounts of metals in shells collected from the region and from far away, better understanding changes in metals in water over time.
