°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê

Hometown: Hamburg, Pennsylvania
Major: Chemistry
Minor: Gender and Women's Studies
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Emily Harcourt

Why a chemistry major?
"I had passion for the class in high school, and I reasoned that a job in a chemistry field would always be interesting."

My CBL project in brief:
 I'm synthesizing a new compound that is important in biochemical processes.My initial reaction wasn't producing high yields, so I substituted a chemical that is similar to my reagents in order to produce a product that is comparable to the the intended compound so I can study it using NMR.

Most rewarding part of my CBL experience:
It's being able to get so much hands-on experience and using the different equipment in the lab.

Other career-related experience:
I worked virtually in a biochemistry lab at SUNY Upstate Medical University in the spring 2021 semester. I also had a Research Experience for Undergraduates opportunity in the summer of 2021 working on an organic synthesis research project at the University of Southern Mississippi.

On campus involvement:
I'm heavily involved in the chemistry department, from setting up the organic and general chemistry labs to tutoring in the Student Success Center.

After °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê:
I'd like to attend graduate school and earn a Ph.D. in chemistry. After that, I'd like to pursue a career in research, and possibly become a college professor.

Learn more about Ashley’s experience as a CBL Research Scholar.

Hometown: Liverpool, New York
Major: Chemistry
Faculty mentor: Dr. Joseph Mullins

My CBL project in brief:
My CBL project aims to synthesize novel derivatives of curcumin in an effort to find molecules possessing a variety of medicinal properties. The objective is to ultimately alkylate and purify different carbocyclic curcuminoids to obtain unique substructures that are otherwise unknown and could hold valuable properties in pharmacology.

Most rewarding part of my CBL experience:
The most rewarding part of my CBL experience thus far has been working under the guidance of my mentor and learning how to work independently in the lab setting.

Other career-related experience:
I have worked for the chemistry department at °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê as a laboratory assistant since January 2022, gaining experience in preparing solutions, setting up experiments, and following safety procedures for handling hazardous chemicals.

On campus involvement:
On campus, I strive to remain intellectually engaged, inspired by my peers, and connected to my community. I am a member of the Integral Honors Program and ERIE21, in addition to becoming an Organic Chemistry Workshop Leader this academic year. These involvements offer the opportunity to establish connections with students who share similar ambitions and to explore different possibilities for my future after graduating from °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê.

After °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê:
After graduating from °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê, I hope to attend graduate school for organic chemistry and potentially pursue a career in research.

as a CBL Research Scholar.

Hometown: Hilton, NY
Major: Chemistry
Minor: Mathematics
Faculty mentor: Dr. Joseph Mullins

My CBL project in brief:
The urea functional group is a structural feature in many compounds that demonstrate promise for the treatment of neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. Such derivatives have been studied for pain remediation and for other central nervous system (CNS) disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. Diaromatic ureas are relatively simple molecules that have activity across a spectrum of CNS disorders. We are synthesizing and purifying diaromatic urea molecules as potential therapeutics for such CNS disorders by modifying substituents on the arene rings, which modulate properties. 

Most rewarding part of my CBL experience:
It’s doing something I love, while working on a project that can potentially help others. Through this experience I see myself grow and become more independent with guidance and support from a mentor who wants me to succeed.

Other career-related experience:
I completed an REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) at Syracuse University in the summer of 2021, doing research on forming holographic gratings by photopolymerization for quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor applications, as well as learning to write our own Python program.

On campus involvement:
I’m a mentor for Stempower, involved in various academic and fun clubs, attend Bingo on Fridays, and participate in many of the trips and activities the campus offers.

After °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê:
I plan to attend graduate school for chemistry, ideally at the University of Rochester, and then work in the forensic science field, perhaps at the Monroe County (NY) Crime Lab.

as a CBL Research Scholar.

Hometown: Cicero, NY
Major: Chemistry
Minor: Psychology
Faculty mentor: Dr. Joseph Mullins

Why a chemistry major:
I’ve been fascinated with it since my high school chemistry class and my AP Chemistry class in senior year. It’s been a perfect fit for me at °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê!

My CBL project in brief:
As a 2020-2021 CBL Scholar, I applied principles of rational drug design in an effort to find curcumin derivatives that are effective against a treatment-resistant form of breast cancer. In 2021-22, I’m building on this work with a continued focus on synthesizing curcuminoids and method development. Curcuminoids have shown to possess anti-cancer properties against certain types of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2), a protein that promotes the growth of cancer cells.

Most rewarding part of my CBL experience:
It’s the relationships that I build and strengthen with members of the Chemistry community here at °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê. With °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê being a small college, I interact with other CBL scholars and my mentor on an almost daily basis. As a result, I have been able to meet new people and become involved in campus life.

Other career-related experience:
This is my second year as a CBL Research Scholar.

Campus Involvement:
I assist Dr. Mullins with demonstrations (and clean up) for his class, CHS 339: Science and World War II, and help my friend with workshop/chemistry lab set up.

After °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê:
I’d like to focus on synthetic organic chemistry and earn a master’s degree or Ph.D. I’d love to teach organic chemistry and I’m eager to continue spending time in the lab, either in higher education or in the pharmaceuticals or skincare/cosmetics industry.

as a 2021-2022 CBL Research Scholar.

Hometown: Gansevoort, NY
Major: Chemistry
Minor: Criminology
Faculty mentor:

Why a chemistry major:
I want to become a forensic analyst, which requires a bachelor’s degree in a natural science, and I really enjoyed chemistry in high school.

My CBL project in brief:
My project involves creating a ligand to produce complexes with various metals. These complexes are set to be used for a thin film electronic chip which is found in all electronics, including mobile phones and laptops.

Most rewarding part of my CBL experience:
It’s working with Dr. O’Brien to explore new ideas and having an influential role in determining the direction of our project.

Other career-related experience:
I completed an REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) at Syracuse University in the summer of 2021 where we worked on Air Force-funded research for gunshot wound technology. Also, I assisted with a project on a hydrogel for Crohn’s fistulas. Both projects were biochemistry related, but I worked on their chemistry aspects.

Campus involvement:
I’m involved in a few clubs and organizations on campus, including ERIE21, Stempower, Chronic Illness Awareness Club, Peace Action Le Moyne, and Manresa. Beyond campus, I volunteer for a Syracuse-area organization that provides food, hygiene products, and clothing to the homeless.

After °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê:
I plan to pursue a master’s degree in Forensic Science through °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê’s 4+1 partnership with Syracuse University. Afterward, I’d to work as a Forensic Toxicologist in either criminal cases or in the cases of DUI or DWI incidents.

as a CBL Research Scholar.