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When Marquis Scholar Gretel Raibeck ’03 (Albrightsville, Pa.) sits down at a computer, she rarely thinks about beating hearts or semiconductors, but her research work could affect both in the future.
Raibeck, a chemical engineering major, began working on two computer-simulation projects during the January interim session between semesters and is continuing her research this semester. She is learning as an EXCEL Scholar with Kenneth Haug, assistant professor of chemistry.
In the first project, Raibeck examined the onset of oscillation in certain chemical reactions. “I was looking at different starting conditions and different rates to see which would actually cause oscillation,” says.
Haug says such research can help scientists understand a number of “real-world” events, including the biology that keeps human hearts beating regularly.
Raibeck is currently exploring how hydrogen affects the smoothness of nickel surfaces — work that has applications in the manufacture of semiconductor and magnetic devices.
“I have an affinity for computer programs,” she says simply.
Haug says Raibeck excels both “from the scientific end and the computational and visual graphics end.”
“She’s been a very quick study in terms of these projects,” he adds. “And, she’s been very diligent about carrying out her work.”
A graduate of Jim Thorpe Area High School, Raibeck worked on an environmental management system for Blue Ridge Pressure Castings, Lehighton, Pa., two summers ago. Over this interim session between regular semesters, Raibeck participated in the alumni externship program, shadowing Richard Coleman ’71, an environmental chemist at HawkMtn labs, West Hazleton, an independent laboratory specializing in a variety of environmental testing and related services.
She is program director of WJRH (campus radio station) and a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority and the student chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. She also plays trumpet in the pep band.
A National Leader in Undergraduate Research. Gretel Raibeck ’03 coauthored an article in Journal of Physical Chemistry with Kenneth Haug, associate professor of chemistry.