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Biochemistry major Michelle Ferguson ’04 (Wallingford, Conn.) is conducting research this summer that may have long-term implications for producing a potential renewable energy resource. She is working as an EXCEL Scholar with David Husic, associate professor and head of chemistry, to discover how certain algae produce glycerol.
Says Husic, “We’re studying a mutant strain of unicellular green algae named Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and its response to high-saline environments.”
When salt levels in the algae’s environment are higher than normal, this algae produces glycerol, a starting material used in many pharmaceutical and industrial applications that is most commonly petroleum based. According to Husic, producing glycerin from this algae, a common ingredient in soaps and shampoos, is “very far down the road.” However, the research is offering new insights into the algae’s biochemistry.
For Ferguson, the work has expanded her knowledge of chemistry by tapping into a new branch within the discipline.
“I have never done any research similar to this, so it is very exciting to learn all of the techniques and to have new projects,” she says. “My previous research was in organometallics with Chip Nataro, assistant professor of chemistry. Because the fields that I have worked in differ so much, I have been able to see the variance in techniques as well as how each branch of chemistry builds upon the information that you already know.”
A Trustee Scholarship recipient, Ferguson is especially struck by the atmosphere of collaboration encouraged at Lafayette.
“Dr. Husic has been a wonderful mentor,” she says. “With EXCEL, I feel that the students become more like colleagues to the professors than their apprentices. The EXCEL program was the reason that I chose Lafayette over the other schools that I applied to. It is incredible for undergraduate students to be presented with so many opportunities to take part in research. The professors at Lafayette are unbelievably eager to have their students work with them, and unlike a classroom laboratory, the students are able to have some independence.”
She adds, “Lafayette realizes how important student research is in college, and it shows through the faculty and the incredible facilities in Hugel Science Center. I have never seen such incredible labs, and the EXCEL students have access to everything they could possibly need.”
Ferguson, who plans to attend graduate school and earn a Ph.D. in biochemistry, feels this research is good preparation for her future.
“My career plans are to continue with research and hopefully get a job where I can perform biochemical research,” she says. “I had always known that I wanted to do something connected to chemistry and biology, and the combination of the two through biochemistry is perfect. However, as I learn to work with the algae, there are so many fascinating things about them that are still undiscovered. I could definitely picture myself continuing this type of research in graduate school.”
In addition to a productive research environment that encourages creativity and team building, Ferguson notes that the collegial atmosphere in the chemistry department extends beyond academics.
“Our chemistry department is wonderful in not only encouraging the experiences within the lab, but also those outside the lab. The chemistry department has weekly activities, such as picnics, mini-golfing, and even attending baseball games in New York City. The activities are not just for the students; many professors and their families also attend, so the students and faculty become very close,” she says. “Also, we are starting to have lunches once a week, in which each week a different student will present information about the research that they are doing. This way students can see what other research opportunities are within the chemistry department.”
A graduate of Sheehan High School, Ferguson is a member of the choir and Madrigal Singers, and is co-secretary of Lafayette’s chapter of the American Chemical Society. She will also be a teacher’s assistant in the general chemistry lab this fall, and was a recent participant in the Intercollegiate Student Chemists Convention, where she presented information about the research she conducted during the January interim session and spring semester.
Michelle Ferguson ’04, a biochemistry major, studies ways glycerol is produced by algae in EXCEL Scholars research with H. David Husic, associate professor of chemistry and head of chemistry.