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After completing a class project on biodegradable materials, Bonnie Hoy ’07 (Smithville, N.J.) became fascinated with the subject.
The chemical engineering major began more extensive research on Alcaligenes eutrophus,atype of bacteria that produces a biodegradable polymer, last semester and is continuing that research through an independent study project. Hoy is considering studying material science or biochemical engineering in graduate school.
Bonnie Hoy (left) with Polly Piergiovanni
“Last semester, I spent the time establishing a procedure,” she says. “This semester, however, I am feeding the bacteria different types of organic acids in order to produce polymers with different characteristics. This project means a lot to me because this is an area that I think I may want to specialize in.”
Hoy is glad to work with faculty adviser Polly Piergiovanni, associate professor of chemical engineering, on the project. A specialist in biochemical engineering, Piergiovanni researches cell-dependent problems that have applications in pharmaceutical and biochemical industries. She has advised over 25 students, published 13 papers, and presented at 22 conferences, including those of the American Society for Engineering Education, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, and the International Chemical Congress of Pacific Basin Societies. Piergiovanni received National Science Foundation grants in both 1992 and 2002.
“She is an extremely qualified mentor, and she is well-versed in this area in general,” Hoy says. “She also is a very caring mentor. She spends almost as much time as I do making sure that everything goes as well as it is able to. She worked very hard to get a grant for better equipment so that I could obtain better results, and we got the grant money.”
Hoy points out that her work in chemical engineering has been a rewarding challenge.
“I don’t think I have ever worked so hard in my entire life,” she says. “This major is absolutely difficult, and it comes with a boat-load of work! However, I am absolutely pleased, and the work surely is paying off.”
For Hoy, Lafayette’s small class sizes and supportive atmosphere for undergraduate research have significantly eased the burden.
“I absolutely feel that Lafayette is a wonderful place to major in [chemical] engineering,” she says. “Since this concentration is very difficult, it is very helpful to have small classes at a small school. I think that it is very important that professors know each of their students, and they do. They know each of our unique learning habits, which they try to accommodate during lectures, and they know us individually. It’s much easier to get help or a better understanding of a particular subject from a professor. Lafayette students who are aspiring engineers have such wonderful resources. We get lots of hands-on experience in our well-equipped labs.”
Hoy served a summer internship at Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., a Pennsylvania-based worldwide supplier of industrial gases and equipment. She received the Lehigh Valley Section of the ASM Award, given annually to the student who has attained the most impressive record in an introductory materials course. She is a mathematics tutor, member of Crew Club, and resident adviser for Delta Gamma sorority. She is a graduate of The Norwich Free Academy.
As a national leader in undergraduate research, Lafayette sends one of the largest contingents to the National Conference on Undergraduate Research each year. Thirty-nine students were accepted to present their research at this year’s conference.