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Chemical engineering major Bill Pyrz ’04 (Harleysville, Pa.) presented yearlong independent research at national and regional conferences last month that may bring insights into how to synthesize new drug delivery vehicles.
Pyrz is conducting honors research on the self-assembly of molecules in hopes of determining the effect those structures have on the properties of certain compounds. Guided by James Ferri, assistant professor of chemical engineering, Pyrz’s research may have implications for a number of technologies.
He presented his work at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research (NCUR), hosted April 15-17 by Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, and at a conference held April 2-3 by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers at Cornell University. He was among 42 Lafayette students invited to present their research at NCUR.
“I’m using computer simulations to study the behavior of model chemical molecules called dimers by varying their density and interaction energies,” says Pyrz. “Basically, I’m trying to understand when and under what conditions they exhibit a particular microstructure. I’m hoping to understand what drives the transitions and various geometries that are formed.”
The process of self-assembly and the geometry of the aggregate microstructure have implications for science and technology in a number of ways, including the synthesis of sustained drug delivery vehicles,photonic materials (components in telecommunications, detector technologies, and lasers) and nanostructured catalysts (those at the atomic, molecular or macromolecular level).
“This is the first important step in research to determine how molecules establish their complex geometric structures,” explains Ferri. “Bill’s research ultimately leads to methods to determine sustained delivery of drug delivery systems. For example, after taking a pill, there’s an initial spike in medicine administered followed by a decrease as the drug is released in the body. The ultimate goal is to synthesize drugs so they are delivered in a more effective and constant manner.”
Pyrz, who is considering a career in the pharmaceutical industry, is pleased to have the opportunity to engage in broader research on this topic.
“What excites me about this work are the potential applications of it. I also am gaining expertise in a field that few know about,” he says. “It’s rare to do this kind of hands-on, in-depth work at an undergraduate level.”
He credits his mentor with guiding him and encouraging him to pursue these opportunities.
“Professor Ferri is very dedicated and driven. He’s easy to approach and very knowledgeable about this field,” he says. “He is motivated and passionate about his work and very qualified.”
Pyrz received Lafayette’s American Institute of Chemical Engineers Donald F. Othmer Award, given to the junior majoring in chemical engineering who has attained the highest grade point average for two years. He also is a recipient of Lafayette’s Dr. E.L. McMillen-K.K. Malhotra ’49 Prize, awarded to juniors who have attained a high cumulative average in chemical engineering and demonstrated a high level of proficiency in the Unit Operations Laboratory.
Pyrz served an externship at Colgate-Palmolive, Piscataway, N.J., shadowing John Labows ’63, director of technology. He is a member of the Tau Beta Pi engineering honor society, the student chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, and the Chi Phi fraternity. He also participates in intramural sports.