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Marquis Scholars Scott Crown ’08 (Effort, Pa.) and Ashley Jermusyk ’08 (Miller Place, N.Y.) presented their recent research at the American Institute of Chemical Engineers’ (AIChE) annual meeting Nov. 11-13 in San Francisco, Calif.
Crown collaborated with Patricia Darcy, assistant professor of chemical engineering, and Marquis Scholar Matthew Ide ’08 (Durham, Conn.) on EXCEL Scholars research entitled “Enzyme Adsorption Kinetics at the Air/Fluid Interface.” Crown and Ide, both chemical engineering majors, also are collaborating with Darcy on another project to examine the toxic effects of ionic liquids on different yeast species.
In Lafayette’s distinctive EXCEL Scholars program, students conduct research with faculty while earning a stipend. The program has helped to make Lafayette a national leader in undergraduate research. Many of the more than 160 students who participate each year share their work through articles in academic journals and/or conference presentations.
Aside from presenting his research, Crown also attended various workshops on issues related to student chapters of AIChE. He enjoyed meeting representatives of other institutions.
“Most important to me was the opportunity to present research at the student poster competition,” he says. “I learned how to formally present technical research to other colleagues in the field. The most difficult part was answering the questions people asked. In addition, the conference offered a multitude of opportunities to meet other students, faculty from other schools, and graduate school admissions staff. Networking is extremely important, especially in the research aspect of any field.”
Crown is a past recipient of the Chemical Rubber Company Freshman Achievement Award, which is presented to the most outstanding first-year student in general chemistry. He also spent a semester abroad in Bremen, Germany last spring with five other Lafayette students, studying engineering, German language and literature, and politics.
Jermusyk collaborated with Samuel Morton, assistant professor of chemical engineering, on EXCEL research entitled “Measurement and Prediction of Octanol-Water Partition Coefficients for Selected Room Temperature Ionic Liquids.” Jermusyk also is working with Morton on independent study research to explore the use of algae for biodiesel fuel.
The AIChE meeting was Jermusyk’s first time sharing her research with those outside Lafayette, and she found it a rewarding and beneficial experience.
“I was able to learn more about ionic liquids – my area of research,” she says. “This was a unique opportunity to hear research conducted by professionals in this area.”
Jermusyk participated in a three-week study abroad trip to Russia and Poland to learn about the Holocaust and World War II experiences of veterans and survivors and to study the effects of communism on post-communist countries. She also is a member of Newman Association, College Orchestra, and Field Hockey Club.
Chosen from among Lafayette’s most promising applicants, Marquis Scholars like Crown, Ide, and Jermusyk receive a special academic scholarship and distinctive educational experiences and benefits. This includes a three-week, Lafayette-funded course abroad or in the United States during January’s interim session between semesters or the summer break. Marquis Scholars also participate in mentoring programs with Lafayette faculty and cultural activities in major cities and on campus.
As a national leader in undergraduate research, Lafayette sends one of the largest contingents to the National Conference on Undergraduate Research each year. Forty students were accepted to present their research at this year’s conference.