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Marquis Scholar Sandra Rodriguez ’08 (Mendham, N.J.) presented research at the 58th Pittsburgh Conference on Analytical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy (Pittcon), which ran Feb. 25 – March 1 in Chicago, Ill.
Started in 1950, Pittcon is the world’s largest and most comprehensive conference and exposition devoted to laboratory science. It attracts more than 20,000 attendees from industry, academia, and government from 80 countries worldwide.
Rodriguez presented a project she worked on over the summer and fall semester of 2006 with Tina Huang, assistant professor of chemistry, entitled “The Effect of Water-Soluble Carbon Nanotubes on the Oligomeric Structure of Proteins.”
“I was a bit nervous since it was my first big poster session. I had presented at local American Chemical Society division meetings, but never at a large conference. At the same time, I knew it was going to be a good experience,” says the biochemistry major.
Rodriguez’s project is part of Huang’s research program investigating the effects of nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes and nanoparticles, on the structure and function of biological molecules, such as protein. Rodriguez presented the results of the study in which she used atomic force microscopy – a technique used to produce images of particles at the nanoscale – to image protein on gold surfaces.
“Dr. Huang is a wonderful adviser,” says Rodriguez. “Since I began research with her, I feel I have gained valuable laboratory experience. She does an excellent job of guiding me in the lab, as well as giving me enough freedom to carry out experiments in areas that interest me.”
They have been collaborating through Lafayette’s distinctive EXCEL Scholars program in which 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.
“It has been great working with Sandra,” says Huang. “She is very cheerful, sincere, diligent, and productive. Since she began working with me as an EXCEL Scholar, she has been continuously working on the same project and is very independent and inquisitive, and follows directions well.”
Huang believes that conference presentations are beneficial in helping a student progress academically.
“I think it is a good motivation for students to be able to present at conferences,” she says. “It gives them a tremendous amount of satisfaction to see their work in a coherent form, and the interaction they have with other students and established scientists is truly an invaluable experience. It really helps them to see how scientific research is conducted and enables them to realize that there is this scientific community out in the real world. They also get an opportunity to see that what they do in the research setting is related to real-world applications.”
Rodriguez believes Lafayette provides a positive environment for student research.
“Lafayette is a small school with valuable opportunities for its students,” says Rodriguez. “One of the reasons I choose to attend Lafayette was because I knew that, unlike a large university, I would have the opportunity to interact with my professors on a personal level. The opportunities Lafayette offers undergraduate students are also unique because at most institutions, students do not have the opportunity to carry out such research until their junior or senior years.”
Huang believes research experiences are essential in an academic setting.
“I feel research opportunities are important because of the additional hands-on experience the students gain, and this in turn gives Lafayette students an added advantage when they are competing for jobs or applying to graduate schools,” she says. “Also, in a research setting, they are in the position to learn techniques they otherwise would not be able to in a classroom setting.”
As for her EXCEL experience, Rodriguez knows that it, along with her other academic endeavors, will aid her in the future.
“I have gained a lot of valuable experience by being an EXCEL Scholar at Lafayette that I know will be useful as I pursue a professional career in the sciences or medicine upon graduation,” she says.
Rodriguez is a teaching assistant for general chemistry and peer tutor. She is also a member of College Choir. She is a past recipient of Lafayette’s Dr. Eugene Deloatch ‘59 Award for First-Year Achievement.
Chosen from among Lafayette’s most promising applicants, Marquis Scholars, like Rodriguez, 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 last year’s conference.