Senior Chemistry Major Received Undergraduate Research Grant

Monica Hall, a Westminster College senior chemistry major, received an Undergraduate Research Grant from Westminster's Drinko Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning.

Hall's research, "Detecting the Presence of Brettanomyces in Concord Wines by SPME GC-MS," is conducted under the supervision of Dr. Sarah Kennedy, Westminster visiting assistant professor of chemistry and a 2002 Westminster graduate.

The abstract for the paper explained: "Solid phase microextraction (SPME) is a developing technique that focuses on extracting specific analytes according to their molecular weight and polarity. In this experiment, we are coupling SPME techniques with gas chromatography mass spectrum (GC-MS) for separation and analysis of 4-ethylguaiacol and 4-ethylphenol in Northwestern Pennsylvania Concord wines. The fiber absorbs the compounds of interest by being placed in the head space of the sample, and then when inserted into the GC-MS, the high temperature at the injection site will desorb the compounds that were absorbed onto the fiber. The GC will separate the analytes and any other contaminates that were absorbed according to their boiling points, and the MS will detect the samples according to their molecular weight."

"We are excited to use this new SPME GC-MS technique to analyze local wine varieties for Brettanomyces contamination," Kennedy said. "This research will add valuable information to the fields of analytical chemistry and enology. Wine makers generally test for this yeast by other methods, so we will be able to compare our results using the latest technology with more traditional testing methods."

The Drinko Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning was created to enrich undergraduate education at Westminster through advancing world-class teaching as well as by participating in collaborations that address community and regional needs including strengthening K-12 education. The Undergraduate Research Initiative provides funding for students to conduct research and to present their research at regional and national conferences.

Contact Kennedy at (724) 946-7294 or e-mail kennedsa@westminster.edu for more information. Visit www.westminster.edu/drinko for additional information about the Drinko Center.