Posted on Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Four Westminster College students have received grants to further their undergraduate research from the Drinko Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning.
"Enhancing opportunities for undergraduate research is an important component of the work of the Drinko Center in enriching undergraduate education," said Dr. Virginia Tomlinson, Westminster College associate professor of sociology and director of the Drinko Center. "The Undergraduate Research Initiative provides funding for students to conduct research and to present their research at regional and national conferences. So far this year ten students have been awarded research grants."
The following Westminster College students have recently received undergraduate research grants.
Wexford, PA
Valerie Kokai is a daughter of John and Linda Kokai. Kokai, a senior chemistry major, is a graduate of North Allegheny High School. Kokai will use the grant to further her research on "Soy-Based Dental Composite Materials: A Green Chemistry Synthesis."
Verona, PA
Amber McCauslin is a daughter of Rodger and Darlene Jane McCauslin. McCauslin, a senior biology major, is a graduate of Penn Hills High School. McCauslin will use the grant to further her research on "The Natural Variation of Plasma Leptin Concentration as it Correlates to Blood Pressure in Zucker Rats: Is it Independent of Obesity?"
Slippery Rock, PA
Colby King is a son of William and Belinda King. King, a senior political science major, is a graduate of Slippery Rock Area High School. King will use the grant to further his research on "Big Issues in a Small Town: Cultural Interaction in the Allegany Indian Reservation/Salamanca Case."
Brookfield, IL
Jeffrey Ammons is a son of Jeffrey and Jeanette Ammons. Ammons, a senior history major, is a graduate of Riverside-Brookfield High School. Ammons will use the grant to cover the expenses involved in his reseach on "Give Me That Old Time Religion: A Historical and Legal Analysis of the Teaching of Evolution, Creationism, and Intelligent Design in American Public Schools."
The Drinko Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning was developed to advance world-class teaching at Westminster and enrich K-12 education through outreach programs for area educators.
Contact Tomlinson at (724) 946-6097 or by e-mail tomlinvm@westminster.edu or visit www.westminster.edu/drinko for more information.
