The Westminster College Drinko Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning has awarded grants to two students to continue their undergraduate research.

"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 eight students have been awarded grants to conduct research."

The students who have received awards are:

Michael Gorka, a senior chemistry major, is a son of John and Kathy Gorka of Erie and a graduate of McDowell High School. He will apply the grant to continue research on "Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Tetrahydrofuran via Acid-Catalyzed Cyclodehydration of 1,4-Butanediol."

Brandi Weigand, a junior chemistry major, is a daughter of William and Kathleen Weigand of Allison Park and a graduate of Hampton High School. She will use the grant to further her research on "Luminescence of Lanthanide Complexes Containing Bromo-Schiff-Base Derived Ligands."

Both students are working with Dr. Peter Smith, Westminster College assistant professor of chemistry.

All grant recipients are invited to participate in the Undergraduate Research Symposium held on campus in the spring.

Contact Tomlinson at (724) 946-6033 or e-mail tomlinvm@westminster.edu or visit www.westminster.edu/drinko for additional information.