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Student Receives Grant for Undergraduate Research Presentation

Posted on Thursday, February 21, 2008

The Westminster College Drinko Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning awarded an undergraduate research grant to Michael Gorka, a senior chemistry major, to present his research at the American Chemical Society national meeting April 6-8 in New Orleans.

Gorka is a son of John and Kathy Gorka of Erie and a graduate of McDowell High School. He will present "Microwave Assisted Synthesis of Tetrahydrofuran via Acid Catalyzed Cyclodehydration of 1,4-butanediol."

Dr. Peter Smith, Westminster College assistant professor of chemistry, is his faculty adviser.

"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 66 students have been awarded grants to conduct and present research."

All grant recipients are invited to participate in the Undergraduate Research Symposium held on campus April 19.

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