The Westminster College Drinko Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning awarded undergraduate research grants to Natasha Kassim and Nicholas Mizenko, Westminster College junior biochemistry majors.

The students will present their research, "Fluorescence Flow System for Near Real-Time Analysis of Protein Confirmational Changes: Effects of Microwave and Conventional Heating," at the International Microwaves in Chemistry Conference May 13-16 in Cambridge, Mass. Their adviser is Dr. Helen Boylan, Westminster College associate professor of chemistry.

Kassim, a graduate of Canfield High School, is a daughter of Laurie Kassim of Canfield, Ohio.

Mizenko, a graduate of Highland High School, is a son of Nicholas Mizenko and Jeanette Porvbovich-Mizenko of Medina, Ohio.

"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 over 80 students have been awarded grants to conduct and present research."

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