Seniors Presented Research at National Chemistry Conference
Posted on Thursday, March 18, 2010
Five Westminster College senior chemistry and biochemistry majors presented their research at the Pittsburgh Conference on Analytical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy (Pittcon) Feb. 28-March 5 in Orlando, Fla.
Chemistry major Gavin Buckholtz presented his senior research, "Using Microwave Heating to Promote the Heck Reaction." The Heck reaction, a reaction often used in the pharmaceutical industry and in the production of specialty chemicals, is an energy-intensive process. In collaboration with junior chemistry major Emily Landis; Dr. Peter Smith, Westminster associate professor of chemistry; and Dr. Larry Miller, Westminster visiting assistant professor of chemistry, Buckholtz studied the efficiency of the Heck reaction using microwave irradiation in comparison with the traditional approach using external contact heating.
Buckholtz is a son of Jeffrey and Julie Buckholtz of Franklin and a graduate of Cranberry Area High School.
Landis is a daughter of Carl and Janine Landis of New Waterford, Ohio, and a graduate of Crestview High School.
Biochemistry major Stephanie Gollos presented "Analysis of 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine in Different Local Beverages by Quantitative Chromatographic Techniques." The research goal was to quantify the caffeine, or 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine, content in a variety of beverages available on campus. Gollos' senior research was supervised by Dr. Pertti Viskari, Westminster visiting assistant professor of chemistry.
Gollos is a daughter of Julie Gollos of Frederick, Md., and Harold Gollos of Gaithersburg, Md. She is a graduate of West Allegheny High School.
Chemistry major Monica Hall presented "Determination of 4-ethylguaiacol and 4-ethylphenol in Northwest Pennsylvania Concord Wines." A specific yeast has become a growing problem to wineries nationwide by producing the compounds 4-ethylguaiacol and 4- ethylphenol. These compounds negatively affect the wine's aroma and taste. This research combined previous analysis technique with solid phase microextraction to test for the presence of the compounds. Hall's senior research was supervised by Dr. Sarah Kennedy, Westminster visiting assistant professor of chemistry.
Hall is a daughter of John and Patricia Hall of Beaver and a graduate of Beaver Area High School.
Biochemistry and political science major Natasha Kassim presented "Characterization of Nanoparticles Synthesized via Conventional Microwave-Assisted vs. Simultaneous Heating and Cooling (SiHCo) Methods." SiHCo is a novel microwave synthesis method that cools a sample during microwave irradiation. This technique has been used with some organic syntheses, but had not been utilized for nanoparticle syntheses. This study compares zinc nanoparticles synthesized using the traditional microwave-assisted method and those synthesized with SiHCo. Kassim's Honors research was supervised by Dr. Helen Boylan, Westminster associate professor of chemistry.
Kassim is a daughter of Laurie Kassim of Canfield, Ohio, and a graduate of Canfield High School.
Biochemistry major Nicholas Mizenko presented "Analysis and Comparison of Protein Conformational Changes Caused by Microwave and Conventional Heating Methods." There is some debate about whether microwave radiation negatively impacts biological molecules. This study utilized fluorescence spectroscopy and hydroxyl radical footprinting techniques to investigate potential microwave effects on protein structure. Mizenko's senior research project was conducted in collaboration with Kassim, Boylan, and junior biochemistry major Ryan Konik.
Mizenko is a son of Nicholas Mizenko and Jeanette Porvbovich-Mizenko of Medina, Ohio, and a graduate of Highland High School.
Konik is a son of David and Terrie Konik of Youngstown, Ohio, and a graduate of Canfield High School.
Buckholtz, Hall, Kassim, and Mizenko received travel/presentation grants from Westminster's Drinko Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning and served as student aides throughout the conference.
Boylan, who attended the conference with the students, is part of the organizing committee for the conference and serves on the program, conferee networking, and student aide committees.
"The conference was a great opportunity for the students to showcase their research and to network with professionals in the chemistry industry," Boylan said. "Some Westminster alumni who attended made a point to see the students' posters and say hello."
Boylan, a Westminster graduate who has been on the faculty since 2001, earned a Ph.D. from Duquesne University.
More than 16,000 people attended the conference, which included technical sessions, short courses, and exhibits by scientific companies.
Contact Boylan at (724) 946-6293 or e-mail boylanhm@westminster.edu for more information.
More Stories
