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Two Westminster College Seniors Present Research at National Meeting

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Posted on Friday, September 23, 2005

Two Westminster College senior chemistry majors, Justin Martinchek from Washington and Aaron Bruck from Grove City, presented their research at the national meeting of the American Chemical Society held in Washington, D.C.

 "Their presentations were part of the undergraduate poster session at the meeting, which was sponsored by the Division of Chemical Education," said Dr. Helen Boylan, assistant professor of chemistry at Westminster College. 

 Martinchek's presentation, "GC-MS and GC-MS/MS for the Endogenous and Exogenous Hormones," was co-authored with Boylan.  In this research, steroid starting materials were analyzed by GC-MS and GC-MS/MS for fragment ratios.  Stigmasterol, which is used to make synthetic hormones such as progesterone, was analyzed. 

 Bruck's presentation, "Constructivist Approaches to the Chemistry Laboratory," was co-authored by Dr. Timothy Sherwood, associate professor of chemistry.  This research takes a look at constructivism, where theoretical work in the classroom is coupled with investigation-oriented laboratory work, and how it can be applied in the high school laboratory.

 Boylan also presented her research "Carboxy Terminus Plays a Key Role in the Structure and Function of Human Glutathione Transferase A1-1," which was co-authored by Gordon Rule.  Boyland's research focuses on the effects of microwaves on human brain chemicals.  This research is important as people place microwaves next to their brains as they use cell phones and other electronic devices.

 Martinchek is a son of Judy Cable and Paul Martinchek, Washington, and graduate of Washington High School.

 Bruck is a son of David and Eva Bruck, Grove City, and a graduate of Grove City High School.

 Boylan, who has been with Westminster College since 2001, earned her undergraduate degree from Westminster College, and her Ph. D. from Duquesne University.

 Contact Boylan at (724) 945-6293 or e-mail boylanhm@westminster.edu for more information.