Chemistry students present research at national conference
Chemists from all around the nation recently gathered to celebrate research at the American Chemical Societies’ 226th bi-annual national conference.
Seven Utah State University students and three USU professors attended the conference in New York City, held Sept. 7 through 11.
There were many chemists from all different areas presenting their research, whether it was graduate or undergraduate, said Alvan Hengge, associate professor in the department of chemistry and biochemistry.
One of the undergraduate students who presented his work at the convention was Jarod Younker, a senior majoring in chemistry.
“You want to share [your research] to other people,” Younker said. “We live in an integrated community and science is improving so fast, it’s impossible for one of us to do it all.”
Younker’s research was focused on the decomposition of sulfur compounds. He has been working in a research lab since his sophomore year.
“It has given me a great background to go on to graduate research,” Younker said. “I think it’s one of the greatest opportunities in our university. Almost all of us in chemistry have the chance to do research if we want.”
Tim Humphrey was one of the graduate students present at the convention.
“I researched the bonding in phosphate esters, specifically those bonded to metal centers because enzymes in the human body break up phosphate esters,” Humphrey said.
The costs for attending this convention are partly paid by the professors’ grants and by other research grants the student has received.
“Both of my undergrads [Younker and Jamie Purcell] have received URCO grants under Research and creative opportunities, it’s a competitive process and it covers travel funds and research costs,” Hengge said.
All chemistry students are encouraged to participate in research work and get more exposure to events such as this conference, Hengge said. Recruiters for graduate schools are present at these events.
Chemistry students Purcell, Subashree Iyer, Chris Swierczek, Krzysztof Bztmek, and Aleksay Kuznetsov also attended the conference.
-zha@cc.usu.edu