Two Columbia International University biology majors who garnered valuable research experience last summer, have reported on their research to a South Carolina symposium sponsored by the South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU), of which CIU is a member. The research conducted by junior Taylor Hollis and senior Joshua Neath was funded by a $4,200 SCICU grant.
Hollis and Neath explored methods to make certain compounds more efficiently, inexpensively, safely and with minimal waste. CIU Assistant Chemistry Professor Dr. Alex Manzewitsch says their research could be used later, for example, to develop more efficient methods in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, leading to reduced cost while making the production more environmentally-friendly.
Both students report that the research, and the reporting on their research, was a great learning opportunity.
“I have gained a lot of insight not only into the comparing cost efficiency of Diels-Alder Reactions in different solvents, but also some lab experience and working with others in a lab environment,” Hollis said.
A Diels-Alder reaction is a chemical response where two molecules combine to form a new six-membered ring. Think of it as gluing them together in a special way to create a new, larger piece (a ring).
As for Neath, he said the experience taught him how to properly keep a lab book, how to take helpful notes, how to cooperate in a research environment, and how to organize and present results.
“I also experienced some aspects of resource management on a limited budget and gained an understanding of how to work within limitations and still get a positive result,” Neath said. “Overall, I learned much about what research actually entails throughout my experience in ways that I had not given much consideration to before.”
Meanwhile, the students found they were a bit nervous when reporting at the symposium, but appreciated the experience.
“I enjoyed presenting and meeting other people at the symposium, and this has shown that it could be an opportunity for me to teach other people about the science field,” said Hollis.
Neath added that they even surprised a few folks.
“We received some compliments on our presentation and some attendants expressed surprise that two students who are not chemistry majors were able to conduct good research and present competently on a chemistry project,” Neath said. “It was a relief to hear and was very fulfilling to me.”
-Article by Bob Holmes / Photo courtesy of Professor Dr. Alex Manzewitsch
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