2008 Woodie Awards
Students' research serves as catalyst for their futures
Symposium provides opportunity for chemistry majors to show off projects
Emily Butler
Issue date: 4/11/08 Section: Trinity Life
Imagine deciding your major your first year and then committing to a three-year long research project based on that choice.
That is exactly what many biology and biochemistry majors at Trinity have done at the annual McGavock Symposium.
Last Friday, these seniors showcased the research projects on which they have been working so diligently.
The Symposium is not only a chance for students to display their work but also to be rewarded for it. An award named after William Crews McGavock, a former professor of chemistry noted for his support of students, is given every year at the Symposium to outstanding chemistry and biology seniors in terms of course work and research.
In addition, a distinguished alumnus lectures at the Symposium about what he or she has been doing since graduation, provides inspiration to current students. Faculty may also take the opportunity to present current research of their own.
As soon as students are interested in doing research, they can apply for a paid research position, which lasts 10 weeks during the summer and supplies one credit-hour. Students work in small groups ranging from two to 10 students and generally have one faculty member involved, but some collaborate with two.
"The McGavock Symposium is the perfect showcase for what's going on in chemistry," said Nancy Mills, chair of the Department of Chemistry and professor of inorganic chemistry.
Mills believes the Symposium is invaluable to the chemistry and biology seniors with projects. It also provides an exhibition at which prospective chemistry and biology majors can get a feel for what lies ahead for them.
"It applauds the present with the work of the current students," Mills said. "And it recognizes the past with the alumni speaker, and it encourages the future because we like to see current students see what's going on and become involved."
Senior Suzi Kilgore, a biochemistry/molecular biology major, has been working on her research project for two summers, as well as during her semesters at Trinity. Her research is focused on making reactions more efficient by speeding them up with catalysts.
That is exactly what many biology and biochemistry majors at Trinity have done at the annual McGavock Symposium.
Last Friday, these seniors showcased the research projects on which they have been working so diligently.
The Symposium is not only a chance for students to display their work but also to be rewarded for it. An award named after William Crews McGavock, a former professor of chemistry noted for his support of students, is given every year at the Symposium to outstanding chemistry and biology seniors in terms of course work and research.
In addition, a distinguished alumnus lectures at the Symposium about what he or she has been doing since graduation, provides inspiration to current students. Faculty may also take the opportunity to present current research of their own.
As soon as students are interested in doing research, they can apply for a paid research position, which lasts 10 weeks during the summer and supplies one credit-hour. Students work in small groups ranging from two to 10 students and generally have one faculty member involved, but some collaborate with two.
"The McGavock Symposium is the perfect showcase for what's going on in chemistry," said Nancy Mills, chair of the Department of Chemistry and professor of inorganic chemistry.
Mills believes the Symposium is invaluable to the chemistry and biology seniors with projects. It also provides an exhibition at which prospective chemistry and biology majors can get a feel for what lies ahead for them.
"It applauds the present with the work of the current students," Mills said. "And it recognizes the past with the alumni speaker, and it encourages the future because we like to see current students see what's going on and become involved."
Senior Suzi Kilgore, a biochemistry/molecular biology major, has been working on her research project for two summers, as well as during her semesters at Trinity. Her research is focused on making reactions more efficient by speeding them up with catalysts.
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