Applied Mathematics Numerical Methods in Linear Algebra and Differential Equations Mathematical models give us insights to better understand our world. However, the exact solutions to these models can often be difficult, and sometimes impossible, to obtain. In such instances, we rely on numerical algorithms that would give us approximate solutions. Due to the nature of… [Read More]
Biology Summer Research – Jessica Healy
Biodiversity of Small Mammals Small mammals (mostly rodents and insectivores like bats and shrews) are crucial to ecosystem function – they act as grazers and insectivores, as seed dispersers, and as food sources for medium sized and larger predators. However, there is still a great deal unknown about this group of organisms – although most… [Read More]
Chemistry Summer Research – John Richardson
B2M Folding Project The Richardson Lab focuses on understanding the mechanistic basis of protein folding and the misfolding process with respect to the disease dialysis-related amyloidosis (DRA). The model protein to be investigated is b-2-microglobulin (b2m), the fibrous component of amyloid deposits in DRA. The associated downstream effects of this disease on long-term cardiac, renal, and… [Read More]
Chemistry Summer Research – Brad Smucker
Syntheses of light-harvesting redox-active transition metal-based molecules Research in the Smucker laboratory investigates the syntheses and properties of new light-harvesting inorganic molecules that have potential applications as dyes in solar cells or as light-driven catalysts. Our research seeks to capitalize on the photophysical properties available with metal complexes using imine and dithiolene ligands. Our synthetic… [Read More]
Chemistry Summer Research – Jim Hebda
Biochemistry Research in the Hebda Lab centers around understanding protein-protein interactions. We study this interactions by using the protein Alpha Crystallin, which is about 40% of the protein in your eye lens and helps resist the formation of cataracts. Understanding and perhaps extending the function of this protein could reduce the occurrence of cataracts. This… [Read More]
Chemistry Summer Research – Andy Carr
Organic/Inorganic Chemistry Three Projects in the Carr Research lab Project 1 My newest collaboration is with Dr. Smucker. This collaboration is a natural extension of both our research interests in the area of self-assembly of molecules. His focus has been the synthesis of organometallic squares for use in light harvesting applications and as possible catalysts.… [Read More]
Biology Summer Research – Wayne Meyer
Wayne Meyer – Does retained juvenile-like plumage protect Painted buntings? The Painted Bunting is one of North America’s most colorful birds. It is unusual in that males retain a female-like plumage into their second year of life, despite being able to hold territory and reproduce at that age. Although many other species of birds do… [Read More]