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| AQ Student Research Opportunities |
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| Funding |
| Thompson-Mohler Summer Research Scholarship |
| Marguerite and Dennison Mohler established this scholarship to honor their life long interest in education. Ted Thompson (’58) gave money for the Thompson scholarships in memory of his wife who was a nurse. He founded the Xrite Corporation. This scholarship is available to students working on a science research project with participating faculty members during the summer months. The award is based on an application process via individual faculty mentor. Stipend $3,000. |
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| Van Andel Institute Student Independent Study (VAI) |
| During the spring semester, several Aquinas students have the opportunity to work in VAI laboratories on research projects for 10-12 hours a week. This internship is based on an application process via faculty mentors and Van Andel laboratory primary investigators. Biology elective credit awarded. Several past participants have then additionally been awarded summer research fellowships and/or permanent jobs at VAI. >>More Information |
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| Undergraduate Research Grant for the Environment (URGE) |
| This funding opportunity allows for students and faculty mentors to work together conducting research at the Pierce Cedar Creek biological field station. This award is grant based from the PCCI institute. Grant applications are submitted jointly between participating faculty and potential student research to PCCI for consideration and funding. Stipend $3,000 plus on-site room and board. >>More Information and Past Research Findings |
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| Links |
We encourage students to explore these links to find summer research projects that interest them and will take them outside of the Grand Rapids area. Feel free to contact an AQ faculty member for further information and help with applying for these opportunities. All of the following scholarships are based on an application process with variable deadline dates as stated in the advertisement by the sponsoring program. Stipend / Room / Board differs with program, but typically ranges between $3,000 to $4,500. |
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| Student Research - Summer 2008 |
| Katie Brandt & Jackie Plough - Environmental Effects on Zooplankton Cyclomorphosis |
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Zooplankton often times go through a process called cyclomorphosis. The actual cause is unknown although predation is the most popular theory at this time. Using controlled aquatic systems, the goal of our experiment is to observe cyclomorphosis in zooplankton with the hopes of finding other factors that can induce this change. A factor that will be observed is the presence of predators, which is already believed to induce cyclomorphosis, and changing certain chemical properties of the water which includes pH, |
| dissolved oxygen, and temperature. The results of this experiment will allow people to gain a better understanding of cyclomorphosis and the factors that allow zooplankton to undergo this physical change. |
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Faculty mentor: Dr. Robb Bajema
Funded by Mohler Summer Research Grant |
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Stephanie DeFouw - Algebraic Reasoning for Teachers and Students
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Performed qualitative research to investigate the growth of teachers' algebraic reasoning, and consequent impact on classroom practice.
Analyzed interviews and journals, and worked on the design of a
follow-up survey. Planned presentation: Research Council for
Mathematics Learning." |
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Faculty mentor: Dr. Kathy Burgis
Funded by Mohler Summer Research Grant |
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| Kyle Flippo - Mutagenesis of the recombinant streptococcal IdeZ protein and the resulting functional effects |
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Studied recombinant enzymes originating from a streptococcal species. We tried to create DNA mutations that might affect the functioning of the enzymes. We hope to create several amino acid substitutions in the IdeZ protein that change enzyme's function.
Planned presentations: (1) Poster presentation for Aquinas College's Mohler/Thompson Scholar symposium, September 2008. (2) Poster presentation at the Michigan Branch of the American Society for Microbiology Semi-annual |
| meeting, October 10-11 2008, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI. (3) Poster presentation at the West Michigan Undergraduate Scientific Research Conference, November 1, 2008, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, Mich. |
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Faculty mentor: Dr. Jen Hess
Funded by Mohler Summer Research Grant |
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| Jane Kraemer - All chord diagrams from the wheel are self-invertible. |
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The knot invariants of finite type can be studied using chord diagrams - oriented circles with chords. Finding the existence or non-existence of a non-invertible chord diagram remains an open question. We show that any chord diagram of odd order which has a closed vertex path using alternating arcs of the outer circle is self-invertible. This partially answers the open question in the negative.Submitting paper to "The Journal of Knot Theory and Its Ramifications." |
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Faculty mentor: Dr. Michael McDaniel
Funded by Mohler Summer Research Grant |
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| Ivana Pasalic – Amplifying and Sequencing DNA from Common Garden Plants Utilizing Universal Primers for the potential use in DNA Barcoding |
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We extracted and amplified approximately 600bp of DNA from common plants, including tomato, green pepper, chives, and watermelon. We first tested a set of primers suspected to be universal across a diverse range of plant families. Finding that these primers worked well, we proceeded to sequence the DNA that was amplified. We hope to find enough differences between these sequences that they could be used to identify the plant species.
Our planned presentations include (1) Poster presentation at Aquinas'
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| Mohler/Thompson Scholar symposium, September 2008. (2) Poster presentation at the West Michigan Undergraduate Scientific Research Conference, November 1, 2008, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, Mich. |
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Faculty mentor: Dr. Summer Silvieus
Funded by Mohler Summer Research Grant |
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| Laura Shuman, math major, participated in a summer internship at Oakland University where she studied Dynamical Systems. Laura will be presenting her work and experience at the first Fall 2008 Semester Math Club meeting, before leaving for her study abroad program in Spain. |
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| Molly Soper - Ionic Liquid Crystalline Compounds of Transition Metals with Tetraalkylammonium Ligands: Synthesis and Thermal Properties of [(C18H37)2(CH3)2N]2[MX4], M = Cr3+, Mn2+, Fe2+, Fe3+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Pd2+, Pt2+, X = Cl, Br. |
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We synthesized twelve compounds by combining one of ten transition metal halides and either dimethyldioctadecylammonium chloride or the analogous bromide. In compounds of this type, the long-chain organic ligand produces liquid crystalline phases near room temperature while the metal ion may contribute other interesting physical properties. Differential Scanning Calorimetry was used to characterize the phase transition behavior of each compound. |
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Faculty mentor: Dr. Elizabeth Jensen
Funded by Mohler Summer Research Grant |
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| Marian Testori - The Influence of Allatectomy on the Sexual Behavior of Male Periplaneta Americana (American cockroach) |
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Juvenile hormone (JH) is produced by a pair of glands known as the corpora allata found posterior to the brain of insects. JH has been well-studied in female insects with respect to reproduction. However, the role of JH in male insect sexual behavior has been minimal. This study investigated how the sexual behaviors of male American cockroaches are possibly affected by the removal of the corpora allata. |
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Faculty mentor: Dr. Tom Bahl
Funded by Mohler Summer Research Grant |
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| Melissa Menerey & Meghan Fish - Nocturnal Thermal Stratification in Selected Valleys at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute and Conklin, Michigan. |
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We are looking to see how temperature stratification develops throughout the evenings, how wind speed will influence stratification, how elevation will influence, and how vegetative cover will influence such stratification. We've selected several sites at Pierce Cedar Creek & Conklin, MI and monitored the temperature at the top, middle and bottom of all hills. We've also been recording wind speeds at both locations. |
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Faculty mentor: Dr. Paul Bieneman
Funded by URGE Grant |
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| Courtney Banks |
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Involved in a six week Summer Medical Dental Program (SMDEP) designed to give students a chance to experience medicine or dentistry through observations, simulation clinics, migrant camp visits, and lectures in health care. |
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Faculty mentor: Dr. Douglass Jackson, DMD, Ph.D., MS at the University of Washington-Seattle
Funded by SMDEP |
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| Becca Lodewyk - Comparison of Various Population Parameters for Green Frogs (Rana clamitans) Across Three Different Wetland Habitats at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. |
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We are studying how populations of Green Frogs vary across three different wetland habitats. Some factors we are comparing are the sizes of adults, the ratio of males to females, timing of breeding activity, and development of tadpoles at each location. We are also comparing habitat parameters such as water temperature, air temperature, vegetation, temporary vs. permanent habitats, and other factors of each habitat. With this data we can see which habitats are better suited for reproduction and survival. |
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Faculty mentor: Dr. Stephen Burton from Grand Valley State University
Funded by PCCI Faculty-in-residence Program |
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| Tien Ho - Solid phase micro extraction using ionic liquid as a stationary phase. |
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I coated a bare 50 micron column fiber with an ionic liquid and used this fiber to extract organic analytes (such as esters). After extracting these analytes, I desorbed them into the gas chormatograph and, based on the output, I determined the extraction efficiency of the coated fiber, as well as its reproducibility. |
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Faculty mentor: Dr. Jared Anderson at the University of Toledo in Ohio
Grad student mentor: Christa Graham at the University of Toledo in Ohio
Funded by NSF Grant |
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| Van Andel Institute (VAI) Student Independent Study |
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Randi Van Ocker-Search for an in vivo template: Examining the Evolutionary Conservation of the C-Reaction Protein-Kininogen Complex in Mus musculus.
Intern at a Laboratory at VAI.
Kevin Coalter - Identification of Human PXDNL as a Mediation of Oxidative Stress.
Intern at a Laboratory at VAI. |
Kathleen Pollock - Establishing a Model for Human Osteosarcoma and Therapy.
Intern at the Laboratory of Noninvasive Imaging and Radiation Biology at VAI.
Vinh Ho - The TDH3prom/rt-TA-M2 Dual System and its Effects on Tetracycline-Regulated Gene Expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Intern at the Laboratory of Structural Sciences at VAI.
Christina Gourlay - Analysis of ARS606 Origin Structure in Saccharomyces cerevisiae for Identification of an Inhibitory Sequence Element.
Intern at the Laboratory of Chromosome Replication at VAI |
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| Summer 2007 |
Kevin Coalter |
| Faculty mentor: Dr. Robb Bajema |
| Funded by Mohler Summer Research Grant |
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| Jamie Fink – Mutated Immunoglobulin-degrading Enzymes of Streptococcus Species and Their Effects on Human IgG. |
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We studied recombinant enzymes originating from two streptococcal species. We tried to create DNA mutations that might affect the functioning of the enzymes. We were successful in creating one serine to alanine amino acid substitution in the IdeZ protein that seemed to abolish the enzyme's function. Presentations: (1) Oral presentation for Aquinas College's Mohler Scholar symposium, September 26, 2007. (2) Poster presentation at the Michigan Branch of the American Society for Microbiology Semi-annual meeting, October 12-13 |
| 2007, Traverse City, Mich. (3) Poster presentation at the West Michigan Undergraduate Scientific Research Conference, October 19 2007, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, Mich. |
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Faculty mentor: Dr. Jen Hess
Funded by Mohler Summer Research Grant |
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| Shannon Henderson - Lead Concentrations in Soils at Fruit Orchards in the Grand Rapids Area |
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In the 1940s, lead arsenate was frequently applied to apple trees as a pesticide. To determine whether this compound persists in the soil, and at what level, we quantified the concentration of lead in soil samples taken from apple orchards using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry.
Presented at the Central Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society in Columbus, Ohio, June 2008. |
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Faculty mentor: Dr. Elizabeth Jensen
Funded by Mohler Summer Research Grant |
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| Jane Kraemer |
| Faculty mentor: Dr. Michael McDaniel |
| Funded by Mohler Summer Research Grant |
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Audrey Sanders |
| Faculty mentor: Dr. Tom Bahl |
| Funded by Mohler Summer Research Grant |
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| Molly Soper - Formation of Pierce Cedar Creek Institute Interactive Tree Key for Common Plants Along Trails. |
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Surveyed angiosperm plants along the orange trail of PCC. Recorded species, morphological traits, location, and abundance of plants. This information was then utilized in the formation of an electronic interactive key for visitors to utilize to aid in identification of the plants.
Presentations: Oral presentation at Pierce Cedar Creek for URGE members, September 2007. |
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Faculty mentor: Dr. Summer Silvieus
Funded by URGE Grant |
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Kathleen Pollock |
| Faculty mentor: Dr. Claire Hartmann-Thompson at Michigan Molecular Institute |
| Funded by REU Grant |
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| Van Andel Institute (VAI) Student Independent Study |
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Liz Block - Intern at a Laboratory at VAI. Started a full-time position fall 2007
Krysta Collins - Intern at a Laboratory at VAI.
Natalie Kent - Intern at a Laboratory at VAI. Started a full-time lab tech position in summer 2007.
Sara Kunz - Intern at a Laboratory at VAI. |
Mien Nguyen - Intern at a Laboratory at VAI.
Audrey Sanders- Intern at a Laboratory at VAI.
Rebecca Trierweiler - Intern at a Laboratory at VAI. |
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| Summer 2006 |
| Rob Sturm and Lianne Griffiths - An Analytical Study of Heavy Metal Concentrations In Soils at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. |
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Vehicular traffic is thought to be the main source of roadside pollution. We quantified the concentration of lead, copper, and zinc in soils near roads using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry to determine whether distance from the road bed was correlated to metal concentration.
Presented at the Central Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society in Covington, Kentucky, May 2007. |
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Faculty mentor: Dr. Elizabeth Jensen
Funded by URGE Grant |
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| Jessica Higgins |
| Faculty mentor: Dr. Robb Bajema |
Funded by URGE Grant |
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| Kyler Carroll |
| Faculty mentor: Dr. Cora Lind at the University of Toledo |
Funded by REU Grant |
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| Summer 2005 |
| Meghann Broderick and Melissa Conklin - Water Chemistry of Brewster Lake, Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. |
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Seven properties of the water of Brewster Lake were measured weekly for ten weeks as indicators of water quality. Surface temperature, pH, alkalinity, and conductivity were measured and the concentrations of phosphate, nitrate, and dissolved oxygen were determined. Presented at the Central Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society in Frankenmuth, Michigan, May 2006 |
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Faculty mentor: Dr. Elizabeth Jensen
Funded by URGE Grant |
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David Baylis and Loreina Van Strien |
| Faculty mentor: Dr. Robb Bajema |
| Funded by URGE Grant |
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