Six Roanoke College students traveled to San Diego, CA to present at the American Chemistry Society in March. Two of those students were Thane Jones and Morgan Claybrook. Thane is a junior majoring in Chemistry who worked with Dr. Hollis for their research project. Morgan is a junior majoring in Biology and Chemistry who worked with Dr. Sarisky.
Thane’s research project was titled “Synthesis and Diels-Alder Reactivity of 1-(furanmethoxy)nonafluorobiphenyl and 4,4′-bis(furanmethoxy)octafluorobiphenyl”, in which he focused on Thermal Self-Heating Polymers. Morgan’s project focuses on cloning the gene DesIV from a specific type of soil bacteria, Streptomyces griseus.
Both Thane and Morgan enjoyed working with their professors while completing their research project.
Thane: “Dr. Hollis and I have been working one and one for the entire project, and I had daily meetings with him over the summer. Working closely with him really helped me to get into the mindset of a researcher. It taught me the types of questions I should be asking and the steps I should take to complete my goals.”
Morgan: “I’ve really enjoyed working for a professor while conducting research as I’ve been able to work independently but I also have someone with a great deal of knowledge on my topic whose advice I can seek out whenever necessary.”
Thane’s favorite part of the conference was during the beginning.
“Chemical supply companies all set up displays and examples of their products. I got to walk around and see the cutting-edge instrumentation, glassware, and apparatuses that are currently used in the field. We also got free T-shirts and such from the representatives.”
Morgan enjoyed seeing and hearing other’s research projects.
“I felt like I was getting to experience what the science community outside of what I get to be a part of at Roanoke College is really like.”
Both Thane and Morgan highly recommended doing research.
Thane: “Research gives you experience that goes beyond the typical course work and labs that you take during the year. Personally, my research has trained me to be a better chemist, and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to perform research here at Roanoke College.”
Morgan: “It is a very intellectually rewarding process that helps you to learn valuable skills, like troubleshooting and critically evaluating problems, that will be beneficial for a future career.”