911爆料网

Research

Chemistry students at 911爆料网 can conduct聽undergraduate research聽with faculty as soon as the first year and research is actively encouraged throughout the curriculum to invigorate learning.聽Experience the process of discovery first-hand and learn to use research to strengthen your understanding of scientific concepts.聽

A six-week summer research program with faculty is offered during the Summer A term, roughly 24 hours per week (defined by the faculty mentor), and pays a stipend. There is a competitive application process and summer research students commit to continue the research in the fall semester.

Recent On-campus Projects

Heterocyclic Compounds
Faculty mentor: Guillermo Ardon Munoz, Ph.D.

The goal of this project is to synthesize and evaluate heterocyclic compounds as potential bioactive molecules and drug candidates, while also exploring the repurposing potential of existing ones. Notably, among the molecules of interest is Mebendazole (MBZ), a widely used drug for treating parasitic diseases, which has shown potential as a novel therapeutic agent. However, due to poor solubility and bioavailability, its applications are limited. Through this project, students gained invaluable experience in experimental design, synthesis, purification, characterization techniques, as well as data analysis of MBZ derivatives and similar heterocyclic compounds.

Air Pollution
Faculty mentor:聽Franck Fu

Air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5, particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter), is classified as carcinogenic to humans and poses significant health risks. The presence of heavy metals in PM2.5 further exacerbates its toxicity, contributing to respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological disorders. Heavy metals associated with PM2.5 increase oxidative stress and inflammation, making this pollutant especially harmful to human health. In this study, students used sensors and air samplers to monitor PM2.5 levels on campus and analyzed the concentrations of heavy metals such as Pb, Mn, Cr, and Zn. Students also investigated water pollution by analyzing contaminants including heavy metals, chlorine, nitrate, phosphate, and chemical oxygen demand (COD) in ponds, canals, rivers, and lakes. Students also had opportunities to explore food safety and soil pollution using advanced analytical instruments. Through this interdisciplinary approach, they developed valuable skills in analytical chemistry, environmental science, and data analysis.

Experimental Optics
Faculty mentor:聽Sanela Lampa-Pastirk, Ph.D.

Undergraduate research projects in experimental optics involve learning the fundamentals of lasers and applying spectroscopic techniques to measure and analyze ultrafast light pulses. Students will gain hands-on experience designing, building, and testing optical devices鈥攕uch as interferometers鈥攗sed for characterizing laser pulses. In addition to developing practical laboratory and data analysis skills, students will learn how to troubleshoot experimental setups, interpret complex measurements, and explore the principles behind modern photonics research. These projects provide a comprehensive introduction to experimental optics and an opportunity to contribute to ongoing research in the field.

Human Milk Alternatives
Faculty mentor: Jessica Stachowski, Ph.D.

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are a family of sugars that are a major component in human milk and contribute to both the short- and long-term health of breastfed infants. Despite growing interest in HMOs for use in infant formula and clinical research, their chemical synthesis is not practical for large-scale production. Our research team is exploring the use of engineered enzymes as an alternative approach for HMO production. Students had the opportunity to be a part of an interdisciplinary research group working in the areas of biochemistry (DNA cloning, protein expression, enzymatic catalysis), organic chemistry (carbohydrate substrate synthesis), and instrumental analysis (HPLC).

Molecule Interaction Using Supercomputer
Faculty mentor: Josh Newby, Ph.D.

The Newby research group worked to better understand solvation, intermolecular forces, and how intermolecular forces influence geometry. We approached these problems using a combined computational and experimental approach. Our computational work used quantum mechanics software to identify the potential structure of weakly interacting molecules. Much of this work was performed using resources at the San Diego Supercomputing Center provided by a grant through ACCESS. Our experimental work identified weakly interacting molecules held at 20 K (-425 掳F). This year, we explored interactions between thiophene (a sulfur-containing contaminant in petroleum) and carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. This work will provide insight into ways of removing sulfur contaminants from our petrochemical feedstock.

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital

Layla Boyer told us she was lucky to spend 8 weeks at Bertrand Chaffee Hospital in Springville, NY. During her internship, she got to see all aspects of the clinical lab space and how each hospital department interacted. She was able to run tests and learn some of the reasons why each test was run. She even got to set up and train some of her colleagues on a brand new machine. This internship was very fast paced and everyone Layla worked with was always there to help every step of the way. "This internship allowed me to see everything about the career," said Layla (clinical lab science).

University at Buffalo

Kamal Chappell (biomedical sciences)聽conducted research in the Buffalo Research Innovation in Genomic and Healthcare Technology (BRIGHT) program, alongside a faculty mentor that helped him develop useful computational and statistical skills. His project furnished him with research experience, as well as building skills for a career in biomedical informatics research.