Chemistry Seniors Brittany Miller (top left) and Lena Kemp (bottom) are excited about their upcoming trip to Boston to the 240th American Chemical Society (ACS) National Meeting in August.  Both students have conducted research with Dr. Jason Sonnenberg (top right) on actinide chemistry and each is presenting a poster of her work at the meeting.   Many of the Chemistry Faculty Members are also attending the ACS meeting, with the majority of them presenting their research.  Boston, here we come!

Diane Payne, Chemistry Instructor and Director of the Office of Research Development (ORD), is excited to announce that NIH has funded our proposal for a Research Development Working Group for the 2010-2011 academic year.  This grant will allow us to offer a year-long professional development opportunity to a cohort of  eight Stevenson faculty members who are interested in starting research at SU.  This will give students more opportunities to participate in research experiences.  Congratulations to Diane for her outstanding work with the ORD!

At Orientation, some freshmen were talking about why they picked SU for their college education.  Lynsey Ellison (top) came to SU, her first choice among the colleges to which she applied, because of her strong interest in SU’s BS/MS program in Forensic Science.  Jordan Mako agreed.  After spending a year studying in Israel, he is ready to take on the challenges of Chemistry and Forensic Science.  Madeha Mahmood chose SU because it is close to home and is a small university where she will get individual attention.   Although the reasons vary, all 29 incoming freshmen are warmly welcomed to the Chemistry Community at SU!

At Freshmen Orientation, often called Mustang Day, Chemistry majors Madison Llamado (left) and Brittney Pacheco were excited to find out that they were going to be roommates.  Both of these students are interested in pursuing a career in pharmacy.  They decided to plan their fall schedules so that they would have some classes together.  They were excited to have met each other and are looking forward to the fall semester!

We were happy to welcome our new freshmen to campus!  They had a busy day learning about their programs and all the details about college life at SU.  They were also able to register for their fall classes.  We were pleased to welcome all the new Chemistry majors who are part of the class of 2014!

The School of the Sciences at Stevenson University was proud to present Maymester for the 8th grade graduating class of Crossroads.  Close to 50 8th graders came to campus for 2.5 weeks and learned what it’s like to be a college student as well as to participate in many science and math activities and classes.  A few of the  activities enjoyed by the students included putting on their own Chemistry Magic Show, making large bubbles, shooting off water rockets and Environmental Science Day.  SU faculty and students participated by hosting events and helping the students successfully complete them.   A good time was had by all!

Congratulations to Chemistry majors, Evelyn Brown (top) and Jennifer Schmitt, on receiving University Awards at Graduation.  Evelyn won the Elizabeth McWethy Award for demonstrating exceptional creativity, manifesting genuine concern for society, and actively influencing the lives of others.  Jen won the Orsia F. Young Leadership Award for performing in an outstanding manner as a leader in the University community, initiated action, motivated others to do so, and has been an agent for positive change in the University.  Congratulations on these impressive awards!

Congratulations to Chemistry Department Award Recipients!  Justine Crutchfield, top, received the Academic Excellence Award and Marisa Bender received the Service Award.  Both students were given their awards at the annual SOS Celebration last month.  Warm congratulations!

Post-graduation plans:  Justine has accepted a position as a chemist with Procter & Gamble  in Cinncinatti, Ohio, and Marisa will continue her studies in SU’s Master’s in Forensic Science Program.

Congratulations to Chemistry Senior Jenn Kurek on receiving the Excellence in Science Award!  This award recognizes the student who excels in his/her Capstone Research course and who shows promise in the scientific realm.   Jenn completed her Capstone research with Dr. Timothy Dwyer studying the off target effects of RNA interference.  Congrats Jen!  We wish you all the best as you continue your education pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Delaware.

Students and faculty from the School of the Sciences (SOS) gathered for the annual end of year celebration extravaganza!   Highlights of the students’ four years at SU were presented along with awards for research, service and academic excellence.  There was plenty of good food and it was fun being with SOS friends.  Congratulations to all our seniors!