Niagara University chemistry and biochemistry majors from Niagara University and their research findings shown at the 252nd American Chemical Society National Meeting & Exposition.

NIAGARA UNIVERSITY — Thirteen Niagara University chemistry and biochemistry majors showcased research findings at the 252nd American Chemical Society National Meeting & Exposition. Three NU faculty members also presented at the international conference, which took place Aug. 21-25 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. Several of the studies have potentially meaningful implications on the treatment of diseases.

The Niagara University chemistry and biochemistry students presented on topics they are investigating under the guidance of NU faculty members.
"Dr. (Mary) McCourt, Dr. (Lawrence) Mielnicki and Julie Hughes have had a huge impact on my life and have modeled me into the scientist I am today," noted rising senior Jamie Catalano. "Their constant instruction will undoubtedly lead to my future success in this field of study."

Like Catalano, Christopher Fritschi, also a rising senior, was one of six Niagara students who returned to the conference for a second year. He, too, credited his professors at NU with being critical to his development.

"The faculty members do an amazing job in preparing us for real-world research and laboratory techniques," said Fritschi. "Without them - and especially my advisor, Dr. (Luis) Sanchez - I would never be as successful as I am today."

Sanchez, the chapter advisor at NU, was impressed when 10 undergraduate students went to last year's conference in Boston. He's thrilled that the university's participation has grown this summer, especially given the relatively small size of Niagara's department of biochemistry, chemistry and physics.

"I am very proud to be part of this department at Niagara University," said Sanchez, president-elect of the Gamma Sigma Epsilon national chemistry honor society. "My colleagues do great research work and are so dedicated. We have a good group of smart, hard-working students, so we know that our efforts are totally worth it. We are also very fortunate to have the Golisano Center, which provides us with state-of-the-art scientific tools, and funds like NUSURF that support student research with the greatest impact."

Funding was provided by the Niagara University Student Government Association, Office of Campus Activities, McGlen-Gadawski Fund, Barbara Zimmer Memorial Award, department of biochemistry, chemistry and physics, College of Arts and Sciences, Academic Center for Integrated Sciences, NUSURF program, Provost's Office, and Honors program.

To learn more about Niagara University's chemistry programs, visit www.niagara.edu/chemistry.