Famous psychologist and Hamilton alumnus B.F. Skinner once said, "The future of scientific research does not rest in the crowded halls of the professional scientist, but in the minds and hopeful projects of the young." Skinner's vision of the impact of undergraduate research rang in the voices of the 10 Hamilton College student researchers in chemistry who presented their summer work at Colgate University on July 27. The students joined seven fellow researchers from Colgate in the 8th annual Colgate Hamilton Organic Group (CHOG) presentation session, together with Silas D. Childs Professor of Chemistry Robin Kinnel, Associate Professor of Chemistry Ian Rosenstein and Assistant Professor of Chemistry Nicole Snyder.
The Hamilton students participating this year were: David Brown '10, Janes Greisler '10, David Hamilton '09, Thomas Irvin '09, Amy Klockowski '09, Elijah LaChance '10, Kurtis Magee '08, Phil Milner '10, Ben Saccomano '09, and Evan Savage '08.
These Hamilton students have been working for the last eight or, in some cases, 11 weeks on projects that could reshape modern chemistry. From synthesizing new derivatives of cancer drugs, to extracting possible antibacterial agents from sponges, to experimenting with new routes to create synthetic sugars, these students have been engaged in a wide variety of chemistry-based activities. In addition, these enterprising students have shown great skill and determination. "I was very proud of everyone; everyone did a very good job" commented Snyder.
Following the afternoon of talks the two groups enjoyed a cookout on the terrace of Merrill House on the Colgate campus. The event was organized by Colgate Chemistry Professor Ernie Nolen.
