Norwich University Undergraduate Researchers Present at Regional Chemistry Symposium

Four Norwich University undergraduate researchers presented their work at the annual Champlain Area Chemistry Symposium on Saturday, Nov. 7, at the University of Vermont (UVM) in Burlington. Held in UVM's state-of-the-art Discovery Hall, the symposium brought together students, faculty, and researchers from colleges and universities throughout the Lake Champlain region to share their work in chemistry.

The symposium provides undergraduate students, Ph.D. candidates, and postdoctoral researchers with an opportunity to present their research through poster sessions and oral presentations, while fostering collaboration and connections among regional chemistry departments.

Corbin Burleigh '29, a biochemistry major advised by Dr. Sarah Gallant, presented a poster titled “Towards an Accessible Method for Detection of Uranium in Drinking Water Using MOF-Based Peroxidase Mimics.” 

Ruthie Crawford '28 and Trina Beede '27, neuroscience and biology majors, advised by Dr. Emma Barrett, presented a poster titled “Soybean Derived Antioxidant Peptide Against Free Radicals.” 

Jose Velasco '27, a biochemistry major advised by Dr. Sarah Gallant and Dr. Emma Barrett, delivered an oral presentation on his research involving peptide-based filtration systems designed to remove uranium from drinking water.

In addition to the four student presenters, a number of Norwich STEM majors attended the conference to learn more about Chemistry research being conducted in the Lake Champlain area.

The annual Champlain Area Chemistry Symposium is supported by the Green Mountain Chapter of the American Chemical Society (ACS) and organized by chemistry faculty members: Dr. Megan Browning of Saint Michael's College, Dr. Lindsay Repka of Norwich University's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Dr. Rory Waterman of the University of Vermont.

All four Norwich presenters are Vermont Biomedical Research Network (VBRN) Student Research Fellows, and their projects received funding support through VBRN. Participation in regional research conferences gives Norwich students valuable experience presenting their work to fellow scientists and researchers while highlighting the undergraduate research opportunities available at Norwich University.