Undergraduate of the Quarter « The Erlenmeyer Flask

Undergraduate of the Quarter - Winter 2014 — Undergraduate of the Quarter – Winter 2014

Chadd Armstrong has been selected as one of our Undergrads of the Quarter for Fall 2013. Chadd is a non-traditional student who returned to school after the 2008 economic downturn. Having moved around the Pacific Northwest growing up, he graduated from Lebanon Union High before following a professional career in other states. Embarking initially at LBCC seeking a diagnostics imaging certificate, his General Chemistry Instructor there (Ron Backus) inspired him – “Chemistry is the physics of the small.” He went on to take Organic Chemistry from Brigid Backus who further motivated him to pursue a higher level of education. Since transferring to OSU, Chadd states that he has especially enjoyed KC Walsh in Physics and Claudia Maier in Chemistry. Professor Maier’s CH 422 course was “very clear, precise” and “methodical.” He has also enjoyed ATS 320 “Man’s Impact on Climate” which he describes as a very interesting and worthwhile class. He became involved in research, while still at LBCC, during a summer research fellowship at Trillium Fiber Fuels where became acquainted with Professor & Reser Faculty Scholar Vince Remcho (one of the four co-founders of this company). While at OSU, Chadd has been conducting research in Professor Remcho’s lab. Research provides Chadd with that day to day exposure to real-world chemistry problems that helps to tie everything together. He enjoys working with grad students because the experience has helped grow his confidence in his own abilities. From his prior work experiences, he has brought more computer programming into the Remcho lab. Graduating this June, he will have been fortunate enough, from scholarships and fellowships, to finish without having taken on any debt. After graduation, he plans to go on to Grad School to get a PhD in Chemistry on the west coast. He really enjoys research in applied fields and his long term goal is to work in a national lab or a university where he can conduct research and teach. In his free time, Chadd likes to travel, visiting family and friends, all of who are very important to him.

Chadd describes OSU as a “fantastic school” and he feels very invested here. We are so grateful to have talented students like Chadd as Chemistry majors and we want to congratulate him on his successes. It is future alumni like Chadd that make OSU Chemistry an amazing place!

Undergraduate of the Quarter - Fall 2013 — Undergraduate of the Quarter – Fall 2013

Michael Hughes has been selected as one of our Undergrads of the Quarter for Fall 2013. Michael grew up in San Jose and went to Westmont High School. He is a non-traditional student who came to OSU while he was living in Medford, OR because of his interest in Animal Science and the benefits of OSU’s in-state tuition. While taking CH 12X as a requirement for Animal Science, he fell in love with Chemistry because “it felt like a puzzle” and “dissected the world in a way that made sense to him.” He was excited about the possibility to “explore the world” in ways he hadn’t thought of before. He got interested in undergraduate research over two years ago – working in Professor John Simonsen’s lab in Wood Science on cellulose nanocrystals. His favorite courses have been the intergrated labs as they help to show the connection between lecture and practical science. Dr. Chris Pastorek is his favorite instructor during his time here. When not working lab or taking courses, he enjoys spending time with his wife and young daughter. He plans to attend UC-Santa Barbara this fall for graduate school in Chemistry. After obtaining his PhD degree, he wants to continue to stay engaged in research. We are so proud of students like Michael who have found their passion in Chemistry!

Corinne Brucks has been selected as one of our Undergrads of the Quarter for Winter 2014. Corinne grew up in Beaverton area. She became interested in Chemistry at a young age (6-7th grade). One of the advantages she notes from being homeschooled was that she was able to devote considerable time to her interests in Chemistry. She wrote long reports on chemistry topics and read multiple books on the subject from her local library – including a book series on each element and “The Periodic Kingdom” which she particularly enjoyed. She initially enrolled at Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri where she got an Associate Degree in Science. It was a professor at Cottey (Dr. Ganga Fernando) who was a key mentor that got the ball rolling for Corinne, providing her first research opportunity and encouraging her to apply to summer undergraduate research internships. Corinne is particularly grateful to Dr. Fernando for her help. Corinne always planned to return to OSU to complete her BS degree because of the strong reputation for its science program, and she loves OSU and Corvallis. Her favorite classes so far at OSU have been Inorganic Chemistry (CH 411 & CH 412) and Dr. Ji has been her favorite Chemistry instructor. She has had multiple research opportunities at OSU. Her minor in computer science was inspired by a summer internship through our NSF Center for Sustainable Materials Chemistry (led by OSU Chemistry Professor Doug Keszler) in Professor Paul Cheong’s lab. Last summer, she completed another CSMC internship down at the University of Oregon in Professor Mark Lonergan’s lab. She is currently working on an Undergraduate Research, Innovation, Scholarship and Creativity (URISC) supported project with Professor Sean Burrows on applying MATLAB to create algorithms for making the best biosensors. After graduation, she wants to go to graduate school in Chemistry. Her dream job would be to be a professor where she can teach and do research. She comments that she “enjoys explaining concepts to people”. While not studying chemistry, Corinne likes to do ballroom dancing on campus. Corinne is another wonderful example of the high caliber students that we attract to OSU Chemistry, and we are so proud of her successes.

Update: Corrine was also the recipient of the 1st ever Keith McKennon Memorial Scholarship. The Chemistry Department is grateful for the support of alumni and friends who established this Scholarship. Corinne, will do a wonderful job of honoring this long-time friend of the Department through her contributions to the state, nation, and world.

Stefan was born in Indiana where he lived for his first six years. He subsequently moved around (Florida then British Columbia then Washington DC) before finally settling in the Lake Oswego area 16 years ago. He wanted to come to OSU to take advantage of our in-state tuition and because he was interested in research. He has a deep commitment to giving back to society – believing that we exist for the sake of making societal progress (the idealized world of “Star Trek”). At OSU, he has been surprised how much the professors will do to foster his growth. He has worked particularly closely with Distinguished Emeritus Professor Darrah Thomas and Distinguished Professor Doug Keszler – commenting “I was surprised how important I was to them… they have been insanely supportive.” in fact, his life-long goal is to “follow in the footsteps of Dr. Ken Hedberg and Dr. Thomas by continuing to do research as long as possible.” His favorite courses so far have been in the Physical Chemistry series and his favorite professor has been Professor Wei Kong. Professor Kong “stays true to the material, doesn’t dumb it down – very pure.” Stefan is already following through on his commitment to giving back to society by serving as an Undergrad Research Ambassador. He gives talks to new students to get them excited about science. Once he graduates he plans to get a masters degree in Chemistry before pursuing his PhD. After school he would like to first work in industry (his dream job is working at Intel), but would like to end his career as a professor. Stefan’s energy, passion and excitement are infectious. It is students like him that make OSU an amazing place and we congratulate Stefan for all his hard work!

Undergraduate of the Quarter - Spring 2013 — Undergraduate of the Quarter – Spring 2013

Shelby Paulson grew up in Coos Bay, OR – graduating from Marshfield High School where she was a three-sport athlete (cross-country/track, basketball and swimming). Her senior year, she was awarded an Air Force ROTC Scholarship, which covered much of her cost to go to college. Military service is a tradition in her family as both her parents were in the Army. She selected OSU for college because her mom got her Masters degree from here and because “she didn’t want to to that school in Eugene.” Her favorite courses were the Integrated lab sequence because it was “lots of fun and hands on.” She also really enjoyed Staci Simonich’s CH 692 Environmental Transformation of Organic Compounds course and Jennifer Field’s Toxicology course. She has worked in Staci’s lab for over a year now and has really valued the experience. She has also been active in the Student Alumni Association during her time at OSU. After graduation, she will start her six-year service as an Air Battle Management Officer in the Air Force. We are fortunate to have talented students like Shelby in our Department, and we are grateful for her service to our country!

Undergraduate of the Quarter - Winter 2013 — Undergraduate of the Quarter – Winter 2013

Jason was born in Corvallis, but moved to Philomath at age 5. His science high school teacher and OSU alumni (Molly O’Malley) got him excited about science – he took anatomy & physiology, chemistry and biology in high school from her. He came to OSU because of the positive experience his brother had at OSU and its close proximity to home, which reduced the cost of going to college. While he started as a chemistry major with a pre-med option (as he loved anatomy and physiology in high school), his interests have transitioned to materials science and solid state chemistry during his time at OSU. He first worked with Dave Cann in the Materials Science program on high temperature piezoelectrics. In 2011, he presented a poster at the International Symposium for Applications of Ferroelectrics on Vancouver Island, Canada. In 2012, he participated in the NSF REU internship spearheaded by Chemistry Professor Doug Keszler and subsequently has transitioned into Keszler’s lab to work on oxide growth of amorphous metal films. He has a hard time just picking one favorite course at OSU, but Experimental Chem 1 would be “up there” due to the course environment and the friends he made through the process. Glenn Evans and Mike Lerner would be his favorite instructors during his time at OSU. In addition to chemistry, Jason has been an active participant in the OSU Men’s Choir. He plans to go to graduate school at NC State after graduation to obtain a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering – likely focused on long range and short range ordering of materials. We are proud of talented students like Jason that continue to raise the profile of our Department, College and OSU!

Arsalan was born in Portland and went to Aloha High School. He came to OSU because of the high quality of education available here for a “fraction of the cost of other places.” During freshman orientation, he was initially registered as a biology major. When Dr. Chris Pastorek walked into the College of Science orientation and announced “All chem majors come with me,” he felt a spontaneous desire to follow her and has never looked back. His favorite instructor is Emile Firpo due to his incredible generosity. His interest in organic chemistry was sparked during the CH 334/335/336 series and he considers doing research with organic chemistry professor Paul Blakemore his best experience at OSU. His favorite course was CH 435 Spectroscopy with Chris Beaudry. After graduation, he intended to go to grad school to obtain a PhD in Chemistry and hopes to be a university professor one day. OSU and the Chemistry Department are so lucky to have talented students like Arsalan.

Undergraduate of the Quarter - Fall 2012 — Undergraduate of the Quarter – Fall 2012

Monica Best has been selected as an undergrad chem major of the quarter for Fall 2012. Monica grew up in Portland, OR and attended La Salle High School. Her junior and senior-year chemistry courses in high school solidified her interest in Chemistry. When she visited OSU, she was impressed with the Chemistry Department and specifically credits Chris Pastorek with telling her all the great things going on here. She is in her junior year right now – working in Adjunct Chemistry faculty member Jennifer Field’s laboratory. She is unsure if she plans to attend graduate school, but hopes to stay in Oregon (or the Northwest) after she graduates. She is a fan of the TV crime dramas such as NCIS (particularly the lab tech Abby Sciuto) which has inspired her interest in the forensic science-chemistry option (with a toxicology minor). She has enjoyed participating in the Chemistry Club within the Department – particularly the laid back feel and the expectation that the students do the work. Her favorite courses so far have been Experimental Chemistry with Emile Firpo and John Loeser where she tells us that the student gets to be the “brain of it” – deciding what they are going to do. She is taking Physical Chemistry this term and really has enjoyed Professor Glenn Evans’ passion and enthusiasm in the classroom. Outside of chemistry, she likes going to OSU football games, swimming and waterskiing in the summer time and crafting ”everything” from picture frames to scrapbooks. She also recently joined the OSU Flying Club to learn how to fly. It is talented and diverse students like Monica that help to make the OSU Chemistry program so strong!

Josh Holmes has been selected as an undergrad chem major of the quarter for Fall 2012. Josh was born in Weymouth, Massachusetts , but grew up in Wilton, New Hampshire. Josh took a non-traditional path to OSU. While excelling in math throughout high school, he was unsure what career path to take. Consequently, he decided to work in the construction industry after graduating from high school in 2002. During that time, he became interested in snow skiing and began working as a ski lift operator. His interest in skiing ultimately brought him to the west coast (California) were he met his wife. In 2008, his wife enrolled in graduate school at OSU in geology. Josh took the opportunity to re-engage with his education and starting taking classes at LBCC in 2009. Within a year, he had matriculated to OSU where he has excelled ever sense. He enjoyed taking math classes at OSU, but it was his General Chemistry course with Dr. Phil Watson that really caught his attention – commenting that he was “blown away by it.” His interest in the fundamental aspects of chemistry drove him to work for emeritus Professor Ken Hedberg because he “wants to known deep down inside what is happening” in chemistry. Josh has enjoyed the personal attention and friendly attitude that OSU offers – providing easy access to faculty. Both of those attributes he associates with the Experimental Chemistry courses run by Emile Firpo, John Loeser and Chris Pastorek. He is unsure exactly what he wants to do after graduation, but he feels that he would like to teach in some capacity. Josh still likes to snow ski and is an accomplished musician – playing guitar in the band called the Psych Country Revue (rock and roll with a country twist). Our Department is lucky to have wonderful students like Josh who will surely inspire the next generation of chemists through their passion and enthusiasm about science!

Undergraduate of the Quarter - Spring 2012 — Undergraduate of the Quarter – Spring 2012

Sam Bartlett has been selected as an undergrad chem major of the quarter for Spring 2012. Sam was born in Sunnyside, WA but was raised in Lake Oswego, OR until 4th grade when he moved to Corvallis. He attended Crescent Valley High School. Sam picked OSU because of its strong reputation, the in-state tuition costs and wanting to stay close to home. He initially was a biology major, but the first term of Organic Chemistry from Dr. Daniel Myles showed him that his real interests were in Chemistry. Sam cites Prof. Carter (for CH 336) and his current advisor, Chris Beaudry (for his instruction in CH 471 and CH 535) as his two favorite professors. Sam has conducted extensive undergraduate research during his time at OSU. In fact, Sam and Professor Beaudry have published a paper on his research in the Journal of Organic Chemistry – a major accomplishment for an undergraduate student. Sam is very grateful for this experience – particularly commenting that Professor Beaudry’s insights were valuable and he is very grateful for his help in getting into grad school. Sam has really enjoyed the community in the Department – feeling that it is like a close knit family. Sam will be starting graduate school this summer in Organic Chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with Professor Jeff Johnson. UNC-Chapel Hill is regarded as one of the top programs in his field and we congratulate Sam on all his accomplishments to date. It is students like Sam that make OSU Chemistry as strong as it is today!!

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Tag Archives: Undergraduate of the Quarter

Undergraduate of the Quarter – Fall 2013 – Chadd Armstrong

Undergraduate of the Quarter – Fall 2013 – Michael Hughes

Undergraduate of the Quarter – Winter 2014 – Corinne Brucks

Undergraduate of the Quarter – Winter 2014 – Stefan Lucchini

Undergraduate of the Quarter – Spring 2013 – Shelby Paulson

Undergraduate of the Quarter – Winter 2013 – Jason Nikkel

Undergraduate of the Quarter – Winter 2013 – Arsalan Zolfagari

Undergraduate of the Quarter – Fall 2012 – Monica Best

Undergraduate of the Quarter – Fall 2012 – Josh Holmes

Undergraduate of the Quarter – Spring 2012 – Sam Bartlett

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