Tag: Chemistry and Biochemistry

CLOSED: Analyzing single-cell RNA sequencing data for transposable element expression. (Kyle Friend)

On campus: this project is scheduled to begin on 6/08/2026 and run for 8 weeks, finishing on 7/31/2026.

Project Description

Transposable element (TE) expression is linked to human aging and oncogenesis. We are currently analyzing human single-cell RNA sequencing data to identify tissues and cell types that are more prone to TE-mediated damage.

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Prerequisites

No

Special Comments

No

Project Information (subject to change)

Estimated Start Date: 6/08/2026

Estimated End Date: 7/31/2026

Estimated Project Duration: 8 weeks

Maximum Number of Students Sought: 3

Research Location: On campus

Travel Required? No (If “yes”: )

Contact Information: Kyle Friend (email: friendk@wlu.edu)

CLOSED: Illuminating New Catalytic Transformations (Erin Gray)

On campus: this project is scheduled to begin on 6/08/2026 and run for 8 weeks, finishing on 7/31/2026.

Project Description

Nitrogen-containing organic molecules have broad applications as pharmaceuticals, materials, and agrochemicals; therefore, the development of new strategies to make and break carbon–nitrogen bonds is essential. Our research aims to design catalytic methods to manipulate carbon–nitrogen bonds, making the preparation of these important products more sustainable, cost effective, and efficient. Students in the Gray Group will gain experience in using synthetic organic chemistry laboratory techniques and instrumentation as they design and conduct experiments, interpret data, and examine the scientific literature.

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Prerequisites

Organic Chemistry I (CHEM 241) is preferred but not required

Special Comments

Project Information (subject to change)

Estimated Start Date: 6/08/2026

Estimated End Date: 7/31/2026

Estimated Project Duration: 8 weeks

Maximum Number of Students Sought: 3

Research Location: On campus

Travel Required? No (If “yes”: )

Contact Information: Erin Gray (email: egray@wlu.edu)

CLOSED: Virginia Terroir and Wine Chemistry (Connell Cunningham)

On campus: this project is scheduled to begin on 6/08/2026 and run for 8 weeks, finishing on 7/31/2026.

Project Description

This project explores how Virginia’s unique terroir, including its climate, soils, and vineyard practices, shapes the chemical composition of regional wines. Students will analyze key components such as sugars, organic acids, tannins, phenolics, and aroma-active compounds using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and various wet-chemical methods. Students will gain hands-on experience with sample preparation, derivatization, quantitative analysis, and the interpretation of real analytical data. The work connects directly to questions faced by local vineyards and contributes to a growing scientific understanding of Virginia wine chemistry.

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Prerequisites

Organic Chemistry I (CHEM 241) is preferred but not required.

Special Comments

Students should expect to work alongside the Cunningham research group during the Winter Term.

Project Information (subject to change)

Estimated Start Date: 6/08/2026

Estimated End Date: 7/31/2026

Estimated Project Duration: 8 weeks

Maximum Number of Students Sought: 3

Research Location: On campus

Travel Required? No (If “yes”: )

Contact Information: Connell Cunningham (email: ccunningham@wlu.edu)

CLOSED: Developing safer therapeutics (Sarah Kim)

On campus: this project is scheduled to begin on 6/08/2026 and run for 8 weeks, finishing on 7/31/2026.

Project Description

The goal of the Kim lab is to prolong patient survival and decrease risks associated with cancer treatment by developing safer and more effective chemotherapeutics. We have two projects underway, both of which are available to summer students: Project 1: Pediatric brain tumors. For adult patients with cancer, chemotherapeutics can cause undesirable side effects such as hair loss, nausea, and vomiting. However, when chemotherapeutics are given to children, the side-effects can be more severe. Children may experience lifelong hearing loss, vision loss, or learning disabilities. SRS students will learn about current challenges and promising new therapies for pediatric brain tumors. In the lab, students will formulate chemotherapeutics that are targeted to tumor cells. This project is done in collaboration with a physician at Duke University. Project 2: Medication allergies. You may remember that after we received our COVID vaccines, we were asked to wait 15 minutes before leaving. This was due to the possibility that the vaccine could cause life-threatening allergic reactions requiring hospitalization. Which component of the vaccine could be the culprit of these severe allergic reactions? One leading candidate is a synthetic material called polyethylene glycol (PEG). PEG is derived from petroleum. Unsurprisingly, some people’s bodies identify PEG as an unnatural toxin. Consequently, their immune system launches a severe allergic reaction in response to PEG. Unfortunately, several chemotherapeutics are made with PEG, which could induce allergic responses in cancer patients. SRS students will develop safer, natural alternatives to PEG based on elastin, a protein that is found in our bodies.

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Prerequisites

Fundamentals of Biology (BIOL 111), General Chemistry (CHEM 110), and Introduction to Undergraduate Research in Nanomedicine (CHEM 401, by invitation only) by spring.

Special Comments

Students will be required to take CHEM 401 in the winter term. A meeting with Dr. Kim is required for consideration for the position.

Project Information (subject to change)

Estimated Start Date: 6/08/2026

Estimated End Date: 7/31/2026

Estimated Project Duration: 8 weeks

Maximum Number of Students Sought: 4

Research Location: On campus

Travel Required? No (If “yes”: )

Contact Information: Sarah Kim (email: skim2@wlu.edu)

CLOSED: Cultural Heritage Science at W&L and Other Institutions (Erich Uffelman)

On campus: this project is scheduled to begin on 6/08/2026 and run for 8 weeks, finishing on 7/31/2026.

Project Description

The Uffelman research group will utilize non-invasive methods such as portable X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, fiber optic reflectance spectroscopy, IR imaging, and multispectral and hyperspectral reflectance imaging spectroscopy in the VNIR and SWIR to analyze cultural heritage objects—especially paintings. The work will be done at W&L as well as at collaborating museums and institutions. It is possible that some of the work may be done abroad, so students will need to be sure that if they leave the US they can return.

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Prerequisites

Students should either take or be taking Chem 156 and Arth 356 OR do one credit of research with Dr. Uffelman in the winter term of 2026.

Special Comments

See above.

Project Information (subject to change)

Estimated Start Date: 6/08/2026

Estimated End Date: 7/31/2026

Estimated Project Duration: 8 weeks

Maximum Number of Students Sought: 3

Research Location: On campus

Travel Required? Yes (If “yes”: To be determined.)

Contact Information: Erich Uffelman (email: uffelmane@wlu.edu)