Students Learn More Than Chemistry During Summer Research

Danielle Crouthers, a senior chemistry major at Centenary College, was on the path to medical school. But after working in her professor's chemistry lab for two consecutive summers, she's changed her mind.

"I think I really love chemistry," she said. "After two summers I am very prepared to work in labs. I think I want to go to grad school."

Crouthers is one of 21 Centenary students who participated in lab work this summer. For 10 weeks, these undergraduate students worked on projects some would consider a graduate-level experience. The students are majors in the college's natural sciences, math and computer programs and work under the supervision of college professors, said Mary Robert Garrett, assistant professor of chemistry.

The students in Garrett's lab spent the summer trying to develop less expensive drugs. While in the lab, chemicals and reactions aren't the only things being tested; this is an opportunity for students to test their career path theories.

"I hope they get the same sort of affirmation that I got," she said. "I didn't think about grad school as an option until I did research. This is an opportunity for them to give it a test drive before they buy the car."

Andy Osborn, a junior neuroscience major, worked in Garrett's lab. He participated in research this summer because he wanted the experience under his belt. Although conducting research wasn't for him, he doesn't regret the experience. Because of it, he'll concentrate on applying to medical school instead of graduate school.

"Having any research is good, if to just to try different things," he said. "I decided that research isn't my passion but I came to understand and respect it."

In Joshua Lawrence's lab, four students worked on research that could build chemical tools that would allow the pharmaceutical industry to do their work more efficiently. Lawrence, who is an assistant professor of chemistry, calls it "making a better wrench".

Lawrence said although he supervised students, they did their own research. By using a hands-off approach and coupled with case studies from journals, Lawrence is helping students use critical thinking skills.

"I am preparing them for grad school," he said. "Not only will they be prepared but they will be wildly successful."

Rebecca McMahen, a junior bio-chemistry major who worked in Lawrence's lab, said that after conducting research she's considering going into academia.

"At the beginning of the summer I thought I would go to medical school but now I'm not sure," she said. "This summer I really liked doing research so I'll go and get my Ph.D. I think I want to teach."

By Icess Fernandez of the Shreveport Times
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