Chemistry | North Central College

John Willis earns Outstanding Major in Chemistry Award

John Willis was awarded the 2011 Outstanding Major in Chemistry Award during Honors Day May 17 at North Central College.

Willis is a graduating senior majoring in chemistry. At North Central, Willis tutored students in chemistry and presented research at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research (NCUR). He also conducted summer research at the College and participated in the Summer Undergraduate Research Colloquium (SURC).

Cancer researcher returns to North Central to guest lecture science courses

Zach Pratt, a 2005 alumnus who recently completed his doctorate in cancer biology, returned to North Central to guest lecture some biology courses.

Zach Pratt hopes to combine his passion for scientific research with his knack for teaching.

Since earning his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from North Central in 2005, Pratt has completed his doctorate in cancer biology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He returned to North Central in February 2011 to guest lecture some biology courses, using bacteria to teach a lesson in evolution.

North Central College’s science alumni, guest speaker share careers

Michael Chapman, Ph.D., professor in the school of physics, Georgia Institute of

Second annual Science Alumni Event hosts guest speaker Dr. Michael Chapman, Blake Young ’04 and Allison Beckham ’09 on their career experiences.

In what has become an annual tradition during Cornerstone Week, North Central hosted its second Science Alumni Event May 16. This year’s program featured guest speaker Michael Chapman, Ph.D., professor in the school of physics at Georgia Institute of Technology, and alumni Blake Young ’04 and Allison Beckham ’09.

National Science Foundation honors North Central College President Troy D. Hammond

North Central College President Troy D. Hammond is being honored by the National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program.

North Central College President Troy D. Hammond is one of only 60 outstanding alumni of the National Science Foundation’s highly competitive Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) to be honored and profiled by the prestigious organization upon the occasion of its 60th anniversary.

New Ruge Fellows “humbled” by honor

North Central College has named three Ruge Fellows, rewarding outstanding teaching of senior faculty.

North Central College has rewarded three faculty members for their outstanding teaching by naming them Ruge Fellows. Mara Berkland, associate professor of speech communication, Stephen Maynard Caliendo, professor of political science, and Nancy Peterson, professor of chemistry, were recognized at the April 25 faculty meeting by R. Devadoss Pandian, vice president for academic affairs and dean of faculty.

“Teaching is an art and a science,” he said. “These professors have an enthusiasm for working with students and a passion for their discipline that’s unfathomable.”

Students are featured presenters in symposium

Five North Central College students give presentations based on international studies, coursework at College’s annual symposium on global human rights.

When North Central College recently hosted its second symposium on global human rights, the event included student presentations in addition to keynote addresses by experts in the field of global and environmental health.

North Central College to host Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering competition

North Central College will host sectional contest March 14 in the Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering (WYSE) Academic Challenge.

North Central College on March 14 will host sectional competition in the Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering (WYSE) Academic Challenge.

The Academic Challenge is a competitive series of tests created and administered by WYSE and offered to high school students in Illinois and Missouri. This competition has been hosted by North Central College for more than 10 years and is designed to present a challenge to the brightest students.

Students from any college may enroll in summer credit courses at North Central College

Students attending any college or university can enroll in summer credit courses at North Central College.

Registration is underway for a variety of academic courses that most often can be applied toward graduation requirements at a student’s home institution. Details on the various programs and applications can be found online at northcentralcollege.edu/admission or by contacting the Office of Graduate and Continuing Education Admission at 630-637-5840.

North Central College students to present research at NCUR

Biology major Scott Blaszak ’14 and biochemistry major Samantha DeWerff ’13

National Conferences on Undergraduate Research accepts 32 proposals by 34 students, placing North Central in nation’s top 5 percent for most acceptances.

North Central College students will showcase their original research in biology, chemistry, psychology, literature, the arts and other fields at the National Conferences on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) in April.

NCUR has accepted 32 proposals by 34 North Central students for presentation at its annual conference. NCUR promotes research, scholarship and creative activity in all fields of study and accepts only top submissions by undergraduate students.

Students may apply by Feb. 20 for Rall Symposium for Undergraduate Research

Students may apply by Feb. 20 to present their original research at the College’s 16th annual Rall Symposium for Undergraduate Research May 14.

North Central College students may apply by Feb. 20 to present their original research at the College’s 16th annual Rall Symposium for Undergraduate Research, which will take place during Honors Day on Tuesday, May 14.

Information about the symposium and how to submit proposals may be found on the College’s website. A list of frequently asked questions also is available.