North Central College alumnus shares tales of neuroscience research with students

A North Central alumnus being recognized for his accomplishments as a student-athlete took time to talk to biology students about his neuroscience research.

Contact: Ted Slowik, Director of PR and Media Relations, 630-637-5307, tjslowik@noctrl.edu

Nov. 1, 2010—A North Central College alumnus being recognized for his accomplishments as a student-athlete took time during Homecoming 2010 to talk to biology students about his neuroscience research.

North Central College maps potential sites for new Science Center

This summer, the Naperville City Council approved a 10-year update to the College’s Master Land Use Plan.

Topping the list of potential projects that city staff, council members and the public reviewed is a new $40 million to $50 million science center that would replace Kroehler Science Center. The structure would be designed to foster a more interdisciplinary approach to teaching sciences, and the teaching facilities would be built to integrate classroom lectures and lab activities in the same space.

Dr. Mildred Rebstock ’42 feted for important antibiotic discovery

The North Central Now will continue to profile distinguished science division alumni as the College shapes its vision for a 21st century science facility.

Jesse Carey

“I started working on a research project the summer after my first year. I wanted to make compounds in a new, greener way using a technique called BASIL (it stands for biphasic acid scavenging using ionic liquids). I presented my work to Associated Colleges of the Chicago Area during my sophomore year, then continued my research with Professor Paul Brandt over the next two summers.

“Starting my research early definitely helped me with upper-level course work; I also developed good lab skills and got to meet other people. Learning to share research with biologists, physicists, and psychologists—and with people from other fields—teaches you how to explain what you’re doing in layman’s terms.”

Majors Minors and Programs : Chemistry

Students present their summer research to the campus

For the past six weeks, 37 students and 15 faculty have participated in the Summer Undergraduate Research Colloquium (SURC) conducting research that spans many majors and topics. Students presented their research to the campus community July 21 in a poster format in Kroehler Science Center. Nancy Peterson, professor of chemistry, noted research can be lonely and slow-going at times, so students and faculty involved in SURC meet weekly to collaborate and discuss their work.

Tom Williams named associate professor of biology emeritus

Associate Professor Thomas Williams was awarded emeritus status at Commencement June 12 and named Associate Professor of Biology Emeritus. Williams came to North Central in 1981 from Washington State University, where he received a doctorate in zoology. His expertise in zoology focused on salamander anti-predator mechanisms and he ignited a passion for scientific research in his students by including them in his laboratory and field projects, conference presentations and publishing.

Tom Williams recognized as emeritus at Commencement

Associate professor awarded emeritus status at North Central's Commencement ceremonies.

Retiring North Central College associate professor Thomas Williams was awarded emeritus status at North Central's Commencement ceremonies on June 12. A resident of Naperville, he was named Associate Professor of Biology Emeritus.

Williams came to North Central College in 1981 from Washington State University, where he received a doctorate in zoology. He earned a bachelor's degree in biology from Willamette University and master's in biology from Drake University.

Recent videos tell stories of campus life

End-of-year athletics rally, courtesy of NCTV17. Concert Choir singing “River in Judea’’ at graduation concert. Cancer survivor Meagan Rowe ’12 talks about Relay for Life, her experiences.

North Central student earns National Science Foundation Fellowship

North Central College student Emily Albright of Naperville has earned a prestigious National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Fellowship.

The three-year award carries a $30,000 annual stipend and nearly $12,000 in additional funding for educational expenses and travel. Albright, a senior majoring in biochemistry, plans to pursue graduate studies in molecular biology and has been accepted to several top institutions.