Department of Chemistry Receives Grant to Sponsor Summer Undergraduate Research
The Penn State Department of Chemistry has been selected to receive a $50,000 grant as part of the 3M Summer Undergraduate Research Scholarship Program. The grant will be used to recruit and mentor undergraduate students interested in pursuing graduate degrees in math and science.
“3M is pleased to provide scholarships to encourage students to pursue advanced degrees in math, science and engineering,” said Bob MacDonald, President of the 3M Foundation. “We want to encourage students to become future scientists and researchers. These students have the potential to lead advancements in scientific discovery that will benefit society.”
Recent changes in the availability of funds to support undergraduate summer research made it absolutely necessary for Jackie Bortiatynski, chemistry lecturer and director of organic instruction laboratories, and several of her colleagues, to figure out how to maintain the summer research program which has been in place at Penn State for more than twenty years.
A funding opportunity presented itself when Bill Coggio (’91 Chem., Ph.D.), a 3M senior research specialist, reached out to his former graduate school colleague, Bortiatynski, to discuss the 3M Summer Undergraduate Research Scholarship grant opportunity when it was brought to his attention. Bortiatynski and her colleagues felt the grant was a good fit for their program and applied.
“A research experience for undergraduates is an important part of their academic training, especially if students intend on applying to a graduate school. The 3M Foundation funds will allow us to support three Penn State students as well as four students from either the Commonwealth Campuses or other small universities or colleges,” said Bortiatynski.
Bortiatynski and her colleagues will use the grant funding to provide a summer research experience, mentoring, and an opportunity for both Penn State and visiting students to present their research at a poster session. Both Bortiatynski and Coggio recognize the value of undergraduate research.
"Just as was the case for me, resources were needed to participate in summer research programs and this 3M Foundation Grant will help ensure that such resources are available for the next generation to pursue their interest in science and engineering fields," said Coggio. Research as an undergraduate not only helps students reinforce what they learn in the classroom but also prepares them for a future in science.
“We know that student participation in an undergraduate research program is one of the most influential factors in deciding whether or not a student will pursue a graduate degree,” remarked Coggio. “Almost without exception, all of my 3M research colleagues had undergraduate research experience and it was this experience that inspired us to continue our studies in science and engineering fields.”
While the funding from 3M is not guaranteed each year, Bortiatynski hopes that it continues.
“This funding will hopefully become part of the foundation of future funds to allow us to continue to provide chemistry majors with an important part of their undergraduate education,” said Bortiatynski.
For more information on undergraduate research in the Department of Chemistry, visit http://www.chem.psu.edu/undergrad/undergraduate-research.
About 3M
3M is a $23 billion diversified technology company with leading positions in electronics, telecommunications, industrial, consumer and office, health care, safety and other markets. Headquartered in St. Paul, Minn., the company has operations in nearly 200 countries. 3M Community Giving consists of product donations and cash grants by 3M and the 3M Foundation and bolstered by employee and retiree volunteerism. In 2010, over $58 million was awarded to education and charitable organizations. For more information, visit www.3Mgiving.com.