Six Olivet Nazarene University students and their faculty mentors are already planning how they will spend summer 2018. This year, it’s all about research for them as they pursue intensive research projects funded by grants from the University’s Pence-Boyce Committee. This alumni committee fosters mentoring of individual students by Olivet faculty in mathematics, science or engineering research.
Students and faculty will work together over a 10-week period during the summer of 2018, receiving a stipend. Recipients of the 2018 grants are:
David Burnett and Professor Joe Makarewicz, Walker School of Engineering: “Modeling of Mineral Spectra using Principle Component Analysis.” David is a junior engineering major with concentrations in computer engineering and software engineering.
Samantha (Reavis) Colvin and Dr. Bruce Heyen, Department of Chemistry and Geosciences: “The Specificity of Malate Dehydrogenase in Escherichia coli Using a K82I Mutant.” Sam is a senior biology major.
Anne Hughes-Wagner and Dr. Derek Rosenberger, Department of Biological Sciences: “Determining the status of critically endangered rusty patched bumble bee (Bombus affinis) populations at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.” Anne is a senior zoology major.
Mike King and Dr. Derek Rosenberger, Department of Biological Sciences: “Foraging behavior of red-headed woodpeckers (Melanerpes erythrocephalus L.) across oak (Quercus sp.) savanna habitats.” Mike is a sophomore zoology major.
Timmy Mayotte and Dr. Ryan Himes, Department of Biological Sciences: “Hexavalent Chromium Toxicity on Human Epithelial Cells and Protection by Ascorbic Acid and Epigallocatechin Gallate.” Timmy is a senior biology major.
Vanessa Van Oost and Dr. Greg Long, Department of Biological Sciences: “Study of alpha mangostin as a chemoprotective agent via activation of the p53 pathway.” Vanessa is a senior biology major.
“We received many quality proposals this year, and I am excited that so many students and faculty are interested in an independent research project,” says Dr. Heyen, chair of the Pence-Boyce Committee. “In addition, we are blessed to have generous donors who underwrite the expenses for this program. This year, we were able fund two additional projects with supplemental funds provided by the Catalyst ONU initiative.”
Pence-Boyce grants are sponsored by Olivet alumni who wish to honor two outstanding former faculty members who exemplify integrity, dedication and spirit in pursuit of academic excellence.
Elbert Pence was professor of physics at Olivet from 1962 to 1969. His extensive experience with the U.S. Navy provided valuable background for his students. His energy and enthusiasm were driving forces in developing the physics major at Olivet. He exemplified excellence in higher education in physics and engineering. Professor Pence passed away in 2016.
Fanny Boyce was professor of mathematics at Olivet from 1963 to 1970. She came to Olivet after many years of service at Wheaton College. Her high standards and teaching performance served as inspiration to those she taught. Dr. Boyce passed away in 1986.
To learn more about Olivet’s areas of study in the sciences and engineering, contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@olivet.edu or 800-648-1463.
Published: 4/24/2018
