News and Events

Press REleases

Natural Science Student Named Outstanding Presenter at Regional Meeting

Courtney Roberts, a Seaver College sophomore in the Natural Science Division, was named the Outstanding Undergraduate Research Presenter at the Western Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS) held at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Her undergraduate research was performed under the direction of Joseph Fritsch, assistant professor of chemistry.

The regional meeting of the ACS aims to "represent the new faces of chemistry." Roberts' presentation detailed her research on the implementation of environmentally friendly metals in the process of producing poly-lactide, a renewable energy source.

"Over the past 10 years, intense focus has been placed on poly-lactic acid as a biodegradable polymer," says Fritsch. "The overall thrust of my research with students has been to include more environmentally-friendly metals as catalysts. Courtney’s project has been focused on preparing new inorganic complexes that include magnesium, an environmentally-friendly metal found in the chlorophyll of plants."

Roberts was recognized out of 35 other undergraduate poster presenters. The selection was made by her fellow undergraduate presenters and faculty judges who spoke with each of the students.

"This award recognizes Courtney’s excellent ability as a scientist and as a communicator," says Fritsch. "During our research experience together, Courtney prepared new molecules, characterized them with advanced techniques, and has grown into a research chemist. Undoubtedly, her expertise and enthusiasm for her research were what the judges recognized and honored her for it."

Roberts says she would like to attend graduate school and continue her education in the field of chemistry research and also possibly teach at the university or high school level.

"I really enjoyed sharing my work with others who had experience in the field of chemistry," she says. "It is very exciting to have people ask questions and be interested in a project that you have invested countless hours in."

Click here to find out more about the American Chemical Society.