The Summer Undergraduate Research program gives Central College students the opportunity to conduct research with a faculty mentor.
“It is always exciting to see the variety of research projects Central’s students conduct during the summer” says Aaron Roerdink, dean of faculty and 1997 Central graduate. “Central’s faculty provide students with great opportunities to apply the skills they have developed during the academic year and grow these skills through experiential learning in a specific discipline.”
“Summer research also helps students realize that scholarship requires a variety of abilities, compelling them to draw on the strengths of their liberal arts education. In addition, students gain a deeper understanding of their passions as they develop their professional identity and consider their next steps after graduating from Central,” Roerdink says.
Student researchers
Piper Eighmy, a biology and business management double major in the Class of 2027 from Birmingham, Alabama, completed a four-week research project with Jay Wackerly, professor of chemistry. Eighmy’s summer undergraduate research experience was funded by the Arthur J. Bosch Endowment for Summer Research. She is the daughter of Sunny Gonzales Eighmy, vice president for advancement and 1999 Central grad, and Nathan Eighmy, also a 1999 Central graduate.
Ben Every, chemistry – B.S. major in the Class of 2028 from Grimes, Iowa, completed an eight-week project with Wackerly with the National Science Foundation grant. He is the son of Shane Every, 1997 Central graduate, and Heather Hoekstra Every, a 1998 Central graduate.
Lillian Fairchild, Class of 2027 chemistry major from Eddyville, Iowa, also completed an eight-week project with Wackerly and the National Science Foundation grant.
Katelyn Hamer, chemistry – B.S. major in the Class of 2028 from Center Point, Iowa, completed an eight-week project with Wackerly and the National Science Foundation grant.
Jordan Helmick, environmental and sustainability studies major in the Class of 2026 from Burlington, Iowa, completed an eight-week research project with Russ Benedict, professor of biology and Helmick’s advisor, funded through Moore Family Foundation.
Kale Hobart, kinesiology and business double major in the Class of 2027 from Mason City, Iowa, had an eight-week research project with Katelin Valster, assistant professor of kinesiology and Hobart’s advisor, funded through Arthur J. Bosch Endowment for Summer Research.
Lauren Knott, biochemistry major from the Class of 2027 from Pella, Iowa, completed an eight-week research project with James Shriver, professor of chemistry and Knott’s advisor, recognized as an Arthur J. Bosch Endowment for Summer Research Fellow and funded through the National Science Foundation.
Mackenzie (Mackie) Loomis, biology and environmental and sustainability studies double major in the Class of 2027 from New Virginia, Iowa, completed an eight-week research project with Benedict, funded through Arthur J. Bosch Endowment for Summer Research.
Elyse Shaw, English and political science double major in the Class of 2027 from Indianola, Iowa, completed a four-week research project with Valerie Billing, associate professor of English and Shaw’s advisor, funded through Arthur J. Bosch Endowment for Summer Research. She is the daughter of Kelly Shaw, a 1988 Central graduate.
Dillon Starlin, biochemistry major in the Class of 2028 from Creston, Iowa, worked on an eight-week research project with Wackerly, who is also Starlin’s advisor, funded through Moore Family Foundation.
Alex Zarlatanes, strength and conditioning major in the Class of 2028 from Taylor Ridge, Illinois, worked with Adam Bradley, assistant professor of strength and conditioning and Zarlatanes’ advisor, funded through Arthur J. Bosch Endowment for Summer Research.
Funding sources for all Central student research include the National Science Foundation, Arthur J. Bosch Summer Undergraduate Student Research Fellowship and Moore Family Foundation.
The Arthur J. Bosch Endowment for Summer Research provides financial support for undergraduate students to engage in professional research opportunities with faculty during the summer in preparation for graduate school or a chosen career. Bosch Fellows receive a stipend and housing support during the summer to support their research.
The Moore Family Foundation provides funding to support faculty with the opportunity to strengthen engagement with students in the classroom and other educational settings.
The National Science Foundation supports fundamental research and education in all non-medical fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, including computer science and the social sciences. This support advances knowledge to grow the U.S. economy and sustain global leadership. Central received funding for Wackerly’s research focused on the synthesis and supramolecular properties of a novel class of supramolecular macrocyclic host molecules they have termed “cambiarenes.”
