The James A. and Louise Eaton Stinson Educational and Research Trust funds
three students in undergraduate research for the 2008-2009 academic year under CURCA.

Brittany Peck is a 20 year old junior majoring in biology/pre-pharmacy. In the summer of 2007, Brittany participated in an undergraduate research project under the advisement of Dr. Nancy Dalman.

Brittany comments, “The purpose of the study was to determine the impact of human recreation on E. coli levels in the portion of the Chattahoochee River that runs through Helen, Georgia. E. coli was studied because it is a common fecal indicator used in water quality monitoring. Our results led us to conclude that sediment disruption by human recreation caused elevated bacteria levels in the Chattahoochee River.” The findings from the project were recently presented at the Georgia Academy of Science Conference and they are in the process of submitting their work for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

This summer they will continue their study. “While we believe that humans are the host organism for the bacterial contamination, we do not have any data to support this assumption. Identification of the host source will enable the city to better remedy problems and improve safety for visitors.

Laura Brooks is assisting Dr. Ryan Shanks in developing a new cell culture lab. Laura will be educated in how to obtain data using the new equipment in the lab and to use the computer to analyze the information obtained. Laura will be learning unfamiliar techniques commonly used to maintain cell lines,  She will learn the different protocols and how to use the technology; write user-friendly protocols for future students involved with the lab; educate new students to the lab in proper techniques and check their work for quality control purposes; answer their questions; keep track of materials used and anticipate when additional supplies will be needed.

This experience will provide Laura with a working knowledge of laboratory techniques, leadership skills and a sense of accomplishment.

Jason Davis is a sophomore in pre-medicine and he has three projects in mind. Jason’s first project is under the guidance of Dr. Aimee Tomlinson which involves the use of organic solar cells. Jason plans to redefine the construction of solar cells by using organic material making clean and renewable energy affordable. His second project involves the use of silica sol-gels in the hope of developing a modern storage device which will hold a great deal more information than the current storage disks. Jason’s third project consists of a new initiative that endorses the merger of Physical and Inorganic chemistry laboratory classes.  Such a lab will assist the student in applying the concepts studied in Physical chemistry to other higher level chemistry courses.