Dr. Nicole S. Bennett, an assistant
professor with the Department of Chemistry, received an Excellence
in Undergraduate Chemical Reseasch Award.
Appalachian State University’s
Department of Chemistry gained a new professor this semester credited
with award-winning research.
Dr. Nicole S. Bennett, assistant professor of
chemistry, received an Excellence in Undergraduate Chemical Research
Award, sponsored by Indiana University’s Department of Chemistry
and Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals.
Candidates came from colleges and research institutions
across the country.
The award was given to more experienced professors and to younger
professors who made a mark in undergraduate research this year,
said Bennett.
Bennett was one of three younger professors to receive this year’s
award.
“I think it’s
quite an honor,” said Bennett.
Dr. Thomas C. Rhyne, chair of the Department of Chemistry, said
he was pleased to have Bennett in his department because of her
experience in undergraduate organic chemistry research.
“We’re really excited to get her,” said Rhyne. “Students
can learn quite a bit working with her.”
Undergraduate research allows students at the undergraduate level
to participate in research projects with a faculty member.
Graduate students traditionally do this kind of research, said Rhyne.
“[Undergraduate research] adds dimensions for the study of
science at the undergraduate level,” said Rhyne.
Rhyne said this was an attractive feature for Appalachian State’s
prospective students and their parents.
Bennett said her organic chemistry research is mostly of a pharmaceutical
interest, focusing on non-researched topics and “underutilized
reactions.”
She said she was also interested in preparing potential anti-fungal
and anti-cancer agents.
At a symposium Sept. 28-29, Bennett presented her research before
receiving her award.
Bennett said attending the symposium and receiving the award were
beneficial to her career.
“I was introduced to [chemists] who are at one of the best
research institutions in the country,” she said. “This
is always something that will show my research is useful.”
