Lewis University chemistry student Kelsey Schmitt of Elmhurst presented at annual undergraduate symposium

2014 Apr 30

Lewis University students recently presented at the lota Sigma Pi Chicago Chapter Annual Undergraduate Symposium hosted by the Chemistry and Physics Department at Lewis University. Chemical Physics Student Julianne Truffa won the Frances Krausz Seabright Award for best presentation at the symposium.

Truffa won the award for her presentation on “Biomimetic Polyaniline Nanofilms for Conducting Film Applications.” The award is in honor of Frances Seabright, who was one of the first members initiated into Aurum Iodide, the Chicago Chapter of ISP, and was very active in women’s groups across Chicago.

At the symposium, female undergraduate chemistry students from several Chicago area universities present their research and exchange ideas. This year’s symposium included students from Aurora University, Benedictine University, Elmhurst College, Northeastern Illinois University and Saint Xavier University. As the featured keynote speaker, Dr. Laure Dussubieux from the Elemental Analysis Facility at the Field Museum presented “Where Chemistry Meets Anthropology.”

“It provides our students the opportunity to practice their communication skills, network with other women chemists and learn about a variety of topics,” Dr. Teresa Bixby, moderator of the Lewis University Chapter of ISP and assistant professor of chemistry, commented.

Kelsey Schmitt of Elmhurst, Ill. was a presenter.

Other Lewis University students who also presented included: Samantha Brain, Kathleen Hallenbeck, Caitlin Higgins, Lisa Janes, Amy Mlynarski, Andrea Portillo, Samantha Rinehart, Kelsey Schmitt and Danielle Volk. Sarah Parker was a co-author of a poster with Lisa Janes, but was unable to attend the event.

Dr. Jason Keleher, chair and assistant professor of chemistry, mentored all of the research projected that were presented by Lewis University students.

Iota Sigma Pi currently has more than 10,000 members in 40 local chapters at various colleges, universities and metropolitan areas. The organization works to promote interest in chemistry among women students; to foster mutual advancement in academic, business and social life; and to stimulate personal accomplishments in chemical fields.

Lewis University is a Catholic university in the Lasallian tradition offering distinctive undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 6,600 traditional and adult students. Lewis offers multiple campus locations, online degree programs, and a variety of formats that provide accessibility and convenience to a growing student population. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis prepares intellectually engaged, ethically grounded, globally connected, and socially responsible graduates. The seventh largest private not-for-profit university in Illinois, Lewis has been nationally recognized by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report. Visit www.lewisu.edu for further information.