THIBODAUX, La. — 杏吧传媒 Chemistry junior Autumn Andras will participate in a program aimed to encourage women and other underrepresented minorities in STEM fields.聽
杏吧传媒 has received $5,000 for the Supervised Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) project this semester. The money will pay Andras鈥� salary and will also be used for supplies and other related activities.
The Raceland native will work under the supervision of chemistry professor Dr. Uttam Pokharel.
Her research seeks to understand the mechanism of the formation of cyclic lactones. Lactones are a valuable structural motif in natural products and active molecules. They contribute to the aroma of fruits, butter, cheese and other foods.
鈥淪tudents can present their research findings in different scientific meetings,鈥� Dr. Pokharel said. 鈥淭he results can also be published in peer-reviewed journals, which is very helpful to build their resume and career.鈥�
The goal of the project is to encourage students to attend graduate school in a STEM field.
鈥淭he Department of Chemistry is devoted to student mentoring,鈥� said Chad Young, chemistry department head. 鈥淭his program is a great example of our faculty鈥檚 efforts to mentor the best chemists in Louisiana. We are so proud of Autumn and Uttam.鈥�
The program will run from Jan. 1 to July 31, with the option to request an extension to Dec. 31.
The National Science Foundation and Louisiana Board of Regents sponsor the SURE program.聽
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 23, 2020
MEDIA CONTACT: Jacob Batte, Media Relations and Publications Coordinator,聽985.448.4141 or jacob.batte@nicholls.edu