Research gets real results

Magellan Scholar program sets

Behind a blanket title of undergraduate research, students and professors are collaborating on projects that affect both local and academic communities.

The Magellan Scholar program was designed to create an environment where students can collaborate with faculty to encourage and emphasize research projects in college.

"Research is broad: anything that gives students experience in their field of research," said Julie Morris, undergraduate studies director. Recipients of the award are given $3,000 for their project for travel supplies and salaries.

From exploring new technology in medicine, engineering and music to creating new possibilities for the future by studying the past, a group of dedicated, passionate students research a wide range of topics.

Jennifer Brackett, a third-year English student, said she is looking forward to examining the original copy of Ernest Hemingway's "Garden of Eden," housed in the John F. Kennedy library in Boston, alongside professor Matthew Bruccoli. The book was originally published with heavy editing that may have caused the meaning of the book to be altered.

Carrie Giauque, a fourth-year history and anthropology student, is researching the history of downtown's State/Fox Theater, recently purchased by the Nickelodeon Theatre.

	Stefanie Biechler, second-year chemical engineering student

Stefanie Biechler, a second-year chemical engineering student, is working with chemical engineering professor John Weidner and medical school professor Richard Goodwin to discover the effects of heart valve maturation in correlation with birth defects associated with heart failure.

Weidner said the university is introducing stronger collaborations between the engineering and medical schools.

"I think Stefanie's (research) is a great example of this collaboration, and illustrates how a biomedical engineer compares to a medical doctor," Weidner said.

Andrew Allen, a fourth-year music student, is pursuing research in interactive computer music and cellular automata with faculty mentor Reginald Bain.

Allen will be use a computer program, part of USC's Experimental Music Studio, to compose three musical pieces capable of allowing performers and audience members to interact with the music.

Allen hopes to create technology that acquires active participation and new technology to gain creative projects.

Professor Ben Twining is mentoring second-year chemistry student Kaitlin Duffey to determine if sulfur can substitute carbon content in experimentations in marine phytoplankton.

Morris, the undergraduate research director, said the program has been greatly affecting and benefiting the students involved, giving them hands-on experience.

More information can also be found at the Magellan Scholar Web site.