8 Bethany Students Awarded Research Grants

BETHANY, W.Va. – Eight Bethany College undergraduate students have received research awards through the college’s affiliation with NASA West Virginia Space Grant Consortium.

The students are:

• Antonio Caputo, a junior biochemistry major from Elmont, N.Y., is studying how temperature and humidity affect the spread of viruses similar to influenza. Dr. Karen Kormuth, assistant professor of biology, is advising his work.
• Benjamin Fedoush, a junior chemistry major from Weirton, W.Va., is studying synthesis and degradation of azo dyes. Dr. Scott Brothers, associate professor of chemistry, is Fedoush’s adviser.
• Geoffrey Foster, a junior mathematics major from Kalispell, Mont., is studying mathematical prediction of volcanic eruptions. Adam C. Fletcher, associate professor of mathematics, is advising Foster’s work.
• Lena Grogan, a senior chemistry major from Pittsburgh, is studying organic synthesis of ibuprofen and acetaminophen and their purities in comparison with over-the-counter medication. Dr. Lisa M. Reilly, associate professor of chemistry and chair of the Department of Physical and Computational Sciences, is advising Grogan’s research.
• Marcus Kozloff, a senior dual major in chemistry and biology from McKean, Pa., is studying mechanical analysis of sulfur-based thermoplastics. Brothers is Kozloff’s adviser.
• Shae Reinbeau, a senior biology major from Wheeling, W.Va., is studying Phi6 as a model virus for influenza and coronavirus in the environment. Kormuth is Reinbeau’s adviser.
• Amanda Reynolds, a junior chemistry major from Sistersville, W.Va., is studying the effects of acid source and temperature on kinetic parameters of polyaniline synthesis. Brothers is advising Reynold’s work.
• Jacob Thornburg, a junior dual major in computer science and mathematics from Bellaire, Ohio, is studying mathematics, forces, and strengths of material of domes in architecture. Fletcher is advising Thornburg’s research.

Their research is made possible by NASA West Virginia Space Grant Consortium.

The West Virginia Space Grant Consortium is a NASA-sponsored organization that comprises 12 West Virginia academic institutions and nine corporate and scientific partners. Established in 1991, the consortium is dedicated to building infrastructure for research and promoting science, technology, engineering, and math education across the state.

Awards from the consortium must be matched dollar for dollar from other nonfederal sources.

ABOUT BETHANY COLLEGE

Bethany College, founded in 1840, is the oldest private college in West Virginia. The Bethany experience focuses on academic excellence in the area of liberal arts and prepares students for a lifetime of work and a life of significance.