By Fatima Magana '22

ALLIANCE- Alaina Metzler ‘25, junior chemistry major conducted summer research on NMR Spectra of Bacilli thiol Derivatives with the guidance of Ryan Dwyer, assistant professor, chemistry.

Metzler received the Murdoch Fund grant which allowed her to conduct research directly on campus from June 5^th through August 8, 2023. Her summer research served as the steppingstone for the research she will conduct throughout the academic year.

“Dr. Dwyer helped me with grant paperwork and starting my research; it covered my housing, and I received a stipend while I was on campus,” said Metzler.

The research Metzler conducted allowed her to gain skills such as coding and managing a website. This project was conducted independently, therefore, she learned to manage her time effectively.

“After I graduate, I would like to work in a research-based company or work in a laboratory along with attending graduate school,” said Metzler.

Metzler '25 in the laboratory doing research

Metzler, who received the Presidential Scholarship, likes keeping busy as she is involved in the honors program and student organizations such as student senate, society of physics students, and is both a preview guide and student ambassador on campus. The network system she has built will impact her greatly after graduating from Mount Union.

Uncertain of the program she would like to pursue in graduate school, Metzler ensures that experiences like her research at Mount Union have prepared her for her next steps due to the individualized attention from faculty, hands-on skills that will allow her to work in any environment, which many students cannot do, and she has gained leadership skills.

Learn more about the chemistry major at Mount Union.