Carroll Chemistry Newsletter - Fall 2024
SAVE THE DATE
Academic Scholarship Program at Carroll College
Friday, November 8
This fall, Carroll College will have the inaugural offering of our Academic Scholarship Program, where admitted students with at least a 3.0 GPA have the chance to receive additional scholarship dollars. All participating students who qualify will receive some additional scholarship dollars based on faculty recommendations. The event will have two faculty-led activities: 1) a microclass with a collaborative group project, and 2) an individual interview.
New scholarship dollars will range from $2,000 in additional aid up to a full tuition scholarship. Students must complete their application to Carroll College by Friday, November 1, to ensure they qualify for this scholarship event.
In addition to the Academic Scholarship Program, Carroll College has introduced a Pell Promise for Montana Students. This financial aid initiative is designed to fully cover tuition costs for federal Pell-eligible students with at least a 3.0 GPA from Montana, who also utilize $3,500 in federal subsidized Stafford loans.
The Academic Scholarship Program and Pell Promise for Montana Students represent Carroll College’s commitment to making our world-class education more accessible to students. Please share these two new amazing opportunities with any prospective student who would be interested in additional academic scholarship dollars.
Summer Research Update:
Coates, Pharr, Hitt, and Rowley
Mentoring undergraduate students in summer research is an important component of the educational experience we offer at Carroll College. Here are some reflections from students who participated this summer.
"This summer, I had the opportunity to assist Dr. Pharr and two other students with organic chemistry research focused on synthesizing a carbene precursor molecule working through a complex multistep synthesis process. Something I was surprised by was how relaxed and welcoming the research environment was. I had anticipated a more intense atmosphere, but instead, I found the lab to be friendly and supportive. I truly enjoyed myself during this experience, and I give all the credit to those I was working alongside.
"This experience taught me so many valuable lessons for my growth as a future STEM professional. It enhanced the skills I’ve developed at Carroll and enriched my STEM experience portfolio. The opportunity pushed me out of my comfort zone, while significantly improving my scientific writing, literature research, laboratory techniques, teamwork, problem-solving, communication, and listening skills. It also opened my eyes to research careers I hadn’t previously considered, deepening my understanding of research's relevance to our daily lives.
"I highly recommend this experience to other students. Applying classroom skills in real-world settings is a rewarding validation of all the hard work and dedication throughout the school year. Working with Dr. Pharr this summer was an exceptional opportunity, and I am profoundly grateful for the lessons learned and the inspiration gained."
~ Paydin Smith, '26, Biology major/Chemistry and Fine Arts minor, Manhatten, MT
The long-term vision of the chemistry faculty is to have the resources to provide, in perpetuity, the faculty-mentored undergraduate research experiences that give our alumni the advantage. Endowed professorships are essential for maintaining the continuity of our research programs and positioning us to be competitive for large external research awards.
You can help provide these impactful opportunities for Carroll College students just like Paydin, Sadie, and the other summer research students. To learn more about supporting student research opportunities and student scholarships, or creating an endowed faculty professorship, please contact Keith Stout, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, at kstout6@carroll.edu, 406-447-4445.
Medicine in Mexico Student Trip
In January 2024, Professor Kyle Strode led six students on the Carroll-sponsored medical outreach trip to the Mission/School of Santa Maria del Mexicano in central Mexico. They joined Carroll alumni physicians in helping to provide medical exams, eye exams, and basic dental treatment to about 200 Mexican students and staff at the school. They spent a total of six days in Colón, a small town in the central highlands of the state of Querétaro.
"It was an experience I will never forget. It was amazing to help out these kids who have not had consistent access to healthcare, if at all. They treated us like family and made us feel welcome during our entire stay. I am very proud of the work we did, but I don't think it can fully repay the endless kindness the entire Santa Maria community showed us."If anyone has the opportunity to attend this trip, they should take it. This trip allowed me to observe and participate in a medical outreach program, giving me insight into how I may facilitate my own program in the future. Additionally, I am so happy to have made such strong friendships with the kids at Santa Maria, the student group, and the doctors. The trip acted as an amazing break from my busy life, allowing me to reflect on myself and, more importantly, what I can do to contribute to the health of others."
~ Tyler Dailey, '24, Chemistry, Bellingham, WA
This is a Carroll trip that is scheduled to be offered again in January of 2025. For more information, please contact Professor Strode, strode@carroll.edu.
A Celebration of Undergraduate Research
Thank you to all who attended our May 8th event to celebrate, promote, and recognize the impact of undergraduate research at Carroll College. The event featured incredible student research presentations, distinguished alumni and Board of Trustees guests, and stimulating conversations throughout the evening.
Please look for future events to celebrate the vibrant undergraduate research culture at Carroll College.