Dear Carroll College Chemistry Alumni and Supporters:
We are glad to receive so many wonderful updates from our alumni and supporters. Below are some exciting updates from our department.
SAVE THE DATE:
Academic Scholarship Program at Carroll College
Friday, November 7
This fall, Carroll College will continue the incredibly successful Academic Scholarship Program where admitted students with at least a 3.0 GPA have the chance to receive additional scholarship dollars. The event will have two faculty-led activities: 1) a microclass with a collaborative group project, and 2) an individual interview. All participating students will receive some additional scholarship dollars based on faculty recommendations. Scholarships will include tiered awards between $1,000 - $9,000 all the way up to a 100% tuition scholarship.
Students must complete their application and be admitted to Carroll College by Saturday, 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.
Carroll Students Explore Public Health in Zambia
A group of eight Carroll College students, led by Associate Professor of Biochemistry Dr. Chrissie Carpenter '02, participated in a transformative academic and service-learning program in Zambia.
Through the course SA 489: Medicine & Public Health in Zambia, students are immersing themselves in the country's healthcare landscape by shadowing medical professionals in clinics and helping deliver community health education workshops on topics such as nutrition, women's health, and HIV. The program, offered in partnership with African Impact, combines real-world medical experience with cultural immersion, providing students with a deeper understanding of global public health challenges.
This study abroad experience is part of Carroll's Sed Vitae curriculum, which integrates learning with purposeful service and reflection. As students assist in clinics and lead public health initiatives, they are developing critical skills and compassionate perspectives that will inform their future careers in healthcare and beyond. Read the full press release here.
Freshman Research Experience in Chemistry (FREC)
This summer, nine incoming Carroll students got a head start on college through the new Freshman Research Experience in Chemistry (FREC). Led by Dr. John Rowley, participants floated the Missouri River, collected water samples, and conducted experiments on algal blooms while forming friendships with their peers and professors. The four-day camp combined outdoor adventure with hands-on science and gave students an early taste of academic life at Carroll.
Carroll Faculty Awarded MT INBRE Grants to Enhance Student Research
The Chemistry Department received over $45,000 in competitive MT INBRE infrastructure grants to enhance undergraduate research opportunities on campus.
The competitive funding allowed the department to acquire a combined UV-Vis-NIR and fluorescence spectrophotometer, replacing aging lab equipment. This new instrument will support a wide range of student research projects—from drug delivery to solar energy materials—and provide high-quality data for both coursework and faculty-mentored research.
This grant reflects Carroll's commitment to providing transformative, hands-on learning and research experiences for undergraduates. Read the full press release here.
Elemental Extravaganza Brings Chemistry to the Community
This May, the Carroll College Chemistry Department launched the first-ever Elemental Extravaganza, a high-energy demo show led by Dr. Becky Coates and Dr. Caroline Pharr. Hosted in Wiegand Auditorium, the event was run a total of four times and was a tremendous success. The first two shows hosted enthusiastic students from Jefferson Elementary and Broadwater Elementary who filled the auditorium to capacity. Two public shows on the weekend followed and sold out in advance, drawing high energy audiences eager to see chemistry in action.
Fan favorites included the Gummy Bear Sacrifice, a dramatic demonstration of the explosive energy stored in sugar; the Chemiluminescence Coil, where the oxidation of luminol produced an eerie green chemiluminescent glow; and the dazzling Rainbow Flames, which showcased the vibrant colors of metal ion emission. These were joined by classics like Elephant's Toothpaste, the Superabsorbent Polymer Trick, Chemical Chameleon, and Whoosh Bottle, each blending theatrical spectacle with clear scientific explanation. With the support of Carroll chemistry student volunteers, the event highlighted the department's commitment to safety, outreach, and inspiring the next generation of scientists.
While still in its first year, the Elemental Extravaganza has already emerged as a highlight of the spring semester and shows strong promise to become a signature Carroll Chemistry tradition—an event that is truly colorful, curious, and completely chemical.
Students Research "Martian Blueberries" for Solar Panels
Carroll College biochemistry & molecular biology students, mentored by Dr. John Rowley, published research in IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Magazine exploring how "Martian blueberries" could be used to fabricate solar panels directly on Mars. Their work earned national recognition, major student research awards, and contributed to a peer-reviewed article – an extraordinary achievement for undergraduates. Read more.
