Professional development and networking opportunities for Kennedi
Burns, Kathryn Diekman, Isabel Ritter at gathering in NOLA
At right: Hendrix students (from left) Isabel Ritter, Kathryn Diekman, and Kennedi Burns
pause for a photo during their travels to New Orleans to present at a national
meeting of the American Chemical Society.
CONWAY,
Arkansas (March 29, 2024)—Three Hendrix College students recently presented their research at the
national meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS). The theme of this spring’s gathering, held March
17-20 in New Orleans, Louisiana, was “Many Flavors of Chemistry.”
Kennedi Burns ’24, a health sciences
major from Mansfield, Texas, and Isabel Ritter ’24, a chemistry major from Hot
Springs, Arkansas, presented “The Synthesis of Novel Chalcones and Their
Biological Properties” under the direction of Hendrix Assistant Professor of
Chemistry Dr. Latorya Hicks. Kathryn Diekman ’24, a chemistry major from Little
Rock, Arkansas, presented “Cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) activity of silica
nanospheres” under the direction of Nancy and Craig Wood Odyssey Professor of
Chemistry Dr. Courtney Hatch ’00.
The students appreciated the
opportunities the meeting provided for networking with ACS members from outside
the Hendrix community who share their academic interests.
“I’ve
never seen so many chemists in one place before,” said Ritter. “I loved the
undergraduate poster session, meeting other students, and seeing what amazing things
are happening right now in chemistry.”
“Every
year, Hendrix students have the opportunity to attend and present their
research findings at professional conferences. For chemists, ACS is the gold
standard,” Hatch said. “There’s no better learning experience than to be
immersed in a sea of science surrounded by researchers eager to share their
successes and failures. It offers students the freedom to explore current areas
of research that they may not have encountered before.”
About Hendrix College
Founded in 1876, Hendrix College is
featured in Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You
Think About Colleges and celebrated among the country’s leading liberal arts
colleges for academic quality, engaged learning opportunities and career
preparation, vibrant campus life, and value. The Hendrix College Warriors
compete in 21 NCAA Division III sports. Hendrix has been affiliated with the
United Methodist Church since 1884. Learn more at www.hendrix.edu.
“… Through engagement that links the
classroom with the world, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion, justice,
and sustainable living, the Hendrix community inspires students to lead lives
of accomplishment, integrity, service, and joy.”
—Hendrix College Statement of Purpose