Hendrix junior presents on behalf of team from Hales’
Chemistry Lab
Isabel Jara ’26
and Dr. David Hales in front of a research presentation poster.
CONWAY, Ark. (September
17, 2024) — Hendrix College student Isabel Jara ’26 on August 19 presented work
at the National Meeting of the American Chemical Society that she co-authored with
Professor of Chemistry Dr. David Hales and fellow students Victoria E. Poland ’27,
Nischal Thota ’25, Bhavya Lenin ’24, and Regina Delgadillo Galaviz ’24.
The research “examines
the forces that hold proteins in their native conformations by measuring what
it takes to make them unfold,” said Hales. “Isabel presented results from
systematically changing the polarity of the solution. We can make analogous
measurements by varying the temperature, so our aim is to correlate the
polarity-based studies to thermal studies and develop an overall picture of the
thermodynamic factors involved in changing protein conformations.”
The experience
of working and presenting on projects like these allows students to see the
magnitude of the research they are contributing to in the worldwide chemistry
community, Hales said. These opportunities offer students solid affirmation of their
abilities, awareness of their own scientific maturation, and increased
confidence as they grow into their identities as scientists.
“I could not be
more glad that I said yes to the opportunity to present,” Jara said. “This
whole research experience has been a highlight of my Hendrix experience, and I
was so proud to be able to represent our research lab and Hendrix at such an
awe-inspiring event.”
Hales expressed
gratitude to the Thomas E. Goodwin Odyssey Professorship he currently holds for
funding both the research itself and travel.
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