91Pron¹ú²ú

Summer STEM Learning Continues with Summer Undergraduate Research Experience

Seventeen 91Pron¹ú²ú students of biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, engineering, physics and others spent their summer conducting research in a 10-week program. The program concluded with a research symposium, at which students presented to the community their accomplishments from summer research.

The Dr. James Girard Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program is a collaborative experience for 91Pron¹ú²ú students from multiple STEM disciplines to engage in undergraduate research over the summer. Working one-on-one with a faculty mentor, the program funds these students for the summer and offers an experiential learning environment that accelerates their research careers, with many students presenting their outcomes at conferences and/or via publications. 

Students researched a variety of topics:

• Victoria Petersen of Plainfield presented “Ozone Disinfection and Decomposition” with faculty mentor Dr. Mallory Havens, assistant professor of biology.
• David O’Rourke of Glen Ellyn researched “Image Enhancement and Filtering Using Least Squares” with faculty mentor Dr. Mahmood Al-Khassaweneh, associate professor of engineering, computing and mathematical sciences.
• Karolina Krzak of Summit presented “Significance in Machine Learning and Data Analytics Techniques on Oceanography Data” with faculty mentor Dr. Osama Y. Abuomar, associate professor of engineering, computing and mathematical sciences.
• Marek Spader of Elwood presented “Simulation of a Direct Fusion Drive for Engine Parameter Optimization” with faculty mentor Dr. Ryan J. Hooper, associate professor of physics.
• Kaitlyn Palmer of Springfield, Mo. researched “Exploration of Ce:UiO-66-NH2 as a Photocatalyst Material for Hydrogen Gas Production” with faculty mentor: Dr. Daniel Kissel, assistant professor of chemistry and director of SURE program.
• Caroline Nowak of Palos Park presented “Examination of Daphnia Microbiomes in a Planktonic Disease System Using a Molecular Approach” with faculty mentor Dr. Jerry Kavouras, chair and professor of biology.
• Ryan Syed of Romeoville presented research of “Feature-based Transfer Learning for Role Discovery in Networks” with faculty mentor Dr. Piotr Szczurek, associate professor of engineering, computing and mathematical sciences as well as director of Master of Science Data Program.
• Nicholas Rohmann of Lindenhurst presented “Using Mathematical Models to Simulate Disease Transmission and Identify Optimal Prevention Strategies” with faculty mentor Dr. Brittany Stephenson, assistant professor of engineering, computing and mathematical sciences.
• Paige Allen of Lockport researched “Laplacian Simplices Associated to Graphs” with faculty mentor Dr. Marie Meyer, assistant professor of engineering, computing and mathematical sciences.
• Brennan Price of Peotone presented “Automatic Measurement of Worm Movement from Cell Phone Videos” with faculty mentor Dr. Piotr Szczurek, associate professor of engineering, computing and mathematical sciences as well as director of Master of Science Data Program.
• Michael Zambrano of Orland Park researched “Using chelating compounds to treat Alzheimer’s in C. elegans” with faculty mentor Dr. Mallory, assistant professor of biology.
• Nicholas Tovar of Aurora presented his research “Testing different inhibitors against the enzyme Aminoacylase for use in slowing the production of cancer cells in Histone Deacetylase” with faculty mentor Dr. Kari Stone, associate professor of chemistry.
• Anthony Moreno of Romeoville researched “The Influence of Premature Birth on Laryngeal Development for Phonation” with faculty mentor Dr. Victoria Reynolds, associate professor of speech-language pathology.
• Erik Meyer of Willowbrook presented “Design of a Verilog to C++ Translator for Hardware Simulation” with faculty mentor Dr. Lucien Ngalamou, associate professor of engineering, computing and mathematical sciences.
• Will DeBolt of Naperville presented “Predictive Modelling for Hockey Analytics Utilizing Markov Chains” with faculty mentor Dr. Amanda Harsy.
• Austin Schaibley of Marseilles presented “Patterns in Self-Assembling DNA: Web Graphs” with faculty mentor Dr. Amanda Harsy, assistant professor of engineering, computing and mathematical sciences.
• Anthony Baudino of Diamond presented “Developing a Metal Organic Framework and Phthalocyanine Delivery System for use in Photodynamic Therapy” with faculty mentor Dr. Keri Stone, associate professor of chemistry. 

The Dr. James Girard Summer Undergraduate Research Experience is named after 91Pron¹ú²ú alumnus Dr. James Girard who donated $500,000 to the program in 2019. Girard is currently a professor of chemistry at American University in Washington, D.C. He attended Cathedral of St. Raymond School and Joliet Catholic High School before earning his 91Pron¹ú²ú bachelor’s degree in chemistry, cum laude.

91Pron¹ú²ú is an innovative and forward-thinking Catholic university offering market-relevant undergraduate and graduate programs to 6,300 students. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, 91Pron¹ú²ú is nationally recognized for preparing intellectually engaged, ethically grounded, globally connected and socially responsible graduates. Visit for further information.