Undergraduate Research

One of the more rewarding aspects for students at Gordon College is contributing to original research in their field of interest. From publishing a paper in a journal to presenting research at a conference, students at Gordon have made significant contributions in many fields. The Undergraduate Research Committee wishes to support these contributions by making travel funds available to students who have had a paper accepted at a professional conference.  In addition, we run a summer research internship program (SURIP) which allows students to receive course credit, food, and lodging while interning with Gordon faculty over the summer months.  Lastly, we track the progress of student research at Gordon, hoping to make these student contributions visible to other students and faculty to support an atmosphere of active research here. 

Conference Awards for Gordon Students

The Undergraduate Research Committee at Gordon encourages student research by awarding up to $500 to selected students presenting at professional conferences to help offset travel and lodging costs. Click the link to the right for a Conference Award application and information.

Summer Research Internship Program (SURIP)

Five students interned with faculty over the 2009 summer, producing some important research.  Nicole Naude' (2011) supported Prof. Brink's (Political Studies) work on the political climate of South Africa.  John Harris (2011) and Eric Lindemann (2011) teamed up to contribute to Prof. Keller's (Biology) work on local mammal populations.  (Read more about it here.)  Zachary Reynolds (2010) and Zach Capalbo (2012) worked in Prof. Glenney's (Philosophy) Philosophical Psychology Lab on sensory augmentation devices.  (Read more about it here.)

Students and faculty who are interested in working on specific research projects over the 2010 summer months should submit inquiries to Brian Glenney (brian.glenney@gordon.edu). 

Undergraduate Research in 2008

About one third of the faculty were instrumental in guiding student research, particularly with senior projects, of which a quarter of our seniors completed. Three students had their work published in professional journals and six times as many presented at professional conferences. The bulk of undergraduate research is featured internally, with eight papers in Gordon-based publications and over one hundred presented on campus.

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Conference Award Winners in Fall 2008-Spring 2009

• Rowan L. Walker (with Erin J. Thames), "Selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde: A green chemistry laboratory experiment" at the American Chemical Society meetings, Salt Lake City, UT. 

• Ryan N. Cappa (with Gina M. Gioranino and others), "BGB-20 ecoSoap: Utilizing biodiesel glycerin by-product in the large scale preparation of soap to illustrate the principles of green chemistry" at the American Chemical Society meetings, Salt Lake City, UT. 

• Suzanne Poole, "Determining the efficacy of popular antioxidants through the fluorescence of DPPP: An analytical laboratory experience" at the American Chemical Society meetings, Salt Lake City, UT. 

• Elizabeth Brooks, "Conformity and Issue Importance" at the New England Psychological Conference (NEPA) meetings, Springfield, MA.

• Casey Charpentier, "Enhancing the Brain with "Smart Drugs": An Exploration into the Neuroethics of Cosmetic Neurology" at the New England Psychological Conference (NEPA) meetings, Springfield, MA.

• Brittany Howell, "Effect of Social Support, Academic Locus of Control, and Distance from Home on Adjustment to College" at the New England Psychological Conference (NEPA) meetings, Springfield, MA.

• Brittany Johnson, "Enhancing the Brain with "Smart Drugs": An Exploration into the Neuroethics of Cosmetic Neurology" at the New England Psychological Conference (NEPA) meetings, Springfield, MA.

• Allison Kuhns

• Deborah Teo, "Attachment to Fathers in Religious Families and Implications for Moral Development" at the Association for Moral Education (AME) meetings, University of Notre Dame.  [Deborah Teo '08, was a psychology major at Gordon College and is currently a graduate student at Harvard University where she continues research interests begun at Gordon where she was chosen by the New England Psychological Association to receive the prestigious Honorary Undergraduate Scholars Award for the 2008-2009 year.]