Howard Payne University’s School of Science and Mathematics recently held its annual Summer Research Symposium, where local high school students conducted scientific study alongside HPU students from July 1 through August 5. Four topics of study were covered by the participating students, and the research was overseen by Dr. Dennis Gibson, associate professor of chemistry and department chair of physical sciences. The symposium concluded with the students giving presentations on their findings to friends, family and HPU faculty.
“This program gives important experience to the next generation of scientists,” said Dr. Gibson. “It’s important that students are given hands-on training that allows them to see what actual research involves, which is often entirely different from what is represented in media.”
High school students Kaden Bryan and Isaac Nowowiejski worked with HPU sophomore Magaly Cervantes on extracting and testing novel fluorescent probes for understanding the formation of microplastics. Recent high school graduate and incoming HPU freshman Bethany Blair worked with HPU junior Victoria Ramos on researching the development of an alternative to inhibit the growth of bacteria in preservative-free eye drops. Mariah Garcia, HPU senior, focused on derivatizing the structure of Naloxone to create an alternative drug for preventing opioid overdoses, which she presented as her senior project. Sabre Holdar, HPU sophomore, did research aimed at optimizing a new extraction technique of a common bio-polymer.
“I always leave the lab feeling like I have made some sort of progress or contribution even if it isn’t much,” said Holdar. “The Summer Research Symposium is a great opportunity to be up-close and personal with lab procedures, meet and learn from professors like Dr. Gibson, and carry out research almost entirely independently.”
Each project generated data on current issues affecting society. These results have been submitted via abstract to the Southwest Regional American Chemical Society and, if accepted, will be presented at the organization’s regional meeting this October in Waco.
“It is encouraging to see these students grow in their scientific knowledge and be able to share their findings with a professional demeanor,” said Dr. Gibson. “I look forward to seeing these students continue to develop as skilled researchers.”
The Summer Research Symposium anticipates hosting high school juniors and seniors again in 2025. Interested applicants can email Dr. Gibson at dgibson@hputx.edu to be added to a list for future communications.