Department News & Events
Professor Receives National Science Foundation Grant
Dean Johnston, professor of chemistry and biochemistry, received more than $199,000 grant award from the National Science Foundation for his project Experimental Determination of Chemical Structure. The key goals of this project are to:
- Develop a new model for integration of structural methods into the undergraduate chemistry curriculum;
- Assess student engagement and learning when working with experimental structural data;
- establish a local PUI user group to broaden the incorporation of X-ray diffraction methods and resources into the undergraduate curriculum; and
- create interactive web-based materials for teaching crystallographic symmetry.
Science for the 21st Century
Otterbein College recently received a renewable grant of $60,000 from the Merck Institute for Science Education to fund a new program for science students called Student Scholars for the 21st Century.
The grant will fund four undergraduate research experiences annually, as well as ancillary programs designed to engage all summer research students in an enriched experience and expose them to possible career paths.
Faculty Receive Grant Award
Joan Esson, Chemistry, and Brian Sell, Physics and Astronomy, were awarded $482,992 from the National Science Foundation to support scholarships and enhance programming for Otterbein students.
In their proposal, Esson and Sell wrote: "Our objective is to provide a significant scholarship and exceptional academic and co-curricular experience to at least 30 students who are planning on majoring in chemistry, biochemistry or physics. Together with the Office of Admissions, academically talented students demonstrating financial need will be aggressively recruited from Ohio schools with high percentages of women and minorities and/or an emphasis on STEM education.
After selecting the students based on academic performance and an essay about career goals, they will participate in an active learning community with activities including a week-long summer immersion experience, programming at the Center for Career Planning, residence in a living/learning house, a year-long seminar program focusing on career options, and mentoring through a triad consisting of the scholar, an upper-level student, and alum."
Nationwide Foundation Awards $700,000 To Otterbein College
The Nationwide Foundation recently awarded a gift of $700,000 to Otterbein College for funding a classroom/laboratory suite within the new science center that will serve both the College and the Central Ohio community. The gift will be paid out over a three year period beginning in April 2008.
"We're pleased to support Otterbein College and it's outstanding science program," said Chad Jester, president of the Nationwide Foundation. "Our strategic capital support to Otterbein will help provide physical changes to its delivery platform that supports the science education needs of the College and supports its growing commitment to providing educational innovation for students and teachers in area public schools."
Otterbein's Science Center is currently undergoing renovations and updates in two connecting buildings in the heart of its Westerville campus. Otterbein launched the $20 million project in June 2007 supported in part by a $12 million fundraising campaign and thus far has raised $4 million through contributions and pledges. The new facility will bring the different science disciplines together to form an even stronger, more integrated science program that is ready to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
"The Nationwide Foundation's generous investment strengthens opportunities for all of our students to explore a passionate commitment to the sciences. This gift also expands Otterbein's ability to share tremendous science resources with students and teachers throughout Central Ohio. It is truly a transformational gift." said C. Brent DeVore, president of Otterbein College.
Based in Columbus, Ohio, the Nationwide Foundation is an independent corporation funded by Nationwide Companies to help positively impact the quality of life in communities where its associates, agents and families live and work. Established in 1959, the Foundation has awarded more than $169 million since 2000 to qualified nonprofit organizations that work to meet crucial needs in communities with large Nationwide associate populations. The Foundation is dedicated to making strategic philanthropic investments to meet the most critical needs in communities.
