The Cross-Disciplinary Science Institute at Gettysburg College (X-SIG), directed in 2023 by Prof. Andresen of the Gettysburg College Physics Department, annually funds summer research in the sciences. X-SIG programming prepares students to answer science’s most pressing questions across multiple disciplines, equipping students with skills necessary for modern research and allowing them to explore the practical and ethical aspects of being a scientist.
Prof. Buettner with student researchers, Ethan Clare (’25 Chem), Bonnie Coley (’25 Chem), Savarna Goutam (’26 Chem and Health Sciences) and Sarah Marcus (’26 Chem) focused on the design and synthesis of mini-metalloenzymes. Prof. Funk, with students, Sneha Jayaram (’25 Chem) and Cole Springer (’25 Chem and German), continued his NSF grant-funded work on developing iron catalysts for sustainable, selective oxidations and reductions. Prof. Jameson, with Meem Noshin Nawal Khan (’24 Chem), conducted research on cobalt complexes of camphorquinone dioxime. Prof. Thompson, working with students, Hana Konno (’26 Chem), Isaiah Lares (’26) and Ziang Wang (’24 Chem), continued his nanoparticle studies.
In addition to the 10 students involved in 2023 Chemistry summer research, 63 other students participated in research with faculty from the Biology, Computer Science, Environmental Studies, Health Studies, Psychology and Physics Departments.
Outside their labs, X-SIG students gathered to share their research experiences during weekly lunches, social gatherings, and events like a jobs panel in which alumni talked about their post-graduation experiences.
Front Row (l to r): Ethan Clare, Meem Noshin Nawal Khan, Prof. Tim Funk, Hana Konno, Sneha Jayaram, Ziang Wang, Bonnie Coley. Back Row (l to r): Prof. Don Jameson, Prof. Luke Thompson, Cole Springer, Prof. Kate Buettner,Savarna Goutam, Sarah Marcus, and Isaiah Lares
Over the summer, Chemistry researchers took field trips to a local ice cream parlor, to Hickory Falls Family Entertainment Center for a few rounds of mini-golf and to FNB Field on Harrisburg’s City Island to watch the Harrisburg Senators’ play ball. Many of the students and faculty participated in Gettysburg’s annual Juneteenth Day Parade.
Front Row (l to r): Ethan Clare, Meem Noshin Nawal Khan, Sneha Jayaram. Second Row (l to r) Isaiah Lares, Savarna Goutam, Cole Springer. Third row (l to r): Ben Funk, Prof. Tim Funk, Bonnie Coley, Prof. Luke Thompson. Back Row (l to r): Hana Konno, Ziang Wang, Sarah Marcus, Prof. Kate Buettner.
