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Allen conducts summer research at Monmouth College

by Barry McNamara

Monmouth, IL (07/27/2018) — Brandon Allen, a senior chemistry and physics major from Marengo, Ill., recently spent eight weeks as a Kieft Summer Research Student at Monmouth College.

Allen worked on a project titled "Visualization of Langmuir Monolayer Films with In-House Assembled Microscopy Systems."

"Constructing models of the cell membrane using the Langmuir monolayer technique allows for investigation of membrane behavior in specific environments, which can be used to gain insight about the factors that contribute to conditions and diseases such as neurodegeneration or diabetes," he said. "My project focuses on the construction of a Brewster angle microscope and a fluorescence microscope for visualization of these model systems, which ultimately allows us to gain a more thorough understanding of what factors contribute to these conditions."

Allen enjoys the opportunities that being a Kieft Summer Research Student provides.

"I like being able to focus on research and making progress on my projects at a much faster pace than I can while classes are in session," he said.

Allen plans to become a professor after completing graduate school.

A 30-year chemistry professor who was beloved by Monmouth students, Richard "Doc" Kieft left his $2.3 million estate to the chemistry department. He also created the summer research program, which gives science students an opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research under close faculty supervision. The students work 40-hour weeks and receive free housing and a small stipend. Since its inception in 2010, the program has grown steadily in scope and complexity of research.

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