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Eastman conducts summer research at Monmouth College

by Barry McNamara

Monmouth, IL (07/27/2018) — Jennista Eastman, a senior biochemistry major from Kewanee, Ill., recently spent eight weeks as a Kieft Summer Research Student at Monmouth College.

Eastman worked on a project titled "Studying the Structure-Function Relationship of the FNR Transcription Factor Through Mutant Analysis at the 183 Residue Position."

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

"I like having the opportunity to focus on my research project for a whole summer rather than a few hours a week," she said. "I also enjoy getting to form a stronger relationship with the professors and my peers."

Eastman plans to pursue a career in biomedical research.

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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