McCrery conducts summer research at Monmouth College
Monmouth, IL (07/27/2018) — Jacob McCrery, a junior biochemistry major from Galesburg, Ill., recently spent eight weeks as a Kieft Summer Research Student at Monmouth College.
McCrery worked on a project titled "Formation of Nitrogen-Nitrogen Bonds as a Tool for Synthesis and Drug Development."
"The goal of the project is to provide a synthesis method that allows a safer and quicker way for undergraduate students to perform these synthesis reactions," he said.
McCrery enjoys the opportunities that being a Kieft Summer Research Student provides.
"I enjoy the opportunity to focus solely on the experimental aspect of laboratory work, without having to worry about classes," he said. "I also enjoy getting to know my peers and the professors on a more personal level because they have time during the summer to do so."
McCrery plans to become a doctor following 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.