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Richter conducts summer research at Monmouth College

by Barry McNamara

Monmouth, IL (07/27/2018) — Katelyn Richter, a sophomore biochemistry major from Trenton, Ill., recently spent eight weeks as a Kieft Summer Research Student at Monmouth College.

Richter worked on a project titled "Analysis of the Effects of Lignin Monomers and Their Oxidation Products on Bacteria."

"Many people take probiotics to promote the growth of healthy bacteria," she said. "By testing the growth of bacteria found in parts of the body under conditions including varying lignin monomers and their oxidation products, a substance could be found that exceptionally promotes the growth of a certain type of bacteria. This could allow for more efficient ways to cultivate healthy bacteria in our bodies and treat some diseases and conditions."

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

"I enjoy the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from the fantastic professors we have here in the chemistry department at Monmouth and to work alongside my friends," she said.

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 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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