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Sterr conducts summer research at Monmouth College

by Barry McNamara

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

Sterr worked on a project titled "Increasing Toxin Tolerance of E. Coli to Produce Biofuels."

"E. coli is a bacteria that is able to produce biofuels, which could reduce the amount of fossil fuels we use," she said. "Unfortunately, in the process of making biofuels, the bacteria will also produce toxins that inhibit the production of the biofuels. If we find bacteria that can grow or, better yet, thrive in the presence of these toxins, we can sequence the bacteria's DNA and genetically engineer E. coli to more efficiently produce biofuels."

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

"I enjoy the opportunity to continue learning throughout the summer and I also love living on campus with my best friends," she said.

Sterr plans to become a pediatrician and work in a large hospital.

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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