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Taylor conducts summer research at Monmouth College

by Barry McNamara

Monmouth, IL (07/27/2018) — Zelinda Taylor, a junior biochemistry major from Springfield, Ill., recently spent eight weeks as a Kieft Summer Research Student at Monmouth College.

Taylor worked on a project titled "Oxidation of Lignin Monomers."

"My project allows for us to further understand properties of free radicals," she said. "Free radicals are damaging to health, so better understanding their interactions with other radicals would be beneficial to further health research."

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

"I enjoy the opportunity to interact with fellow students in a stress-free environment and building strong relationships with faculty," she said. "Being a Kieft Scholar allows me to further my laboratory knowledge via a topic that interests me with guidance from faculty and support from my peers."

Taylor plans to become an anesthesiologist.

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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