The Division of Math & Science (DMS) is invested in the Mission of Tusculum University. That mission is: Building on a rich Presbyterian heritage and a pioneering spirit, Tusculum University provides an active and experiential education within a caring Christian environment to inspire civic engagement, enrich personal lives, and equip career-ready professionals.
Each of the departments with DMS are working to provide opportunities for students to put use what they are learning in the classroom into real life experiences through internships, job shadowing, and research.
Department of Natural Sciences
Research Opportunities – Dr. Dennis Ashford
This position serves as the Research Assistant (RA) on fundamental chemical research at Tusculum University. The job includes working closely with a supervising faculty advisor to conduct fundamental research in the chemical sciences. The RA is responsible for assisting the faculty member in a variety of non-administrative tasks that may include designing and preparing materials, utilizing instrumentation, and documenting results in support of the research activity. The research project specifically deals with the synthesis and analysis of new anti-cancer prodrugs and combines organic and inorganic chemistry techniques and theories. The RA position is intended to provide the opportunity to learn proper research procedures and techniques. The supervising faculty mentor will be responsible for providing ongoing feedback and assistance in the research project.
There is no prior experience required for this position, but it is required that the applicant be working toward a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or Biology at Tusculum University. It is also required that the RA be able to work safely in a laboratory setting, be able to collaborate with their peers on the research project, and clearly document their experimental design and results in a laboratory notebook. In addition, the RA should be able to utilize library and/or literature searchers to advance the project forward.
Medicinal Plants in Appalachia – Dr. Susan Monteleone
This project is designed to identify, collect and analyze familial relatives of well-described medicinal plants in our region and assay them for medicinal compounds. Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is just such a medicinal plant, highly prized for its therapeutic properties. Its distribution is throughout the Appalachian region. Another such specimen is Broad-leaf Plantain (Plantago major), a weed that is commonly found in our yards and fields.Student researchers will assist in the collection, sample bioassay (preparation and processing), and analysis of study results. This project involves both lab and field work. We will take field trips to locate and collect related plants to process for active compound bioassay.
Start time: Negotiable
Applicants needed: 1 – 3
Course pre-requisites: None
Approximate hours/week: 8 – 10 hours, unpaid, course credit available
Email interest to smonteleone@tusculum.edu