»Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ Biology Pre-Health and Spanish Student Presents at Research Symposium
»Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ (»Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ) biology pre-health and Spanish freshman Elizabeth George recently presented her project, "The Detection and Determination of Acrylamide in Homogenized Small Animal Feed," at »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ's 2024 EXPLORE STEM Research Symposium.
George, who has a pet of her own, was interested in conducting the research to learn more about the amount of acrylamide, a dietary contaminant formed as a result of the thermal process, in animal feed.
"It's a topic I've never really thought about, but within our research, we discovered there is a potential acrylamide peak around four minutes. We used the HPLC system (high-performance liquid chromatography, which separates compounds in a chemical mixture) to determine the results," said George.
George is grateful for her mentor, chemistry professor Stephen McComis, as well as the opportunity to conduct this research.
"Participating in high-impact learning opportunities will help prepare me for what's to come in the future. It's given me a jump-start on what to expect when conducting research," said George.
George believes the courses she is taking at »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ are setting her up with a solid foundation in the basics of science and an emphasis on biochemistry, which will help her in the medical field. Her double-major in Spanish will complement her studies as she prepares to enter the medical field and serve a diverse group of patients.
At »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ, George is part of the »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ dance team, Paw Prints, the women's track and field team, the Pre-Med Society, the Cougs OB board game club, and the Residence Hall Council.
George would like to work as a biochemist for one year after graduating before she pursues medical or dental school.
This research program was supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation (No. 1832511).