Loyola University - Emerging Scientists Workshop

In this workshop, Niles West Chemistry Club students visit multiple research facilities to learn about and participate in the research being studied by Loyola University graduate students and professors. Below are a few of the of research facilities students have visited:

• Identification of Toxic Chemical in Water Sources (Chemistry) - In this facility, graduate students are studying what potentially toxic compounds may be found in surface water, drinking water or waste water utilizing liquid chromatography and mass spectroscopy. Niles West students analyzed a standard solution of two compounds and determined if the compounds are present in tap or waste water samples.
• Confocal Expression Study of Embryonic Pattern Formation in Zebrafish (Biology) - Through the use of transgenic zebrafish, graduate students are studying the assignment of regional fates along the vertebrate body. Niles West students were able to visually chart and report data on the development of fish embryos using a confocal microscope.
• Synthesis of a Boron Mimetic for use as an Enzyme Inhibitor (Medicinal Chemistry) - In this laboratory, graduate students are synthesizing organic compounds that have the potential to be used as inhibitors in the area of medicinal chemistry. Niles West students were able to perform one step towards synthesizing a potential boron based inhibitor and monitor the completion of the reaction by utilizing thin layer chromatography.