Emily Prebihalo, Punarbasu Roy, and Christopher LaSalle presented their research at the 3rd-year Graduate Student Research Symposium on June 9, 2022. For her presentation titled “Radical Ring-Opening Polymerization of a Sustainably-Derived Thionolactone” Emily was one of eight students selected as a winner of the research symposium. As an award recipient, Emily received a travel award funded by the Chemistry Student Travel Fund and the Paul G. and Gerda Ann Gassman Chemistry Graduate Student Fund. Additionally, five graduate students, including Punarbasu Roy, were awarded Honorable Mentions.

Student presentations were 20 minutes in length with an additional 5 minutes reserved for discussion. Symposium judges took into consideration if the student effectively communicated their research; displayed strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills; highlighted the contribution of others if working on a team program; and highlighted important safety aspects of their work. The Department of Chemistry news release is available here.