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Research Opportunity at Dowling College

"Chemistry in Action"

"Chemistry in Action" is a creative research program designed to bring Chemistry to life for high school students through investigations on the South Shore Estuary.

In partnership with Dowling College faculty and students, each high school student will develop a research project on one of several possible areas of investigation. You will be challenged and rewarded by the benefits of a collaborative research experience that will transform your attitude toward chemistry. Your results will be incorporated into a report which will contribute to increasing the base of knowledge for the estuary.

Photos from "Chemistry in Action"

    Experience:
    the excitement of making new discoveries,
    the dynamism of scientific research,
    the beauty of the South Shore Estuary.

    Discover:
    the applications of Chemistry to the South Shore Estuary,
    the prominence of Chemistry in understanding and solving important problems of our time.

    Acquire:
    credits in Research,
    laboratory skills, training in instrumentation and experimental design,
    a new perspective on Chemistry.

    Explore:
    the local marine environment,
    career and college opportunities,
    ethical issues in science.
Possible Projects
Atomic absorption spectroscopy for analysis of metals.
Analysis of water samples for nitrates, nitrites, phosphates, coliform bacteria, etc.
Analysis of sediment cores.
Effects of pesticides and varying nutrient levels on clams, algae, fish, etc.
Detection of organic pollutants in water, sediment, or tissue samples by GC/MS.
Ability of algae to develop resistance to organic pollutants.
Coastal processes.

Schedule
We will meet as a group for sample collection, training in instrumentation, sample analysis and interpretation of data, and discussion of ethical issues and career opportunities in science.
You will arrange meeting times with your Dowling mentors to further your research project.
These times will vary depending upon the nature of your project.
For more information contact Dr. Lori Zaikowski at 244-3180.

"Chemistry in Action" Application Form

Please print and return this completed form with a copy of your high school transcript, and have one letter of teacher recommendation sent to:

Dr. Lori Zaikowski
Dowling College
Oakdale, NY 11769

(your application will only be considered after all documents are received)

Name ________________________________Date of Birth ___________

High School___________________________________________________

Home address__________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

Phone_________________

Name of teacher recommending you_________________________________

Expected date of graduation________________

Name(s) and phone of person(s) to contact in case of emergency:

1.___________________________2._______________________________

Please attach a blank sheet of paper for you to write a statement describing each of the following:

"Why are you interested in participating in "Chemistry in Action"?

"In which project are you most interested? Explain why."

"Describe what you hope to gain from this research experience."