High School Students Featured in BEST Early Research Symposium

Benton Harbor, MI - More than 20 high school seniors representing 8 schools in Berrien and Cass counties will showcase an innovative approach to science education at the 1^st BEST Early Research Symposium on Wednesday, April 27, at 12:30 p.m.  The Symposium – Early Research Participation: Reinventing Science Education - will take place in Room A-107, the Chemistry Lecture Hall, of Halenz Hall in the Science Complex on the campus of Andrews University. 

The 1^st BEST Early Research Symposium highlights Berrien County Mathematics & Science Center’s senior chemistry students’ research projects.  The research projects and restructured Grade 12 class were designed and developed by Andrews University Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Mathematics & Science Center Instructor, Dr. Desmond Murray.  “This course represents a fundamentally different approach to traditional high school chemistry by using college-level projects in a laboratory-intensive, research-focused process,” said Dr. Murray, Founding Director of Building Excellence in Science and Technology (BEST). 

At the Symposium, students will share their research experience with their families, dignitaries, Andrews University faculty and staff, and the community.  They will also demonstrate how to use modern instrumentation and university-level lab techniques mastered while researching topics such as dyes; novel fragrances/flavors based on ginger; hybrid drugs of ibuprofen, Vitamin B and Vitamin C; biocompatible polymers; biodegradable cosmetic chemicals; antifungal agents; conducting polymers and molecular sensors with potential forensic applications.

 “The innovation Dr. Murray uses as he instructs our students continues to astound me,” said Tonya Snyder, Berrien RESA Berrien County Math & Science Center Coordinator. “The laboratory techniques our students are engaging in provide a unique opportunity for them to get excited about research.  And, by providing a public forum for the students to present their research (through the BEST Research Symposium), they truly understand all the components of scientific exploration - from creating a hypothesis to sharing their discoveries with the world. ”

In 2006, Dr. Murray began restructuring the senior chemistry course offered by the Berrien County Mathematics & Science Center, located on the campus of Andrews University.  Murray used the spring semester of his university-level Organic Chemistry lab course as a restructuring model. In 2007, the course received regional recognition as a finalist in Business Review West Michigan’s Innovation Exposition in 2007.  In 2010 Murray’s BEST Early Research Program, organization and efforts were recognized as a Thought Leader in Education in West Michigan for advocating and offering early research participation opportunities for high school and college students.

“Chemistry is best learned by actually doing,” said Andrews University Department Chair and Professor of Biochemistry, D. David Nowack.  “Through research, high school students become better trained, more motivated citizens of society.  The Andrews University Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry has greatly benefited from students whose first real exposure to chemistry came through such early hands-on experiences.”

The program has received written endorsements from former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm, U.S. Congressman Fred Upton, the Berrien County Board of Commissioners, Benton Harbor Mayor Wilce Cooke, National Science Foundation Program Director Sandra Welch and American Chemical Society 2010 President Joseph Francisco.  U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow commented, “Everyday we see the importance of research as we meet new technological challenges and compete in a global marketplace.  These students should be well positioned to succeed in college and pursue a career in science and technology.”

Murray said, “Early research participation provide the students with their initial steps towards becoming independent researchers and innovators.  The course has opened up a world of opportunities for enrolled students including attending professional conferences, internships and opportunities for them to communicate their research. The experience also increases their understanding of some aspects of the innovation process that turns new ideas into marketable goods and services. The BEST Early Symposium gives the public an opportunity to see up close the potential scientific and societal value of engaging students early in the processes of discovery, research and innovation.”

Surveys of past high school students who took this restructured course indicated that for more than 85 percent of them, this was their first hands-on experience conducting independent lab research. Further, 89 percent felt the experience was positive and important, 76 percent indicated greater interest in research, and 80 percent suggested that they would like to continue taking research classes.

For one current student in particular, the experience has compelled her to change her intended college major.  “Taking this class has influenced my career choices,” said Bridgman High School senior Stephanie Burkhard. “I love doing the lab work so much that I changed my major to include chemistry whereas before I really didn't like chemistry at all…(because of this class) I plan to do some research starting as a freshman in college because there is so much out there to be discovered.”

The 1^st BEST Early Research Symposium is sponsored by the Benton Spirit Community Newspaper, the Andrews University Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, BEST Early, Berrien RESA and the Berrien County Mathematics & Science Center.  The public is invited to attend.