Dr. Leah Chase, Professor of Biology, Chemistry and Neuroscience, received a National Science Foundation Mid-Career Advancement Award for $269,281 to advance her research program focused on the acute regulation of the cystine/glutamate exchanger, System xc-. The project, MCA Pilot PUI: Use of advanced mass spectrometry techniques to study the regulation of the membrane transporter, System xc-, will lead to significant advancements in our fundamental understanding of the mechanism by which oxidants rapidly upregulate System xc-, a transport system that is required for the synthesis of glutathione, an endogenous antioxidant.
The NSF Mid-Career Advancement (MCA) program offers an opportunity for scientists and engineers at the mid-career stage to substantively enhance and advance their research program and career trajectory. The MCA program provides protected time, resources, and the means to gain new skills through synergistic and mutually beneficial partnerships, typically at an institution other than the candidate’s home institution. As part of her research, Dr. Chase will be collaborating with Dr. Stephanie Cologna, Associate Professor, Associate Director of Graduate Studies, and Associate Vice Chancellor for Research (STEM) at the University of Illinois, Chicago, facilitating a new connection between Hope and UIC.
Dr. Jeff Johnson, Professor of Chemistry and Department Chair, received a $70,000 grant from the American Chemical Society’s Petroleum Research Fund, under the Undergraduate Research program. The project, Avoiding protodeboronation: Using -carbon elimination to generate organometallics for cross-coupling reactions, aims to develop new methods for the transformation of simple organic starting materials into more complex synthetic intermediates through the use of transition metal catalysis.
The American Chemical Society Petroleum Research Fund supports fundamental research in the petroleum field and develops the next generation of engineers and scientists through support of advanced scientific education. Undergraduate Research grants support research programs of established scientists and engineers at non-doctoral departments and provides financial support for students at those institutions to become involved in advanced research activities, in preparation for continued study in graduate school or employment.
Dr. Chris Turlington, Associate Professor of Chemistry, was awarded $5,720 in funding from the Discovery Institute’s Center for Science and Culture (CSC) to synthesize water-soluble polymers that increase oxygen solubility in water, with the long-term goal of making artificial blood which would ease the dependence on donations and prevent blood shortages.
The Discovery Institute is a non-profit, non-partisan organization focused on research, education, action and cultural renewal and sponsors research in the sciences, humanities and public policy. The CSC specifically seeks long-term scientific and cultural change through cutting-edge scientific research and scholarship; education and training of young leaders; and advocacy for scientists, teachers, and students.
Kate Lozon, Director of CASA and Step Up, was successful in receiving a $6,970 award from United Way for CASA and Step Up educational outreach programming. CASA and Step Up are after-school educational programs that provide academic assistance for underrepresented elementary and middle school students in the greater Holland area. Reaching between 100-130 students annually, the programs have close connections to local schools and Hope College, and work with schools and parents to strengthen the success of children.
Heart of West Michigan United Way (HWMUW), the award sponsor, is deeply rooted in local communities and invests in understanding the complex needs of people in need. Through partnerships with a diverse network of local agencies and by collaborating with the local business community, HWMUW works to improve educational outcomes, address food insecurity, enable housing solutions, and support job training simultaneously.
Congratulations Kate and the CASA / Step Up teams on your award!
Dr. Gina Kling, Assistant Professor of Mathematics, was awarded a $6,000 grant from the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) – Neff Outreach Fund. Dr. Kling’s project, Hope College Family Math Festivals: Building Positive Mathematical Dispositions for K-8 Students and their Caregivers, includes two community Family Math Nights, inclusive of activities, games and a welcome environment. The events aim to provide high-quality, fun mathematical experiences and opportunities for students and their families to experience the joy, playfulness and curiosity high-quality mathematics can stimulate.
The John and Mary Neff Foundation provides funding to support projects designed to encourage students to study and persist in their interest in mathematics. Through their partnership with MAA, MAA strives to offer faculty support for math education projects to elementary, middle school, high school and early college students to promote further study in mathematic education.
Dr. Kester Ighodalo, Assistant Professor of Physics, was awarded a Materials Research Facilities Network (MRFN) Faculty Fellowship. The Materials Research Facilities Network is a nationwide partnership of National Science Foundation (NSF) supported Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers (MRSEC), designed to provide support to researchers in the broad area of materials research in academic, government, and industrial laboratories.
Dr. Ighodalo’s research proposal, The effect of annealing and A-site cation engineering on the properties of Perovskite Light Emitting Diodes (PeLEDs), was accepted by Penn State University’s MRSEC, under their MRFN Faculty Fellowship Program. At Penn State, the MRSEC partnered with the Materials Research Institute to establish the program, which targets the establishment of relationships between Penn State and faculty from Primarily Undergraduate Institutions in relatively nearby regional areas who are engaged in an existing research effort.
Dr. Kelly Ronald, Assistant Professor of Biology, and undergraduate student, Natalie Leake-Jara, received an American Ornithological Society (AOS) award for $2,033 in support of their project “Effects of urbanization on stress levels, auditory and visual processing of the house sparrow (Passer domesticus)”. The study aims to uncover how house sparrow influences functions like hearing and vision in urban versus rural birds, contributing to our understanding of wildlife communication amid urbanization.
The American Ornithological Society, the world’s largest international ornithological society, is a diverse, global network working together to advance the scientific study and conservation of birds. AOS bestows a range of awards and grants that recognize excellence in ornithology and honors outstanding service to the society.
Dr. Aaron Best, the Harrison C. and Mary L. Visscher Professor of Genetics in the Biology Department, received an official notice of continuation for the project titled “SARS-CoV-2 Epidemiology – Waster Evaluation and Reporting (SEWER) Network for FY 2025 by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). The project will receive an additional $1,926,441 of funding for October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025 (FY 2025).
Through the SEWER Network project, the Global Water Research Institute (GWRI) provides wastewater monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 and variants of concerns for communities and congregate living facilities in Southwest Michigan. The grant was initially awarded in 2021 and is led by Dr. Best (PI), Dr. Brent Krueger (Co-PI), Dr. Benjamin Kopek (Co-PI) and Dr. Michael Pikaart (Co-PI).
The National Science Foundation (NSF) announced it has updated the Award Terms and Conditions to be consistent with the Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide 24-1 (PAPPG 24-1), effective May 20, 2024. The revised award terms and conditions will apply to all new NSF awards and funding amendments to existing NSF awards made on or after May 20, 2024.
NSF’s Summary of Changes can be reviewed here. Please contact Sponsored Research & Programs at sponsoredresearch@hope.edu with any questions.
Hope College is renaming its most important research event of the year to honor the extraordinary generosity of Paul ’67 and Carol Schaap, who have long been ardent supporters of Hope College and the sciences.
The newly re-named A. Paul and Carol C. Schaap Celebration of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (CURCA) will showcase more than 100 student research projects conducted in partnership with faculty mentors. The event will be held from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, April 12 in DeVos Fieldhouse.
“I am very thankful for Paul and Carol Schaap’s generosity, commitment and engagement that has facilitated faculty-student collaborative research and creative activity across the college,” said Provost Gerald Griffin. “I am delighted to join in the honoring and celebrating of the Schaaps as we recognize the excellent work of our students, faculty and staff.”
As a chemistry major at Hope and Ph.D. chemist, professor and entrepreneur, Paul naturally became a champion of the natural and applied sciences at Hope. Along with Carol, known for her philanthropic heart, they have provided countless students educational and research opportunities that have inspired the future course of their lives.
The renaming is a fitting tribute to Paul and Carol because student-faculty collaborative research has long been a hallmark of Hope’s academic program, a distinction that has garnered national recognition. U.S. News and World Report ranks Hope College #27 in undergraduate research and creative projects ahead of Dartmouth College, University of Chicago, Vanderbilt University, University of Pennsylvania and many other noteworthy schools.
The A. Paul and Carol C. Schaap CURCA celebrates the scholarly accomplishments of student-faculty research collaborations across all four Hope College academic divisions. For more than two decades, CURCA has been the culminating event every spring for students to showcase their research and creative activities to hundreds of fellow students, faculty members, families and the community. This showcase of talent has become a symbol of collaboration, excellence and the vibrant spirit of intellectual curiosity — all characteristics that have defined the Schaaps.
Collaborative research has had a far-reaching impact on students at Hope. Jolie LaBarge, a senior double majoring in exercise science and psychology, said her research experience at Hope has meant more than she ever imagined. She will present her findings on three different research projects at the A. Paul and Carol C. Schaap CURCA.
“These opportunities have meant a lot to me over my time at Hope,” LaBarge said. “ They have helped me learn a variety of skills ranging from communication, to scheduling, to editing, etc. These opportunities brought me new friends and faculty members that I knew I could depend on.
“Having these experiences on my résumé also provided me with a variety of advantages when applying to graduate school programs,” LaBarge added. “Last but not least, it gave me confidence in myself to trust my abilities and grow as a person and as a student.”
LaBarge is one among a countless number of students impacted by the Schaaps’ generosity. Their matchless gifts to Hope College span decades and have transformed every area of campus including academics, co-curricular experiences, faith formation and scholarships. The A. Paul Schaap Science Center and the Carol C. Schaap Chapel stand as a testament to their desire to provide students with life-changing educational opportunities.
