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Trinity College Chemistry Professor's Grant Supports Undergraduate Summer Research

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Jonathan T. Ashby, an assistant professor of chemistry at Trinity College, was awarded a grant from the Pittcon Undergraduate Analytical Research Program (UARP) to support undergraduate research stipends for students working on his research projects. The grant aims to promote innovative research in analytical chemistry while providing opportunities for advanced training and development of students at institutions without graduate programs in the physical sciences. Ashby's research project investigates how biomolecules interact with each other by labeling their surfaces with a dye molecule called fluorescamine.

Key Takeaways:

  • The grant awarded to Jonathan T. Ashby supports undergraduate research stipends for students working on his research project, "Development of covalently binding fluorogenic dyes as labels for mass spectrometric analysis of proteinnucleic acid complexes."
  • The project aims to investigate how biomolecules interact with each other by labeling their surfaces with a dye molecule called fluorescamine, which could potentially be used to identify molecules that inhibit the aggregation process, a key factor in diseases such as Alzheimer's.
  • The grant will support a student researcher in the summer of 2026, with plans to visit UMass Amherst to utilize specialized mass spectrometers to study larger proteins.
  • Working with students in the lab and supporting their development is essential to Ashby, who attributes his own interest in analytical research to his experience working with Janet F. Morrison, principal lecturer in chemistry, emerita.
  • Ashby emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary research, citing the intersection of chemistry with other disciplines as a key area of focus for his research.

Statistics:

  • The grant will support a stipend for a student researcher for eight weeks from May to July, with plans to support a student researcher in the summer of 2026.
  • The Pittcon UARP grant from the Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh will support innovative research in analytical chemistry.
  • 75% of chemistry majors at Trinity College participate in research projects, according to Ashby.

Sources:

  • "Trinity College News" (September 5)
  • Jonathan T. Ashby, "Development of covalently binding fluorogenic dyes as labels for mass spectrometric analysis of proteinnucleic acid complexes" (unpublished research project)
  • "Pittcon Undergraduate Analytical Research Program (UARP)" (Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh)
  • Janet F. Morrison, "Extraction of pesticides from human hair" (unpublished research project)
  • Trinity College Chemistry Department (official website)
  • "UMass Amherst" (official website)

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