USC Aiken Students, Faculty, SRNL Scientists Share Research

Updated March 7, 2018

Aiken, SC (03/02/2018) — The University of South Carolina Aiken College of Sciences and Engineering, the USC Aiken Office of Sponsored Research, and Savannah River National Laboratory co-hosted a unique event March 1, exposing students to some of the top scientists in their fields.

"Science on Tap," an interactive speaker series, connects students and faculty from the USC Aiken campus with scientists from SRNL to discuss science and their research findings.

"Promoting partnerships between colleges and businesses serves to empower all community stakeholders," said Haley Cave, a senior chemistry major.

"The partnership between SRNL and USC Aiken offers students collaborative projects and job shadowing opportunities, career connections, and the knowledge of skills required for competitive employment."

The students, faculty and scientists met at Pacer Alley, the USC Aiken location on Newberry Street, in the heart of downtown. The inaugural event kicked off with a student poster session, followed by speakers from USCA's College of Science and Engineering and Savannah River National Laboratory, and ended with a networking session.

Cave believes that the collaboration between SRNL and USC Aiken provides SRNL the opportunity to ensure that curriculum being taught meets the needs of the workplace.

"It also helps SRNL identify prospective employees," Cave said.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to see first-hand how what I am learning is relevant to the workforce I will be entering in the future."

The group plans to continue the Science on Tap series at Pacer Alley throughout the semester.

Poster Session Presenters Included:

Haley Cave, chemistry major, and her faculty advisor Dr. Ken Roberts

Michaela Day, biology major, and her faculty advisor Dr. Kristina Ramstad

David Hodges, biology major, and his faculty advisor Dr. Jessica Sullivan

Andres Rodriguez, chemistry major, and his faculty advisor Dr. Nick Marshall

Rachel Saxon, biology major, and her faculty advisor Dr. Kristina Ramstad

Brett Smith, chemistry major, and his faculty advisor Dr. Gerard Rowe

Guest Speakers Included:

"Copper compounds and their unique properties found through the density functional theory"