Ashley Figueiredo '08
When associate professor of physics and engineering Hank Yochum needed help making nanostructured devices — work that spans physics, chemistry and materials science — he turned to chemistry major Ashley Figueiredo '08.
Last summer, Ashley co-authored a scientific paper in the American Chemical Society's journal Langmuir as part of a research team at James Madison University.
When she graduates in May 2008, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in chemistry and materials science, a path paved by this research opportunity. "Working at JMU was an amazing opportunity, and I had the privilege of presenting at both the Southeastern Section of the American Physical Society conference as well as the spring 2007 National American Chemical Society Meeting," she said.
Doreen McVeigh '09
While Ashley was investigating polymer-based microfluidic chips, Doreen McVeigh '09 was studying the cryptic dioecy of meadow rue.
Found particularly in wet or swampy areas, meadow rue is native to the Sweet Briar campus, which makes it a fitting research subject.
A biology major, Doreen also is an accomplished Celtic dancer. She has performed at Cultural Arts Day and other campus events.
Brittany and Briana Deane '08
Brittany and Briana Deane are looking for publishers for their historical novel, written as a research project for the 2007 Honors Summer Research Program.
For their book, the seniors and identical twins spent years studying the global phenomenon of identical twins throughout history.
During their research, they spoke with Holocaust survivor Eva Kor who, with her twin sister, was subjected to experimentation by Nazi doctor Josef Mengele. The Deanes invited Kor to Sweet Briar, where she will speak in March 2008.
Emma Meador '09
During her research on Greek mystery cults, Emma Meador '09 investigated the Eleusinian and Dionysiac mysteries, studying the "relationship between these mystery cults and try to figure out what's going on between the public world — theater and epic — and the secret world of these mystery cults."
Emma is also passionate about interweaving of another sort — knitting. Last year, she launched a campus-wide knitting project aimed at sending cold-weather necessities to Mongolia.
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Sweet Briar students don't just sit quietly in lecture classes. Each year, eligible students conduct special research projects under the guidance of faculty members — research that is often presented at conferences or published in peer-reviewed journals.
How can this help you? Hands-on research makes your classroom learning come alive. And when you present your work to professors and peers from other colleges and universities, you gain invaluable professional experience.
Research opportunities abound across all majors. For students in art, music, theatre, dance and creative writing, creative projects provide an opportunity to experience the professional-level demands of live performances, publishing and exhibitions.
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