In 1965, Dr. Heasley and three chemistry students spent their summer studying the interactions of halogens with various alkenes. Their work continued each summer after that, and in 1968, the first fruits of their labor appeared as an article in the Journal of Organic Chemistry. In 1978, the department of biology initiated its summer research program. And today, the joint programs incorporate close to 35 students in full-time research each summer. More than 200 students have graduated from the program and of those students, the majority has gone on to complete graduate or doctorate degrees.
Research turns out scientists.
But it isn't all about building a career. During the summer program, students stay together in the dorms and meet weekly for lunch. It's so much more than just science. It's about social times together, building community, finding out what skills you have. That's what I enjoy.