Undergraduate Research in the Department of Natural Sciences

Investigating the Antioxidative Properties of Common Grocery Items using Fluorescence Decays of Water-soluble Dyes

Dr. Khatmullin's lab is interested in green organic chemistry. Green organic chemistry is a promising field of chemistry that utilizes nontoxic chemicals for the synthesis and production of target chemicals, which allows the reduction of waste.

In Dr.K's lab, students investigate the fluorescence decay of systems initially containing water-soluble water dyes with common oxidants, which are gradually exposed to antioxidants. The antioxidants are delivered in the form of common fruits, vegetables, and commercially available beverages. This project focuses on developing an undergraduate experiment in Green Organic Chemistry where students can learn the principles of synthesizing products using environmentally friendly reactants. It also provides a platform for students to learn the standard organic synthesis lab techniques, IR spectroscopy, and fluorescence spectroscopy techniques, enhancing their knowledge and skills. 

 

Honeybees on the Cochran Campus

Middle Georgia State University has two hives of honeybees on the Cochran campus. Professor Kirby Swenson uses the hives to teach students about beekeeping, the importance of bees and other pollinators to ecosystems, and to get students involved in research about bees. Some future research plans include using substances from bees and beehives to treat diseases, figuring out how to reduce beehive losses from such factors and viruses and parasitic beetles, and experimenting with ways to increase honey production. A student honeybee club also helps students get involved in learning about and researching honeybees. Contact Mr. Kirby Swenson for more information.