For three summers, chemistry major Asteria Yiu worked diligently to research the synthesis of a thermo-responsive polymer that can be used for the delivery of anti-cancer drugs. Today, the 2019 George Fox graduate is pursuing her lifelong dream of being a pharmacist.
As a junior at George Fox, Asteria had the opportunity to present her research at the Murdock College Science Research Conference in Spokane, Washington. She subsequently traveled to New Orleans to present her findings at the American Chemical Society’s national meeting and exposition in New Orleans.
Helping make it all possible were donors who committed to financially supporting student travel costs to conferences. Each year, an average of $5,000 is given to students so they can showcase their work to the broader scientific community.
“I feel George Fox prepared me well, especially when it came to research opportunities,” said Yiu, named the Outstanding Biochemistry/Chemistry Major of the Year as a senior. “I was able to do research after my freshman year, which doesn’t really happen a whole lot at other schools.”
Students like Asteria depend on the generosity of donors to help cover their expenses to regional and national conferences, which in turn opens the doors to greater opportunities.