Hobart and William Smith Colleges

In this special edition of This Week in Photos, we explore the scientific research our students undertake through the mentorship of faculty. This summer, Genesis Rosario ’24 studied the enzyme glutamate dehydrogenase which lies at the branch point of protein and sugar metabolism in our bodies.

Associate Professor of Physics Leslie Hebb talks with Anupam Dhungana ’23 and Kate Crabtree ’22 who conducted summer research in her lab.

Matt Wuth ’24 studies the enzyme glutamate dehydrogenase in the lab of Associate Professor of Chemistry Kristin Slade.

Jenna Hyman ’23 and Haley Sax ’23 perform tests to determine the identity of an unknown bacteria during their microbiology lab with Professor of Biology Patricia Mowery.

Using a similar setup as Nobel Laureate J.J. Thomson, Owen Hotaling ’24 measures the ratio of an electron’s charge to its mass.

Under the direction of Associate Professor of Environmental Studies Kristen Brubaker, students measure trees to calculate the amount of carbon stored in Coopers’ Woods.

In the lab of Associate Professor of Geoscience David Finkelstein, Natalie Maiorano ’24 evaluates a core pulled from the wetlands at Mendon Ponds.

In the lab of Professor of Chemistry Erin Pelkey, Jack Russo ’22 analyzes his 1H NMR spectra from his independent study project “The discovery of a new azetidine ring opening reaction.” Russo is pursuing his Ph.D. in chemistry at Baylor University.

Standing before her presentation and artwork, Anya Davis ’24 offers “Perspective of a Scientific Illustrator” during the Biology Department Poster Presentations.

Students set up monitoring equipment on Cayuga Lake at dawn under the guidance of Finger Lakes Institute Director Lisa Cleckner.

During chemistry lab, Jadon Layne ’25, Marissa Mastracco ’25, Lauren Legler ’25 and Aidan Vanek ’25 gather for photo. They were determining the rate law for a catalyzed decomposition of hydrogen peroxide reaction.

Henry Loudon ’24 and Samantha Sorensen ’22 discuss their research “Predators attack rates on color morph of Eastern Grey Squirrels” conducted in the lab of Associate Professor of Biology Brad Cosentino.

Trying to determine his age, students observe the motor skills of Associate Professor of History Colby Ristow’s 4-month-old son who is being held by Professor of Psychological Science Julie Kingery.

Aboard the William Scandling research vessel, Tessa Piker ’24 (front), Heather Kerns ’24 and Jack Hanson ’25 analyze water samples during class with Associate Professor of Geoscience Tara Curtin.

Daena Ford from Braddock Bay Raptor Research holds a Great Horned Owl while talking to ornithology students who are studying local raptors.

Claudia Kalina ’23, Malak Fadlou-Allah ’24 and Erika Sipos ’23 work on their summer research of plant phylogenomics; they used DNA sequence data to understand evolutionary relationships among plant species.

With Professor of Biology Jim Ryan, Hannah Bilton ’22, Molly Dexter ’21, Maria Ganci ’22 and Garrett Downs ’22 assemble fluorescence microscopes for neurobiology research.

Associate Professor of Psychological Science Dan Graham leads an experiment with inversion goggles.