On February 24, Benedictine University junior, Jordan Werner, double major in physics and chemistry, won the Frances Krausz Seabright Award for best presentation at the Iota Sigma Pi (ISP) Chicago Chapter Annual Undergraduate Symposium hosted by the Chemistry and Physics Department at Lewis University. As a professional national honor society for women in chemistry, ISP works to promote interest in chemistry among women students, to foster mutual advancement in academic, business, and social life, and to stimulate personal accomplishments in chemical fields. ISP has more than 11,000 members in 46 local chapters hosted by various colleges, universities, and metropolitan areas. The award is in honor of Frances Seabright, who was one of the first members initiated into Aurum Iodide, the Chicago Chapter of ISP, and was very active in women’s groups across Chicago.
At the symposium, female undergraduate chemistry students from several Chicago area universities presented their research. This year’s symposium presenters included students from Northwestern University, the University of Illinois-Chicago, and Lewis University in addition to Benedictine University. Jordan won the award for her presentation, “Ionic Strength Effects on Charge-Transfer-to-Solvent Transitions.”
Dr. Tim Marin of the Benedictine University Department of Physical Sciences serves as Jordan’s research mentor. Dr. Marin commented, “Research symposia like those hosted by Iota Sigma Pi provide students with wonderful opportunities to practice their communication skills, network with other women chemists and learn about a variety of scientific topics beyond the scope of their own research. Undoubtedly, such experiences build confidence for students while engaging in a professional setting. This is particularly important for supporting aspiring women scientists like Jordan who are underrepresented in many STEM fields.”
Jordan plans to continue her studies after graduation from BenU by entering a Ph.D. program in physical chemistry and ultimately hopes to pursue a career in academics.
Learn more about our Physics and Chemistry programs.
