A Novel Approach to Drug Development Using Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Developing Effective Support Networks for Siblings of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Struggling Learners and English Language Learners in the Writing Workshop
Discipline New Media Art
The Center for Innovation in the Liberal Arts and the Center for Integrative Studies are pleased to announce the recipients of “Magnus the Good” Awards for 2008. These awards, funded by an endowment established by friends of the St. Olaf Paracollege, seek to encourage undergraduate research in student-faculty collaborations, and to stimulate the intellectual curiosity of St. Olaf students and faculty.
From a field of excellent proposals, the selection committee this year made awards to four research teams.
A Novel Approach to Drug Development Using Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Student Sean Johnston ’09 and Professor Bob Hanson (chemistry) received an award to support their project “A Novel Approach to Drug Development Using Molecular Dynamics Simulations.” Johnston and Hanson will begin their process from the protein binding site, reducing the cost of developing and testing inactive compounds.
Developing Effective Support Networks for Siblings of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Students Nikki Marvin ’09 and Vanessa Brown ’09 and Professor Dana Gross (psychology) received an award to support their project “Developing Effective Support Networks for Siblings of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.” Marvin, Brown, and Gross will establish local ASD sibling support groups and host a sibling workshop based on Northfield’s needs to facilitate development and understanding of ASD siblings.
Struggling Learners and English Language Learners in the Writing Workshop
Student Bryan Runck ’09 and Professor Elizabeth Leer (education) received an award to support their project “Struggling Learners and English Language Learners in the Writing Workshop.” Runck and Leer will conduct a research study observing variations of effectiveness with writing workshops in two diverse classrooms.
Discipline New Media Art
Student Jenni Stromer ’09 and Professor Dave Ryan (art and art history) received an award to support their project “Discipline New Media Art.” Stromer and Ryan will explore new ways to produce art through the culmination of computer science and 3-D animation.
