Olivet awards 2015 summer research grant to Jamie Walker of Mokena

2015 Jul 27

Jamie Walker of Mokena, Illinois (60448) is one of three Olivet Nazarene University students and their faculty mentors who are spending the summer on intensive research projects funded by grants from the University's Pence-Boyce Committee, an alumni group that fosters mentoring of individual students by Olivet faculty in mathematics, science or engineering research.

Joseph Gosnell (sophomore, Honors Program, engineering major with concentration in chemical engineering, Cedar Rapids, Iowa) and Dr. Larry Ferren, chemistry chair: "Proposal to study advanced glycation end products in bovine eyes and the effect of different solubilization agents on advanced glycation end products." (Chemistry)

Molly Hotle (senior, chemistry major, Lenexa, Kansas) and Dr. Ferren: "Proposal to study improved methods of complexometric titrations of calcium in hard water." (Chemistry)

Jamie Walker (senior, math education major, Mokena, Illinois) and Dr. Lei Cheng, mathematics professor: "An analysis of the endemic equilibria in the three class model of the impact of student-teacher ratio and interactions on student/teacher performance." (Mathematics)

"This is a very rewarding program for our students," said Dr. Willa Harper, professor in Olivet's Department of Chemistry and Geosciences. She is one of the supervising faculty members this summer. "And it's rewarding for their professors who have an opportunity to work one on one with them and mentor them."

Pence-Boyce grants are sponsored by Olivet alumni who wish to honor two outstanding former faculty members who exemplify integrity, dedication and spirit in pursuit of academic excellence.

Elbert Pence was professor of Physics at Olivet from 1962 to 1969. His extensive experience with the U.S. Navy provided valuable background for his students. His energy and enthusiasm were driving forces in developing the Physics major at Olivet. He exemplified excellence in higher education in physics and engineering.

Fanny Boyce was professor of Mathematics at Olivet from 1963 to 1970. She came to Olivet after many years of service at Wheaton College. Her high standards and teaching performance served as inspiration to those she taught.