Hood College Students Selected for National Science Foundation Research Program

Alisa Gorham ’26 and Ella Hamilton ’26 have been selected to participate in the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program in summer 2025. 

Gorham, a biochemistry major, will conduct research at the University of Albany’s RNA Institute. She will be working in the Fuchs Lab, researching non-conventional modes of RNA translation, which can be used to develop vaccines and combat viruses. 

“I hope to use the lab skills I’ve learned at Hood College and learn new techniques,” said Gorham. “I am also excited to use the information I’ve learned from classes like biochemistry, cell biology and microbiology for research.”

Hamilton, a double major in mathematics and chemistry, will join Torsten Heggman, Ph.D., at Kent State University. Hamilton’s research project is titled “Synthesizing ferroelectric nematic liquid crystals for use in next generation display technology and transferring chirality,” an emerging topic in the field of materials science, chemistry and biology. 

“Since chemistry is such an open field, with multiple topics, this research opportunity will help me decide what I want to do when I go to graduate school,” said Hamilton. “I will also be able to understand how research works outside of a classroom environment.” 

Founded in 1987, the NSF REU program is highly competitive, even more so with recent cuts to federal funding and research grants. Each REU site, housed at hundreds of research-intensive campuses across the U.S., typically receives hundreds of applications every year, with as little as 10 open slots for student researchers. 

“We are so proud of the students who have received these awards,” said Susan Ensel, Ph.D., professor of chemistry at Hood College. “One of the things I have always loved about teaching here at Hood is our emphasis on comprehensively preparing our science majors for graduate study as well as careers in industry. Perhaps now, more than ever, it is imperative for us to highlight the value of science and the achievements of scientists at all stages of their careers.”

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