Sara L Simonson

Personal Information

Monmouth College Class of 2022

Current GPA: 3.9

Pursuing a B.S. in Chemistry

Email: ssimonson@monmouthcollege.edu

Phone Number: 309-371-5672

Undergraduate Research Experience

Chemical, Enzymatic, and Electrochemical Oxidation of Biophenols

The oxidation products of 4-hydroxyphenol acetic acid, N acetyl tyrosine, tyrosine, and diiodotyrosine will be evaluated in this project. The redox properties of phenols, such as the compounds described, can be studies using chemical, enzymatic, and electrochemical methods. Whereas chemical and enzymatic methods have a fixed oxidation potential, electrochemical methods allow for control of the oxidation potential.

Introduction to Electrochemistry

Research Advisor: Dr. Bradley E. Sturgeon | Monmouth College | Fall 2021

REU: Sensing and Assembly Based on Non-Covalent Interactions at USM

PI: Dr. Karl J. Wallace | University of Southern Mississippi | Summer 2021

A series of three coumarin enamine probes with two possible positions where ESIPT can occur were designed, synthesized, and characterized. The organic frameworks of these compounds contain an enol-keto tautomer, which can be observed using optical spectroscopy; therefore extensive solvent studies in a number of solvent systems were carried out and their optical properties were recorded using UV-Vis, steady state fluorescence, and fluorescence lifetime studies. The end goal of this project involves putting these compounds into thin-polymer films for use in OLEDs.

A brief look into the synthesis and characterization of 5 monomeric coumarin enamine probes, with a tridentate binding motif for future investigation to be used as probes for divalent metal ions with better analyte discrimination in multivariant analysis techniques as compared to previously published work based around sensors with bidentate binding motifs was carried out as well.

Freshwater Aquarium Microbiome

Research Advisor: Dr. Bradley Sturgeon | Monmouth College | Spring 2021 - Present

For this project, I worked on developing methods of eDNA extraction and isolation from the freshwater and saltwater fish tanks located on the third floor of CSB. I also looked up protocols for 16S rRNA gene amplification, primer construction, and sample preparation for anticipation of using the MiSeq Illumina Sequencing Platform at the University of Illinois - Urbana Champaign

nitrate in the Freshwater Fish tank

Research Advisor: Dr. Bradley Sturgeon | Monmouth College | Fall 2020

For this project, I became familiar with the workings of the nitrogen cycle in aquatic ecosystems. With a focus on determining the daily rise in nitrate concentrations due to convict cichlid metabolism, dissolved fish food pellets, and algal modulation via the Thermo Fisher Scientific^TM Dionex^TM Aquion^TM Ion Chromatography System with the built in Chromeleon 7 Chromatography Data System software, I also collected and analyzed local creek, pond, and ground water samples to serve as open system comparisons to the closed fish tank system.

Updated instructions of how to operate the IC instrument and how to analyze the data is presented below:

Alternative Summer 2020 Plans

I applied to the Summer 2020 Doc Kieft Research Program but due to Covid-19 it was cancelled; therefore, I took a position in the crop physiology and breeding lab at Bayer Crop Science

Work Experience

Bayer Crop Science - Monmouth Il. Summer of 2017 and 2020

My days usually consisted of collecting breeding notes and plant physiology notes in order to evaluate different gene variations in crops

Field data entry was utilized daily in order to input and track information for the use and sale of GMO crops awaiting USDA approval

Worked under adverse weather conditions

Animal Medical Center - Galesburg, Il. August 2019 - Present

I mainly clean up after and medicate the animals, but if a night time emergency comes in I am required to assist.

I operate the autoclave to sterilize syringes, scissors, forceps, and other utensils after use during the day.

I am comfortable with working/troubleshooting the infusion pump and assisting in putting in intravenous catheters

Niemman Foods, Inc. - Monmouth, Il. July 2017 - July 2019

I worked as a front-end cashier and after a year of employment I was offered a supervisor position

Presentations

July 31, 2021: USM REU: Sensing and Assembly Based on Non-Covalent Interactions

Title: Investigating the Effect of Regiochemistry of ESIPT/ESIDPT on Bis Coumarin Enamine Probes

September 3, 2021: Science Seminar Course

Title: ''Investigating the Effect of Regiochemistry of ESIPT on Bis Coumarin Enamine Probes''

Awards & Honors

Freshman Chemistry Award (Spring, 2019)

Robert Minteer '66 Prize (Spring, 2021)

Dean's List (Fall 2018 - Spring 2021)

Career Goals

Upon entering college, I was interested in vet school; therefore, I secured a job at a local vet clinic. After a few months of working there, I realized I did not want to go into veterinary medicine after graduation. Since then, my career interests have shifted towards the environmental chemistry realm.