Under the guidance of Justin Sparks, professor of chemistry at Muhlenberg College, Allentown, the research team, which included Alexandria Lerner of New Tripoli, studied the effects of vibrational strong coupling on chemical bonds.

VSC modifies the properties of molecules, yielding promising results that would be difficult to gain through conventional procedures.

The team wants to examine and analyze the process, gaining insight into the intricacies of vibrational strong coupling in an effort to help alter the way future chemists think about modifying molecules.

Brian Acquaviva said he was looking forward to seeing how the research will be a steppingstone to applications or other research projects a few years from now.

While researching from home can be a difficult endeavor, the research group did their best to remain in high spirits and focus on completing their research which was, as Alexandria Lerner puts it, “definitely a unique experience.”

The project did not occur in a typical chemistry setting due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“[Although] it would have been nice to get into the lab, I’m very grateful about the opportunity that was given to me,” Lerner said.

Malak Rayes also commented.

“[I am] grateful to have been able to participate in such an interesting field with such wonderful peers and under great leadership,” Rayes said.

At the end of the summer, the team plans to submit a written research report.

More than 60 students are collaborating with faculty on a variety of research projects this summer as part of Muhlenberg’s vibrant research community.

Topics can be student- or faculty-driven, and span the natural and social sciences, humanities and arts.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, all student research is being done remotely this summer and students receive a stipend and college credit for their work.

However, students are typically on campus for eight to 10 weeks of full-time research and receive a stipend, housing, and college credit.

Typically, the undergraduate research participants join in a weekly summer seminar series in which students discuss their work and an annual poster session allows students to present their work to the campus community at large.

Students normally also travel off-campus to present their scholarly work in their discipline at regional, national and international conferences, with travel funds provided by the school.

As much as possible, remote versions of these experiences are being planned for the summer of 2020.

Many students take the opportunity to continue their summer research during the academic year by registering for independent study credit or a research assistantship under the guidance of a faculty member.

These programs provide hands-on experience with a faculty mentor to complement their classroom education with practical work experience.