Jun 16 2006
Dr. Henry Castejon, assistant professor of chemistry at Wilkes University, has received a prestigious grant to conduct research in computational chemistry with undergraduate students.
Research Corporation, a private foundation that recognizes inventive scientists and supports meritorious research and training in the physical sciences, named Castejon a recipient of the Cottrell College Award. Presented to faculty working at non-Ph.D. granting institutions, the Cottrell College Award supports significant research that contributes to the advancement of science and to the professional and scholarly development of faculty and undergraduate students.
“Wilkes congratulates Dr. Castejon on this prestigious grant. It represents a much deserved professional accomplishment and is testament to his commitment to teaching, mentoring, and hands-on undergraduate research,” said Dr. Dale Bruns, Dean, College of Science and Engineering.
Dr. Castejon – one of only 31 science educators at colleges and universities in the U.S. to receive the award this year – along with three undergraduate students, will perform research in computational chemistry to examine temperature dependence at the atomic level and how it affects energy transfer at gas-liquid interface. Computational chemistry is a branch of theoretical chemistry which uses computer programs to simulate physical and chemical processes.
The award recognizes two core values at Wilkes – fostering a culture of mentoring between faculty and students, and providing an exceptional education in the sciences that encourages student participation in meaningful research at the undergraduate level.
“Research Corporation recognizes that undergraduate colleges and universities play a leading role in the development of future scientists,” said James M. Gentile, Ph.D., president of Research Corporation. “Our awards help to ensure that many students will have the opportunity to participate in high quality research, enriching their undergraduate years.”
The grant will be used to purchase computers and software to perform data analysis and visualization. The grant will also provide a student stipend and campus housing for three undergraduate researchers.
Castejon began teaching at Wilkes in 2003. He previously served as a professional specialist at the University of Notre Dame and as a research associate at Yale University. Dr. Castejon holds degrees in Chemistry and Polymer Engineering from Simon Bolivar University in Venezuela, his native country and Ph.D. in Computational Chemistry from Yale University.
http://www.wilkes.edu