WASHINGTON, D.C. – A multitude of Iona College student-athletes embarked to Washington D.C. recently to take part in the American Chemical Society Conference.  Part of Project Symphony are Sam Braziel of men's swimming & diving, Gabriella Di Domizio and Libby Miller of lacrosse, Megan Wood of women's soccer, Marnie Skinner from softball, and women's water polo's Alyssa Gayapa and Regan Warmoth.

Iona's research group, Project Symphony, is run by Dr. Sunghee Lee, and the entire lab is centered around studying the effects of the composition of the lipid bilayer.  The Maroon & Gold contingent presented their own research projects to professors and scientists from across the country.  They also had the privilege to site it on lectures given by many field experts. 

Skinner commented on the experience: "I was very grateful to have the opportunity to attend the American Chemical Society convention and get to see all of the different advancements in chemistry that are going on. Dr. Lee has done a lot to help everyone in her lab group and I am very thankful for the opportunity she has given us to not only do research but also help provide us with the experience of presenting and taking part in ACS."

Gayapa's research project focused on the effects of certain lipids and oils against a water drop.  She measured the tension between the surface of the water drop and the oily mixture.  The end goal is to help create more effective water proof materials. 

This being her second go around, Gayapa is only optimistic that it can help her professionally.

 "Overall, attending the ACS Conference, twice now, has helped broaden the applications and studies of Chemistry. It has helped guide me into choosing a career path and gives me something to strive towards. It is certainly an eye-opening experience."

Braziel notes that the research Project Symphony is conducting can lead to a tangible impact: "This is really exciting research because with these sensitive techniques we can begin to look closer at small biological processes such as water permeability and drug crystallization."