Clarkson University Student Alyssa Hotalen of Monroe, N.Y., Recognized for Science Presentation

2014 Jun 30

Clarkson University student Alyssa C. Hotalen of Monroe, N.Y., was recently honored at a research conference sponsored by the Northern New York Local Section of the American Chemical Society.

Hotalen, a senior majoring in biomolecular science and chemistry, was awarded third place in research with Clarkson University Professor Phillip Christiansen. The research focused on the studies of glass formation and nutrient availability in recycled biomass ash.

Christiansen said research is a component of the first year chemistry labs. “I really enjoy watching the students because this is a project that’s pretty much outside the realm of norm for them, and it’s fun when they start to catch on and get what we’re trying to figure out,” he said. Christiansen said the students’ work this year has piqued curiosity about how silica particles in plants relate to carbon sequestration -- inspiring next year’s class project.

Clarkson University launches leaders into the global economy. One in five alumni already leads as a CEO, VP or equivalent senior executive of a company. Located just outside the Adirondack Park in Potsdam, N.Y., Clarkson is a nationally recognized research university for undergraduates with select graduate programs in signature areas of academic excellence directed toward the world's pressing issues. Through 50 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, arts, sciences and health sciences, the entire learning-living community spans boundaries across disciplines, nations and cultures to build powers of observation, challenge the status quo, and connect discovery and engineering innovation with enterprise.