Faust Receives NSF Graduate Fellowship

May 24, 2010

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Recent Illinois Wesleyan University graduate Jennifer Faust has received a prestigious National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship. 

A chemistry major from Saint Louis, Mo., Faust graduated in May from Illinois Wesleyan, receiving both the David Bailey Prize in Chemistry and The Harold C. Hodges President's Club Award.

The prestigious NSF fellowship recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines who are pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees in the U.S. and abroad. Faust will begin work toward a doctorate in physical chemistry at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, next fall.

During her time at Illinois Wesleyan, she participated in several research projects, including working with Rebecca Roesner, chair of the Illinois Wesleyan chemistry department. “Jennifer developed quantitative methods to study how the electrical charge on azamacrocycles changes as a function of acidity,” said Roesner. “Once fully implemented, Jennifer’s work will enable us to better predict how azamacrocycles will interact with their guests over a wide range of acidities.”  Through the NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates program, Faust also participated in research that took her to the University of Arizona, and the University of Buenos Aires.  “I was thrilled to have the opportunity to spend the summer in Argentina and combine my interests in chemistry and Spanish,” said Faust, who project focused on the fluorescence of polymer films. In addition to her major in chemistry, she minored in physics and Hispanic studies, and studied abroad for a summer in Madrid.

While at Illinois Wesleyan, Faust donated her time to the IWU Ambassador’s Club and Circle K, along with working as a chemistry department teaching assistant and tutor. “Jennifer is generous in sharing her talents with others,” said Roesner.

NSF Fellows benefit from a three-year annual stipend of $30,000 along with a $10,500 cost of education allowance for tuition and fees, a one-time $1,000 international travel allowance, and the freedom to conduct their own research at any accredited U.S., or foreign institution of graduate education they choose.

Contact: Rachel Hatch, (309) 556-3960