RT
Rachel Troxell
  • Chemistry
  • Pine Grove, PA

Rachel Troxell Participates in Summer Scholars Program

2015 May 11

While most college students have traded rigorous academic work for relaxing on the beach, Pine Grove, PA resident Rachel M. Troxell will give up summer vacation to remain on campus at Saint Joseph's University as a member of the Summer Scholars Program. Troxell is one of 87 students who will engage in faculty-mentored research and creative projects at the University this summer.

The program, which runs for 11 weeks from May until August, requires students to work exclusively with a faculty member to produce a written description of their research that will be published by the University, and to present their findings next spring during the Celebration of Student Achievement event. For their work, students receive a stipend, on-campus housing, and the opportunity to participate in social and educational programs.

Research topics range from local and national issues in the sciences, business, education and history to extended analysis of literature and fine arts.

Troxell, a Chemistry major, will work with Forman, Mark A. on their topic, "The Synthesis of Pentacyclo[4.3.0.02.4.03.,8.05,7]non-4,5-ene."

Background: As Philadelphia's Jesuit, Catholic University, founded by the Society of Jesus in 1851, Saint Joseph's University provides a rigorous, student-centered education rooted in the liberal arts. SJU ranks as a top university in the Northeast, with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter in the College of Arts and Sciences and AACSB accreditation of the Erivan K. Haub School of Business. The University is also deeply committed to the Jesuit tradition of scholarship and service, earning a place on the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll and the community engagement classification from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. With courses offered on campus and online, SJU prepares its more than 9,000 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students to lead lives of personal excellence, professional success and engaged citizenship.