Name: Cliff Pruett

Major: Biochemistry

Classification: Senior

Hometown: Abilene, TX

Mentor: Dr. Bruce Hopkins, Chemistry and Biochemistry

What I Study: We are part of a collaborative project known as “Distributed Drug Discovery” that was begun at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. The primary goal of this project is to develop treatments for Third World diseases. Specifically, our research lab is interested in the synthesis and characterization of potential anti-malarial compounds. We hope also to integrate this research into the Organic Chemistry curriculum at ACU. By integrating the program into undergraduate teaching labs, this project can increase the volume of potential drug-like molecules synthesized while simultaneously teaching applicable chemistry to students.

Why I do research: Research feeds not only an interest in science, but also curiosity and creativity. Plus, it is a great way to learn a lot more about one of the many scientific fields that exist in the world today and is an excellent tool to enhance my learning while at ACU.

Conference Presentations: University of Kansas Summer Research Symposium (July ’12)
MGE@MSA/WAESO Undergraduate Research Conference at Arizona State Univeristy (March ’13)
ACU Undergraduate Research Festival (April ’13)

Awards: 2013 Undergraduate Researcher of the Year Finalist