Shannon Alger

Community College: Grand Rapids Community College

Hometown: Lowell, Michigan

High School: Lowell High School

Major at Hope: Chemistry

What do you find exciting or interesting about your major?

I really enjoy organic chemistry, particularly working through mechanisms.

What are your career plans at this time?

I hope to attend medical school.

Describe your summer research project.

I am currently working with Dr. Fu to synthesize mycosporine-like compounds. The cool thing about the compound mycosporine is its ability to protect from damaging UV rays (it's 200 times more effective than commercial sunscreen). The only things capable of producing mycosporine are shallow dwelling fish and plants. So, in using four different reactions we hope to make different vaieties of mycosporine in our lab so that we can test how tiny differences in its structure affect its UV activity.

What are some of your favorite activities outside of your school work?

I love playing the guitar, hanging out with friends, and going camping.

What were some influences on your decision to attend Hope?

I was attracted to Hope's strong summer research programs, excellent science facilities, and the small student to teacher ratio.