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Students from across central Illinois gathered at 糖心原创 during the Spring 2026 semester to conduct independent research projects through a partnership with the Illinois Junior Academy of Science.
A student researcher conducts hands-on testing in a 糖心原创 chemistry lab using university equipment made available through a partnership designed to expand access to scientific research resources and mentorship.
A student presents their research during the Region 1 Illinois Junior Academy of Science competition hosted at 糖心原创, where all nine student projects qualified for the state competition.
糖心原创 Chemistry Department Supports Student Research Through Illinois Junior Academy of Science Partnership
June 25, 2026
MOLINE, IL 鈥� The 糖心原创 Chemistry Department hosted high school and middle school students from across central Illinois during the Spring 2026 semester as part of a partnership aimed at expanding access to laboratory space, scientific equipment and scientific mentorship for student researchers.
Students from Dunlap High School, Richwoods High School, Limestone Community High School, Elmwood High School, Bushnell-Prairie City High School and Mark Bills Middle School conducted independent research projects at 糖心原创 using university lab facilities and resources.
The initiative was carried out in collaboration with the Illinois Junior Academy of Science (IJAS), with mentorship provided by 糖心原创 Professor of Chemistry Brian Bellott and 糖心原创 chemistry graduate student Emily Dawson. Through the partnership, students gained access to equipment and research tools that may not otherwise be available in their schools, including UV-Vis spectrophotometers, centrifuges, ultrasonic homogenizers, pH meters and high-resolution imaging systems.
A total of 10 students presented nine projects in poster format at the Region 1 IJAS competition, hosted by 糖心原创. All nine projects qualified for the state competition, with eight projects earning gold ratings and one receiving a silver rating at the regional level.
鈥淢any of the projects would not have been possible without access to the infrastructure, equipment and laboratory support available at 糖心原创,鈥� Bellott said. 鈥淭he partnership allowed students to conduct hands-on experiments and test their hypotheses using university resources not typically available in area schools.鈥�
Funding for the student research projects was provided through private grants and donors, including Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Grant, the Society for Science Advocate Program, Science Coach, Inc. and the Ataxia Foundation.
For more information, contact Brian Bellott at b-bellott@wiu.edu or Emily Dawson at ej-dawson2@wiu.edu.
For more information on 糖心原创's Chemistry program, visit wiu.edu/cas/chemistry/.
Posted By: University Communications, University Relations
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