Maggie Vaughn
Fall 2023 SAFE Fund Recipient
Project: "Toward an Improved Synthesis of Dental Adhesives"
Maggie Vaughn, a senior biology major from Nebo, received a Fall 2023 Student and Faculty Excellence (SAFE) grant to purchase four chemicals necessary to synthesize Bis-GMA, a resin commonly used in dental composite and cements.
"Previous studies show that Bis-GMA is manufactured at 60 degrees Celsius, taking roughly nine hours and producing a yield of about 74%. This project aims to synthesize Bis-GMA in a more time-efficient and cost-effective manner, while also increasing the yield," explained Vaughn. "The research will be performed through the use of osorb nanoreactors, which increase the reaction yield and decrease reaction time by confining chemical reactants to nano-sized reactors. The experimentation done will determine if the expected results are feasible." Advised by Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences associate professor Dr. Nicholas Shaw, Vaughn's research is the subject of her honors thesis.
The support provided by the SAFE grant allowed Vaughn to focus on her research without worrying about fundraising or paying out-of-pocket for supplies. She added, "After ordering my initial chemicals, I began my research and realized I was missing a crucial ingredient. With the SAFE grant money I had remaining, I was able to order the final chemical which made my research much more successful and I have started to see promising results."
Vaughn, a Chancellor's Scholar and member of the Honors College Vanguard and Biology Peer Mentor Program, shared that her work on this project contributes to her plans to attend dental school in the future. "This research project affords me the potential to involve myself in research that I will continue even after graduating and beginning dental school," she wrote. "The results of this project could very much impact the entire field of dentistry, and I am thrilled to be facilitating such fascinating research and discoveries."
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About the SAFE Fund
Initially endowed by Hughlene and Bill Frank, the College of Arts and Sciences Student and Faculty Excellence (SAFE) Fund provides resources that can be used to support undergraduate, graduate and faculty experiences. The SAFE Fund provides funding for college priorities and opportunities that arise throughout the year. These unrestricted funds support student and faculty travel, publication support for faculty and student research opportunities. Learn more at cas.appstate.edu/students/student-and-faculty-excellence-safe-fund.
About the Department of Biology
The Department of Biology is a community of teacher-scholars, with faculty representing the full breadth of biological specializations — from molecular genetics to landscape/ecosystem ecology. The department seeks to produce graduates with sound scientific knowledge, the skills to create new knowledge, and the excitement and appreciation of scientific discovery. Learn more at biology.appstate.edu.
By Lauren Gibbs
December 10, 2024
BOONE, N.C.
Maggie Vaughn is a senior biology major from Nebo. Photo submitted
Maggie Vaughn is a senior biology major from Nebo. Photo submitted