Thanks to you: Scholarships and grants afford student research opportunities

On a hot summer day on Illinois State University’s campus, rising senior Katherine Helmink was performing research in the Science Laboratory Building under the guidance of her mentor, Dr. Lisa Szczepura.

As a junior, Helmink co-authored a publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at a national meeting of the American Chemical Society. The work didn’t go unnoticed. The senior chemistry major from Breese received the Redbird Chemistry Fellowship, Summer FIREbird Grant, and Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship. All three fund undergraduate research like Helmink’s study of organometallic chemistry of rhenium selenide cluster complexes. 

“The Department of Chemistry at Illinois State is relatively small compared to other departments, which benefits its students,” Helmink said. “The professors are always willing to help and create a very encouraging educational environment.”

The summer research experience allowed Helmink to expand upon foundational knowledge in inorganic chemistry she gained in the classroom. The hands-on research opportunity helped her learn to perform complex laboratory procedures, such as working in an inert atmosphere glove box.

Helmink demonstrated the value of the research opportunity during the application process for all three scholarships. She and student peer Sage Lauper-Cook were among 413 students nationwide who received the Goldwater Scholarship. Helmink was one of 17 Illinois State students to receive the summer 2023 FIREbird Grant.

“I want to thank everyone who took the time to write references and provide feedback to improve my application,” Helmink said. “I applied because it’s a prestigious scholarship for those looking to continue their education in science.”

Student research at Illinois State allows students to gain experience in their area of study, while also developing new skills and insight to benefit their post-graduation lives and careers.

“Donor support is especially important for STEM students since summer funding for undergraduates is limited,” said Helmink. “Without the support from the Department of Chemistry, the Office of Student Research, and generous donors, I would not have been able to devote as much in the lab this summer learning new techniques and collecting data.”

To fund opportunities for students like Helmink, visit Giving.IllinoisState.edu/opportunities/college-arts-science or contact Senior Director of Development Kate Childs at kachild1@IllinoisState.edu or (309) 438-7682.