Hamilton Students Expand Horizons Conducting Summer Research Abroad

Molecular Biology at Academia Sinica 
Taipei, Taiwan
Bryce Galster ’28

In Taipei, Galster performed independent molecular biology research at the Institute of Molecular Biology of Academia Sinica. Mentored by a postdoctoral researcher while collaborating with graduate and Ph.D. students, Galster focused on expressing and purifying a type of tubulin protein—a key building block of the cellular cytoskeleton—and establishing a method to identify its binding proteins. Beyond learning biochemical laboratory techniques, he embraced local Taiwanese culture by exploring night markets and nearby mountains, connecting with locals, and taking weekend trips to historic cities like Tainan and Keelung.

Higher Education Psychology with the University of York 
York, United Kingdom
Rianne Almontaser ’27

Rianne Almontaser spent 10 weeks conducting social psychology research remotely with the University of York, in England. She collaborated with the York Psychology Department to analyze data on how university support services impact student well-being. The project evaluated specific psychological metrics to determine how these factors influence help-seeking behaviors among students. Almontaser took on the role of primary author for the resulting publication manuscript, now in review.

Creative Writing via Archives and Architecture 
Glasgow, Scotland
Renata Mendez Alvarez ’27

Mendez Alvarez spent six weeks in Scotland completing a creative writing residency through the University of Glasgow. Utilizing primary historical documents from the Glasgow City Archives and the Mitchell Library, she drafted a pamphlet-length poetry manuscript that framed the city of Glasgow itself as the primary protagonist. Mendez Alvarez said the experience provided an opportunity to develop creative literary work with inspiration from Scotland's storied history and urban landscapes.

Materials Chemistry at the University of Glasgow 
Glasgow, Scotland
Rachel Alpert ’27

Chemistry major Rachel Alpert traveled to Scotland through Arcadia Abroad’s STEM Summer Research program to work in a materials chemistry laboratory at the University of Glasgow. Alpert’s independent project was focused on organic semiconductors known as azobenzene materials, which are utilized in optical storage devices. Over six weeks, she synthesized two new azobenzene and analyzed the kinetic properties of six distinct materials. On weekends, program excursions provided opportunities to explore the Scottish Highlands, Sir Walter Scott’s estate, and Culzean Castle.