Clare Boothe Luce Research Scholars Program

2016-09-01 21

About the Program

Clare Boothe Luce was a playwright, journalist, U.S. Ambassador to Italy, and the first woman elected to Congress from Connecticut. In her bequest establishing the Clare Boothe Luce Program, she sought “to encourage women to enter, study, graduate, and teach” in the sciences, mathematics, and engineering. The CBL Program has become one of the single largest sources of private funding for women’s STEM higher education in the United States. Since 1989, the Program has awarded more than $228 million in support of 3,348 women through grants to 210 colleges and universities, including 67 Minority-Serving Institutions.

At Le Moyne College, the Clare Boothe Luce Research Scholars program supports undergraduate women majoring in chemistry, computer science, cybersecurity, mathematics, and physics. The program is designed to motivate and prepare high-potential women for success in graduate school and academic or research careers through engagement in mentored research, networking, and career preparation activities.

For more information about Ambassador Luce, please visit the Henry Luce Foundation website.

Current first-year students, sophomores and juniors may apply for summer 2024 or academic year 2024-25 awards; applications are due by March 25, 2024. Please review all of the Learn More information below and contact Dr. Dixie Blackley, CBL Program Director, to inquire about the program or to request an application (email: [email protected]).


Meet our 2023-2024 CBL Scholars

Sadie Davis '24 is a chemistry major and Integral Honors student from Liverpool, NY. This is her second year as a CBL Scholar. Her project seeks to alkylate and purify different carbocyclic curcuminoids to obtain unique substructures that hold valuable properties in pharmacology. Sadie's faculty mentor is Dr. Joe Mullins. In addition to her CBL experience, Sadie works as a laboratory assistant in the Chemistry department where she is gaining valuable experience in preparing solutions, setting up experiments, and following safety procedures for handling hazardous chemicals. Beyond her research interests, Sadie leads Organic Chemistry Workshops, participates in the ERIE21 program, and serves as a Stempower mentor. Sadie plans to pursue a Ph.D. in chemistry after graduating from Le Moyne. Click here to learn more about Sadie's experience as a 2022-2023 CBL Research Scholar.

Zoe Genant '24 is a chemistry major and mathematics minor from Parish, NY. This is her second year as a CBL Scholar. Her project focuses on synthesizing biphenyl thioureas and guanidines to obtain molecules with modified substituents and studying their properties to determine whether they have pharmaceutical potential for the treatment of central nervous system disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. Zoe's faculty mentor is Dr. Joe Mullins. In addition to her CBL experience, Zoe participated in a summer 2022 Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) at Syracuse University where she synthesized short peptides, tested their capabilities to catalyze reactions, and studied the 𝛽-sheet amyloid structures of the self-assembling peptides, eventually finding a peptide capable of catalyzing a retro-aldol reaction. Beyond her research interests, Zoe serves as a Stempower mentor and as treasurer of Dolphins Connect with Homeless Outreach, and participates in several other student clubs. After graduating from Le Moyne, Zoe plans to take a gap year, and then pursue a Ph.D. or a combined M.D.-Ph.D. program.

Katya Germakovski '25 is a computer science major and mathematics minor from Baldwinsville, NY. Their faculty mentor is Dr. Aparna Das. Katya began their CBL project in the spring 2024 semester, and will continue this work in fall 2024. Their project seeks to make coding faster and easier by exploring the possible benefits of various naming and formatting conventions. In addition to their CBL experience, Katya interned with the Atla Equipment Company in 2022, creating warehouse and database related applications, and participated in a summer  2023 Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) at the University of Texas at Austin, creating data visualizations in JavaScript. After graduating from Le Moyne, Katya plans to work in industry for a few years and then pursue a Ph.D. in Neural Engineering.


Meet our 2022-2023 CBL Scholars

Brittany Cripps '23 is a chemistry major and mathematics minor from Hilton, NY. She is continuing work she began as a 2021-2022 CBL Research Scholar with Dr. Joe Mullins, her faculty mentor. Brittany's CBL project focuses on the urea functional group, a structural feature in many compounds that demonstrate promise for the treatment of neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. Her poster presentation at the regional meeting of American Chemical Society in October 2022 offered a valuable opportunity to share their results with other researchers. In addition to her CBL experience, Brittany participated in a summer 2022 Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) at the University of Rochester and a summer 2021 REU at Syracuse University. Beyond her research interests, Brittany mentors first-year chemistry majors through the Stempower program and participates in the different off-campus excursions that Le Moyne offers (e.g., visiting the Baltimore Aquarium, white water rafting in the Adirondacks). Brittany is currently employed at Bausch & Lomb, with later plans to pursue a Ph.D. in chemistry at the University of Rochester.

Bryanna Howes '23 is a chemistry major and criminology minor from Gansevoort, NY. She is continuing work she began as a 2021-2022 CBL Research Scholar with Dr. Anna O'Brien, her faculty mentor. Her research focuses on synthesizing a ligand and determining a reproducible procedure for purification with the goal of complexing it with chosen metals to create a thin film to coat electronic film chips for electronic devices. In addition to her CBL experience, Bryanna participated in a summer 2021 Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) at Syracuse University where she contributed to two projects: (1) Air Force-funded research related gunshot wound technology that resulted in a co-authored publication; and (2) research focused on a hydrogel for Crohn’s fistulas that also resulted in a co-authored publication. Beyond her research interests, Bryanna engages with campus life through ERIE21, Stempower, and several student clubs and also contributes to the Syracuse community through volunteer activities. Bryanna is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Forensic Science and Management at the SUNY Albany. From there, she hopes to work in a lab as a toxicologist, or in a similar concentration.

Sadie Davis '24 is a chemistry major and Integral Honors student from Liverpool, NY. She continued as a CBL Research Scholar for a second year. Read more about her project above.

Zoe Genant '24 is a chemistry major and mathematics minor from Parish, NY. She continued as a CBL Research Scholar for a second year. Read more about her project above.

Learn More

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Each CBL Research Scholar receives a stipend of $7,200 for participating in faculty-mentored research, a research expense fund of $1,500 (e.g., materials, supplies, fees, specialized software), and a domestic travel fund of $1,000 (e.g., professional conference participation, graduate school visit). CBL Scholars selected for the summer-only program are also offered on-campus, summer housing at no charge (availability is subject to COVID-19 conditions). All CBL Scholars receive special mentoring and preparation for graduate school and research careers through scholar-mentor activities, women in STEM/research seminars, networking events, and one-on-one advising.

Eligible students may apply for: (1) an academic year award that includes the fall and spring semesters; or (2) a summer-only award that includes up to 10 weeks during sessions I and II.

CBL Scholars engage in research throughout their appointment, devoting approximately 350 total hours to their project and CBL-related activities. CBL Scholars attend designated activities and events, meet regularly with their faculty mentor, meet periodically with the CBL Program Director, and connect periodically with their alumna mentor. As concluding activities, CBL Scholars present their research findings in a public venue (e.g., Scholars’ Day, professional conference) and submit a final report and personal essay to the CBL Program Director.

Faculty mentors are expected to attend selected activities and events with CBL Scholars, participate in topical workshops, and meet periodically with the CBL Program Director.

To qualify as a Clare Boothe Luce Research Scholar, the applicant must:

  1. Identify as a woman.
  2. Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
  3. Be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate.
  4. Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  5. Have a declared or intended major in chemistry, computer science, mathematics, or physics.
  6. Not intend to pursue a career in the health professions (e.g., medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy).

Previous faculty-mentored research experience is not required.

NEW for 2022-2023! Current first-year students, sophomores and juniors may apply for summer 2022 or academic year 2022-23 awards; applications are due by March 9, 2022. Please contact the CBL Program Director to request an application.

CBL Scholars who successfully complete the program may apply for a second award.

Up to 6 CBL Research Scholars will be selected for summer 2022 and academic year 2022-23.

Up to 6 CBL Research Scholars will be selected for summer 2023 and academic year 2023-24.

Clare Boothe Luce Research Scholars are selected based on

  1. Overall academic performance (cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher)
  2. Academic performance in major courses
  3. Merit of their research project and qualifications to pursue it
  4. Potential to contribute to their field of study
  5. Compelling goals for post-graduate study or a career in chemistry, computer science, mathematics, or physics

Preference goes to applicants

  • With no previous faculty-mentored research experience; or
  • Majoring in computer science or physics; or
  • From otherwise underrepresented groups in chemistry, computer science, mathematics, or physics; or
  • Intending to pursue a graduate degree; or
  • Intending to teach at the post-secondary level

The application for a Clare Boothe Luce Research Scholar award includes

  1. Full description of the proposed project (research question/topic, research plan and timeline)
  2. Proposed budget (e.g., materials, supplies, fees, travel)
  3. Previous experience related to the project (e.g., research, employment, activities, achievements)
  4. Personal essay describing educational and career goals
  5. Current transcript
  6. Letter of support from the faculty member who would mentor the proposed project
  7. Letter of support from a faculty member in the same or a closely-related field
  8. Interview with the Selection Committee

Please contact the CBL Program Director to request an application.

Faculty who work with or know of a student who may be eligible for this Program are encouraged to reach out and invite them to consider applying for a CBL Research Scholar award.

Faculty who mentor a CBL Research Scholar receive a $4,000 stipend and opportunities to learn more about best practices for mentoring young women in CBL-designated fields and to network with students, colleagues, and alumnae.


Letters of Support

The student’s application includes two letters of support: one from the faculty mentor for her proposed project and one from a faculty member in an allied field (i.e., the applicant’s field of study or a closely-related field).

(1) Faculty Mentors should complete this form: Recommendation-CBL-Mentor

(2) Allied Faculty should complete this form: Recommendation-CBL-Faculty

Meet our CBL Research Scholars

2021-2022

Brittany Cripps '23 is completing a major in chemistry and a minor in mathematics. In 2021-2022, her research project involved synthesizing and purifying diaromatic urea molecules as potential therapeutics for such central nervous system disorders by modifying substituents on the arene rings. Her faculty mentor was  Dr. Joseph Mullins. In addition to her CBL research, Brittany completed an REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) at Syracuse University in summer 2021, doing research on forming holographic gratings by photopolymerization for quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor applications. After graduation, Brittany plans to attend graduate school for chemistry and possibly work in the forensic science field. Brittany continued as a CBL Research Scholar in 2022-2023. Click here to learn more about Brittany's experience as a 2021-2022 CBL Research Scholar.

Isabela Fernandez '22 completed a major in chemistry and a minor in psychology. As a 2021-2022 CBL Scholar, she applied principles of rational drug design in an effort to find curcumin derivatives that are effective against a treatment-resistant form of breast cancer. In 2022-23, she built on this work with a continued focus on synthesizing curcuminoids and method development. Her faculty mentor was Dr. Joseph Mullins. After graduation, Isabela planned to attend graduate school for synthetic organic chemistry and then pursue a career in higher education or in the pharmaceuticals or skincare/cosmetics industry. Click here to learn more about Isabela’s experience as a 2020-2021 CBL Research Scholar.

Bryanna Howes '23 is completing a major in chemistry and a minor in criminology. In 2021-2022, her research involved creating a ligand to produce complexes with various metals used for a thin film electronic chip found in all electronics, including mobile phones and laptops. Her faculty mentor was  Dr. Anna O’Brien. In addition to her CBL research, Bryanna participated in an REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) at Syracuse University in summer 2021 where she worked on Air Force-funded research for gunshot wound technology and assisted with a project on a hydrogel for Crohn’s fistulas. After graduation, Bryanna plans to pursue a master’s degree in Forensic Science through Le Moyne’s 4+1 partnership with Syracuse University and then work as a forensic toxicologist. Bryanna continued as a CBL Research Scholar in 2022-2023. Click here to learn more about Bryanna's experience as a 2021-2022 CBL Research Scholar.

Ashley Lojko '22 completed a major in chemistry and a minor in Gender and Women's Studies. In 2021-2022, her research project examined biochemical processes related to the cyclization between bi-functional maleimide linker and peptides. Her faculty mentor was  Dr. Emily Harcourt. In addition to Ashley's CBL research, she worked virtually in a biochemistry lab at SUNY Upstate Medical University in spring 2021 and participated in an REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) at the University of Southern Mississippi in summer 2021 working on an organic synthesis research project. Ashley is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in chemistry at Stony Brook University. Click here to learn more about Ashley's experience as a 2021-2022 CBL Research Scholar.

2020-2021

Eva Keohane '21 completed a major in chemistry and minors in biology and mathematics. In 2020-2021, her research focused on developing a compound that can be used for metal organic chemical vapor deposition in the formation of electronic thin films. Her faculty mentor was Dr. Anna O'Brien. Eva is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in chemistry at Colorado State University. Click here to learn more about Eva's experience as a 2020-2021 CBL Research Scholar.

Isabela Fernandez '22 is completing a major in chemistry and a minor in psychology. In 2020-2021, her research applied principles of rational drug design in an effort to find curcumin derivatives that are effective against a treatment-resistant form of breast cancer. Her faculty mentor was Dr. Joseph Mullins. Isabela continued as a CBL Research Scholar in 2021-2022. Click here to learn more about her experience as a 2020-2021 CBL Research Scholar.

2019-2020

Amber Ford '20 completed a major in chemistry and minors in biology and music. In 2019-2020, her research investigated the antimicrobial effects of symmetrical and asymmetrical curcuminoids attached to specific linker peptides. Her faculty mentors were Dr. Joseph Mullins and Dr. Emily Harcourt. Amber is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in organic chemistry at Syracuse University.

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Contact Us

Dixie M. Blackley, Ph.D.
CBL Program Director

332 Reilly Hall
315/445.4437
[email protected]


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