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. As of 2020, the program has supported more than 2,800 women in STEM through a total of 807 grants to 200 different institutions, including 64 Minority-Serving Institutions.

At Le Moyne College, the Clare Boothe Luce Research Scholars program supports undergraduate women majoring in chemistry, computer science, mathematics, or 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 2022 or academic year 2022-23 awards; applications are due by March 9, 2022. Please review all of the information below and contact Dr. Dixie Blackley, CBL Program Director, to request an application (email: black_d@lemoyne.edu).

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 involves 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 is  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, Ashley plans to attend graduate school for chemistry and then work in the forensic science field.

Isabela Fernandez '22 is completing 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 is building on this work with a continued focus on synthesizing curcuminoids and method development. Her faculty mentor is Dr. Joseph Mullins. After graduation, Isabela plans 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 2021-2022 CBL Research Scholar.

Bryanna Howes '23 is completing a major in chemistry and a minor in criminology. In 2021-2022, her research involves 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 is  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.

Ashley Lojko '22 is completing a major in chemistry and a minor in Gender and Women's Studies. In 2021-2022, her research project examines biochemical processes related to the cyclization between bi-functional maleimide linker and peptides. Her faculty mentor is  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. After graduation, Ashley plans to pursue a Ph.D. in chemistry and a career in research, possibly as a college professor. 

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 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 will continue as a CBL Research Scholar in 2021-2022. Click here to learn more about her experience.

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.

Learn More

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Program Benefits & Activities

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.

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Program Expectations

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.

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Eligibility

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.

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Selection Criteria

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
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Application Process

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.

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Information for Faculty

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

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Contact Us

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

332 Reilly Hall
315/445.4437
Black_d@lemoyne.edu


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