WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., May 4, 2022 — West Liberty University chemistry students ended the semester with a display of posters, detailing their work in Chemistry 478 class. The senior students studied local streams and rivers from January to April, 2022.

“Chemistry 478 looked at the analysis of natural waters and required the students to collect and assess the various chemicals found in streams and rivers found near campus,” said Dr. Douglas Swartz, associate professor of chemistry who teaches the class.

Students Zamora Kisner and Allie McCain studied water from Henry’s Creek, located near the university.

Jessica Orris and Mackenzie Border performed an analysis of Glenn’s Run Creek, located along Cherry Hill, near Warwood.

Students looked at the turbidity of water, alkalinity, chlorides, oil and grease, nonvolatile organics, sulfates, and iron.

Undergraduate research and hands-on experience is important for all students in the sciences, according to Swartz. WLU includes many opportunities for students in its labs and classrooms.

WLU’s Department of Physical Sciences and Mathematics includes programs in chemistry and mathematics and is chaired by Dr. Chad Kuhns, associate professor of mathematics.

Part of the College of Sciences, it is a student-focused teaching, learning and research environment dedicated to excellence in undergraduate and graduate education. 

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