Four Outstanding Iona College Science Students Attend Cutting-Edge Nanomedicine Summer School Program at Oxford University

In front of Christ Church College and Cathedral in Oxford, are (left to right) Iona College students Paul Sanstead, Garner Soltes, Zuzanna Michalak and Erin Morgan and Dr. Sunghee Lee, Chair of Iona's Chemistry Department. The four outstanding Iona College undergraduate students majoring in science had the honor of recently attending the Nanomedicine Summer School Program at Oxford University, United Kingdom.

New Rochelle, NY (July 2011)  Four outstanding Iona College undergraduate students majoring in science had the honor of recently participating in an exceptional learning opportunity at Oxford University, United Kingdom where they attended  a five-day Nanomedicine Summer School Program. It was the first time that Iona students attended this scientific short course held at one of the world’s most renowned and oldest universities. The visit was funded in full by the ongoing generosity of Iona alumnus, Dr. Patrick J. Martin.

During their stay, the students engaged in an intensive program on the latest applications of nanomedicine technology in medicine. Nanotechnology is a new exciting field that is transforming the way that medical and healthcare solutions are developed and delivered.

This year’s Nanomedicine Summer School focused on the impact that nanotechnology has in the advance of medicine, healthcare and bio-sensing techniques and addressed ways to advance this discipline to meet future needs. Students learned how nanoparticles are being used to eradicate diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s

The students who were selected by Iona College to attend are Paul Sanstead (class of 2011): Bloomington, MN; Zuzanna Michalak (class of 2013): Whitestone, Queens; Garner Soltes (class of 2011): Poughkeepsie, NY and Erin Morgan (class of 2013): Wilton, NH. They were accompanied by Dr. Brian Nickerson, Dean of Iona’s School of Arts and Science and Dr. Sunghee Lee, Chair of the Chemistry Department.

Dr. Nickerson said: “The students immersed themselves fully and benefited from learning about cutting-edge science research, technology, and applications. They also networked with students and industry professionals from around the world.”

He added, “I was especially proud of our students’ ability to follow the material and ask questions that demonstrated that they had a growing command of the material. In sum, they were fully engaged in an exceptional learning experience at one of the world’s greatest universities”

Dr. Lee said: “I was thrilled to witness four rising student stars experience Oxford’s rich historical past as well as be exposed to its state-of-the-art scientific infrastructure. Their week-long training in Nanomedicine taught them that the tools of all the Sciences are needed to find tomorrow’s solutions for today’s health issues. I’m deeply proud of their engagement with the topic and their fellow scientists from around the world.”

The Summer School was tutor-led by Dr. Sonia Trigueros, James Martin Research Fellow at Oxford University’s Institute of Nanotechnology for Medicine, and complemented by talks from distinguished Oxford professors, guest speakers and advanced research students.

The Iona students also had the opportunity to experience the cultural and historical aspects of Oxford and learned about the history of scientific learning at the university.  Here are comments by the students about their experiences:

Suzanna Michalak: "My recent Oxford trip was an experience like no other, surpassing all my expectations.  I am very grateful to have been a part of such an amazing and educational experience, all thanks to the generosity of Dr. Pat Martin."

Garner Soltes: "This nanotechnology course informed me not only of the extraordinary breadth and depth of science, but also of the international scope of the scientific enterprise. It was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Paul Sanstead: "Attending the Nanomedicine Summer School program was an amazing experience.  We had the opportunity to attend lectures delivered by some of the top scientists working in nanomedicine.  The chance to explore the historic city of Oxford was also fantastic."

Dr. Nickerson noted that as a result of the visit, Oxford and Iona science faculty plan on creating an active, ongoing, mutually beneficial nanoscience program. Included will be an invitation by Dr. Nickerson for a leading Oxford professor to give a lecture at Iona next spring on nanomedicine research.

Founded in 1940, Iona College is a four-year private, coeducational institution of learning in the tradition of the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers and American Catholic higher education. It is a diverse community of learners and scholars dedicated to academic excellence and the values of justice, peace and service. Iona offers undergraduate degrees in liberal arts, science, and business administration, as well as Master of Arts, Master of Science and Master of Business Administration degrees and numerous advanced certificate programs.

For questions or more information please contact:
Dawn Insanalli
Public Relations Office
Iona College, 715 North Avenue, New Rochelle, N.Y. 10801
Office: (914) 637-2726
Fax: (914) 637-2711
dinsanalli@iona.edu