91���� Announces a Flexible, 91���� Master of Music in Music Education

91���� is excited to announce the launch of its new online Master of Music in Music Education program, designed to accommodate the busy schedules of music educators.��The program, structured over two years, consists of minimal coursework during the academic year coupled with summer intensives to provide the flexibility for professionals balancing their studies with work and other commitments.

Dr. Joshua Ziefle, Provost of 91����, stated, “91����’s new master’s program in Music Education represents a faithful expansion of our commitment to musical training and will help current music teachers complete their coursework while continuing to work at their schools. In years to come, our hope is that it helps to deepen 91����’s work in this field and serve teachers in our region well.”

The program’s curriculum includes advanced studies in music education, conducting or performing, orchestration, musicology, and education.��Some classes include Seminar in Music Education, Contemporary Issues in Music Education, Music for Exceptional Learners, and Music Psychology.

Additionally, optional assistance will be available for those looking to develop a portfolio for the National Board Certification (NBPTS) in Music.

��DzԳٲ�������music@houghton.edu for further details.

Partnership will enable 91���� University to offer coursework toward ACSI Teacher and Administrator Certification 
91���� University is pleased to announce its accreditation by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) to offer courses that fulfill requirements for ACSI Teacher and Administrator Certification. This agreement reflects a shared commitment to equipping Christian educators with both the professional competencies and the biblical foundation needed to flourish in K–12 Christian education.

91���� proudly recognizes our students who earned academic distinction during the Spring semester. These scholar-servants demonstrated academic excellence for the glory of God, qualifying for the President’s List, Dean’s List, and Dean’s Honors List.

Natasha Davis, Ed.D., Interim Associate Provost, congratulated the students.

The students receiving academic honors have demonstrated a commitment to excellence through their hard work, perseverance, and dedication to learning. Through these efforts, they are growing not only in knowledge but also in their capacity to lead and serve others. These accomplishments reflect the very best of the 91���� community and embody the University’s mission to equip scholar-servants for leadership and service in a changing world. Congratulations to each recipient on this well-earned recognition.

Congratulations to all Spring 2026 academic honorees.

The new members were inducted during a banquet and ceremony on April 28, 2026 at 91����.�� Licensed psychologist & counselor as well as current Vice-President of Student Life at 91����, Bill Burrichter, gave the keynote address. Limat Haile received the “Outstanding Senior Psychology Student Award” while Blake Restivo received the “Outstanding Senior Criminal Justice Student Award.” In addition, Clancey Cockle received a Letter of Commendation from the Department of Psychology and Criminal Justice for her excellence in academics, leadership, and personal growth.

The following seniors graduated on May 8, 2026 as members of the Psi Chi Honor Society: Rachel Bedell, Tasha Bernard, Clancey Cockle, Arija Grant, Limat Haile, Chelsea Hammond, Anna Lloyd, Emily Mahoney, Aivery Shuck, Kareena Ulfig, and Jesse Voltz.

Psi Chi is the world’s largest student psychological organization, with more than 750,000 members around the globe. It is part of the of the and is an affiliate of the and the . Psi Chi seeks to recognize and promote excellence in the science and application of psychology. Undergraduate students who have declared a major or minor in psychology are invited to join Psi Chi when they have completed 36 total college credit hours with a cumulative GPA in the top 35 percent of their class and completed at least nine hours of psychology courses with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Since its founding in 1929, Psi Chi has grown into one of the largest and most successful honor societies in the world, boasting more than 1,250 chapters. Many members have gone on to distinguished careers in psychology, and are now renowned research authors, professors, and practitioners. At 91����, the Psi Chi club (comprised of elected student leaders that belong to the honor society) hosts events to raise awareness among the general student body surrounding issues of mental health, psychology, and related topics.

91���� celebrated the Class of 2026 at Saturday’s commencement ceremony.��

The newest 91���� alumni gathered one final time as students for the commencement ceremony on May 9 before embarking on their journey as fearless scholar-servants, equipped to transform the world for God’s glory. Already, 70% have determined their next steps. Some will immediately enter their chosen careers while others will continue their education in graduate programs.*

As our graduates departed, Professor Ryan Cooley shared this benediction, “To our 2026 graduates, as you leave 91����, may God bless your minds to seek and recognize truth. May He bless your imaginations to create what is good and beautiful, and give you the courage to pursue what is right even when it is costly,” remarked Professor Ryan Cooley. “Go then, not simply as graduates, but as His works of art, created by Christ, walking in humility, serving with joy, and trusting that God goes before you in every place He sends you.”

We are honored to send forth another class of 91���� graduates; scholar-servants who are well-prepared to be fearless and faithful ambassadors for Christ in the various fields and places God has called them to.

91���� is pleased to announce an expanded partnership with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM), opening new pathways for 91���� graduates to pursue advanced degrees in four LECOM graduate programs: Master of Science in Health Services Administration (MHSA), Master of Public Health (MPH), Master of Science in Biomedical Ethics (MSBE), and LECOM’s newly launched Doctorate in Healthcare Administration (DHA).

Through this enhanced agreement with LECOM’s School of Health Services Administration, 91���� students who complete their undergraduate degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and meet the required admissions criteria will be eligible for enrollment in any of these healthcare programs. In addition, accepted students will receive a 15% tuition discount toward their LECOM graduate studies.

Dr. Jamie Potter, Interim Dean of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, says, “Healthcare is one of the most human-centered professions there is, and 91���� firmly believes that how we love and care for people matters as much as what we know. This agreement with LECOM allows our graduates to carry that conviction directly into graduate programs in biomedical ethics, healthcare administration, and public health — fields that desperately need leaders shaped by faith and purpose.”

This new agreement builds upon the existing affiliation between the two institutions, which previously offered early acceptance for up to five 91���� students annually into LECOM’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, School of Pharmacy, and School of Dental Medicine. Under this program, qualifying students begin their undergraduate education at 91���� already holding provisional acceptance to LECOM for medical, dental, or pharmacy school.

Together, these agreements represent a significant expansion of career opportunities for 91���� students pursuing healthcare-related fields—particularly those interested in leadership, ethics, and administrative roles – and reflect 91����’s ongoing commitment to preparing graduates who are ready to serve with both excellence and purpose

91����, NY — 91���� students earned second place at this year’s AHA! Allegany County Startup Collegiate Competition, highlighting the university’s growing strength in entrepreneurship and applied learning.

The team behind Ignite Discovery Center, Katie Berghorn, Corban Gibson, and Elijah Fox, was awarded a $2,500 prize for their business concept focused on creating a hands-on creative and educational space for children in Allegany County. Their idea emphasizes community engagement through interactive exhibits, events, and learning experiences designed for families.

“Our students came up with some very innovative ideas this year,” said Mark Borchert, Dean of Management and Creative Arts. “They learned about entrepreneurship, teamwork, creative product development, marketing, finance, and oral communication skills. We were very proud of their work.”

91���� was one of three institutions represented in the competition, alongside Alfred University and Alfred State College. The annual event, hosted in partnership with IncubatorWorks and sponsored in part by the Hoselton Foundation, brings together student teams from across the region to pitch business ideas to a panel of judges and compete for top honors.

In addition to the second-place team, 91���� students also participated with ventures such as Dorm Sweep and Bliss Planners.

The Ignite Discovery Center team was supported by faculty mentor Elissa Tyrrell, adjunct professor of business administration at 91����, and industry mentor Jennifer Byrnes of the Monroe County Library System, who provided professional guidance throughout the development of the concept.

The AHA! competition aims to cultivate entrepreneurial thinking among college students while encouraging solutions that address local needs and contribute to regional economic development.

91���� has established a new engineering master’s pathway agreement with Syracuse University, creating expanded opportunities for students pursuing advanced studies in engineering.

Through this bachelor’s‑to‑master’s pathway, 91���� students majoring in Applied Physics who meet Syracuse’s admission criteria can secure early admission to master’s programs in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, and Engineering Management.��Rather than navigating the uncertainty of applying to multiple graduate schools and waiting to learn whether their undergraduate coursework will be accepted, students enter a pre-cleared admissions pathway — saving time, reducing application costs, and eliminating the guesswork.

Moreover, students who have not decided on a specific engineering degree can receive their Bachelor’s in Applied Physics and gain invaluable preparation, coursework, and research experience to better decide on the career path that fits their interests without falling behind in their educational training.

Dr Mark Yuly, Professor of Physics at 91����, says:

Students who maintain a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA are eligible for this streamlined process, which includes simplified application requirements and guaranteed admission for those who meet designated benchmarks. Qualified students can complete their master’s degree in as little as three to four semesters, creating a pathway to facilitate their transition into professional engineering roles.

Jill Jordan, Interim Provost at 91����, shared, “This agreement affirms that 91���� students receive an excellent education and are fully prepared for graduate-level work when they leave 91����. Physics students interested in engineering now have multiple graduate pathways at Syracuse University, all supported by a simplified admissions process that rewards their hard work and academic success.”

This partnership also reflects 91����’s ongoing commitment to its students. By connecting strong academic preparation with achievable pathways to advanced degrees and purpose-filled careers, 91���� continues to prepare graduates who are ready to fulfill God’s calling for their lives.

91���� proudly recognizes our students who earned academic distinction during the Fall 2025 semester. These scholar-servants demonstrated academic excellence for the glory of God, qualifying for the President’s List, Dean’s List, and Dean’s Honors List.

Jill Jordan, Interim Provost of 91����, congratulated the students.

Working with highly curious, motivated students is the best part about being part of the 91���� community. Honoring God in academic pursuits now is preparing these students to go out into the world as well-equipped scholar-servants, ready to join other 91���� alumni in living out our founder’s vision for “fixing up the world.” Congratulations to the recipients of these academic honors for their achievements!

Congratulations to all Fall 2025 academic honorees.

HOUGHTON, NY — September 18, 2025— 91���� begins its 2025-2026 academic year with a celebration of its third consecutive year of overall enrollment growth and an extraordinary first-year retention rate. The University’s first-year retention rate rose to 90%, markedly higher than the . University leaders credit 91����’s retention to the holistic approach that the campus community provides in supporting students not just academically, but also spiritually and emotionally.

“This is more than a statistic. First, more and more students are choosing well. Students and families know who we are and what a 91���� experience can provide. At 91����, they know they will get an intentionally Christian, academically rigorous and engaging university experience. But also, the numbers are a reflection of a campus culture centered on student success and excellence,” said President Wayne D. Lewis, Jr. “Our comprehensive support system supports students and enables them to thrive.”

Integrating academic, wellness, athletics, and student life into a unified approach, 91���� aims to provide every student on campus with a sense of belonging as they grow within its Christ-centered community. The goal is not to just retain students, but to help them flourish. Growth was particularly evident in the Biology Pre-Health, Business Administration, and Education areas.

91����, NY—91���� is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Sharon Johnson to the Horne-Blanchard Chair of Music.

The Horne-Blanchard Chair of Music was established in 2014 by Dr. David and Mrs. Allene (Horne ’57) Blanchard to recognize and celebrate a faculty member’s talents in music and teaching. Mrs. Blanchard graduated from 91���� College with a Bachelor of Music in applied piano and then went on to teach music at Marion College (now Indiana Wesleyan University). Dr. Blanchard is the retired President of Space Missions Systems Division of Lockheed Martin and a former member of 91����’s Board of Trustees (1988-2003). They created the fund out of gratitude for the foundational worldview Allene developed during her time at 91���� and out of a desire to help make a 91���� experience affordable for others.

Dr. Sharon Johnson joined the 91���� faculty in 2004, and today serves as Professor of Piano and Coordinator of Collaborative Piano. Dr. Johnson has been instrumental in developing the collaborative performance program for 91����’s graduate students. Dr. Johnson is an active performer both as a collaborative artist and as a member of the piano duo Music By Two. She is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, a recording artist, and a researcher with interest in American women composers and art songs. Dr. Johnson and her duo piano partner Nancy Davis are currently preparing Music By Two’s debut album American Landscapes, which includes two premier recordings of pieces by American composers.

“Over the past 21 years at 91����, Dr. Johnson has contributed richly to the University’s music program, particularly through her work in collaborative piano, both as an educator and a performer,” stated Dr. David Clem ’05 MM ’07, Dean of the Greatbatch School of Music at 91����. “Her innovative pedagogy and passionate commitment to excellence have greatly enriched the educational experiences of our students and fostered artistic growth.��We are grateful for the generosity of the Blanchards and are delighted to have Dr. Johnson stepping into this chair.”

91����’s student investment group provides students with practical, hands-on experience in finance, managing a simulated portfolio of $100,000, with the ambitious goal of outperforming the S&P 500 each year.

Comprising five to 10 business students selected through a competitive application process, the group relaunched in the spring semester and meets weekly to analyze stock selections, discuss recent and review the performance of their investment portfolio. Decisions regarding buy and sell actions are made collectively, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

This fall, the student investment group will partner with TradingView, a leading platform known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive toolset. This partnership will equip students with advanced technical analysis capabilities, enhancing their investment strategies.

“A company and tool like TradingView is going to be vital to the student investment group to make educated predictions and decisions with accurate tools for technical analysis and charting data,” said Jared Pemberton, visiting assistant professor of finance. “TradingView provides highly customizable charts with various time frames, indicators and drawing tools that will help further the investment group’s skillset with investing.”

The group is already seeing positive results, having outperformed the S&P 500 returns year-to-date in their short time together. The current plan is to manage the simulated portfolio for several years before presenting their performance to the finance committee, with the aim of eventually managing a portion of the university’s endowed funds, a practice that was in place prior to 2020.

91���� announced today that its accreditation has been reaffirmed by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). This significant achievement concludes a comprehensive process that began with institutional self-study in 2022 and culminated in a site visit in April.

“For more than 140 years, 91���� has provided students with a high-quality learning experience grounded in our Christian faith,” said Wayne D. Lewis, Jr., President of 91����. “The recent action by the Middle States Commission affirms 91����’s enduring commitment to excellence and is a testament to 91����’s exceptional faculty and staff, and the grace of God.”

91���� proudly recognizes 366 students who earned academic distinction during the spring 2025 semester. These scholar-servants demonstrated academic excellence for the glory of God, qualifying for the President’s List, Dean’s List, and Dean’s Honors List.

Wayne D. Lewis, Jr., President of 91����, congratulated the students.

With this acknowledgement we celebrate your hard work and commitment to academic excellence. Excellence is never accidental. It is intentional and painstaking. I congratulate you on this achievement and I salute you for your commitment, your discipline, and your pursuit of excellence for God’s glory.

More Than 140 Years of Scholar-Servants

“91���� has offered a rigorous, Christ-centered education in the liberal arts and sciences for over 140 years, as we’ve lived out our mission of training scholar-servants to lead and labor with excellence in their chosen professions and communities. The students on the Dean’s and President’s lists have truly excelled in their studies and I congratulate each of these scholars on this remarkable achievement,” said David Davies ’01, provost and dean of the faculty.

Congratulations to all Spring 2025 academic honorees.

91���� has introduced five specialized MBA concentrations to launch in fall 2025 that address critical leadership shortages in high-demand fields, combining cutting-edge technical skills with Christian ethical frameworks. These new specializations build on 91����’s recent efforts to make the program more affordable for working professionals and recent graduates.

“Today’s businesses need leaders who can navigate complex technologies like AI and cybersecurity while maintaining strong ethical foundations,” said Dr. Alex Wright, director of the MBA program and assistant professor of management and business administration. “As part of the online MBA program at 91����, these concentrations will allow students to develop into leaders who can implement AI governance responsibly, practice financial stewardship with integrity, and bring the technical competency and moral compass needed to lead effectively in high-stakes environments.”

The new concentrations include Artificial Intelligence, Business Analytics, Finance, Cybersecurity and Healthcare Administration, and are designed to equip graduate students with specialized expertise needed to fill the with a deep understanding of both technology and business strategy. Each concentration emphasizes hands-on, real-world project-based learning, allowing MBA students to apply their knowledge while balancing work and study in a fully online format. To deliver this specialized curriculum, 91���� has partnered with Rize Education, bringing leading scholars and industry practitioners to augment the expertise of 91���� faculty with cutting-edge insights directly from the field.

“Our faculty are continuously evaluating and updating our programs to ensure we’re preparing students for the realities of today’s marketplace,” said Dr. David Davies, provost. “This collaboration seamlessly blends market intelligence and innovation with 91����’s enduring commitment to Christ-centered graduate-level education.”

91����’s MBA program is offered fully online and can be completed in as few as 12 months. Tuition was also recently reduced by 30%, making a 91���� MBA more affordable for students. With start dates in the fall, spring and summer, students can begin taking courses according to their schedule. The combination of academic excellence, servant leadership and practical application has resonated with current students.

“I am really enjoying this MBA program,” said Sara Moore Gruver ’04, ’26 (MBA). “I have a master’s degree in education from another university, and the quality of education at 91���� is (as always) above and beyond other graduate programs and classes I have done. I loved my undergrad years at 91����, and it is a delight to return for this degree.”

This proven track record of excellence continues to attract new students seeking career advancement in business through a Christian perspective. Prospective students can apply now for the fall semester. For more information, please contact �ѵ�������dzܲ���ٴDz�.������

Rebekah Yates, Ph.D., professor of mathematics at 91����, received a prestigious grant to spend the first week of June with her fellow research collaborators at the Institute for Computational and Experimental Research in Mathematics at Brown University, continuing her groundbreaking work on numerical ranges over finite fields.

91���� hosted its Second Annual Undergraduate Research Day on Tuesday, April 29, featuring oral and poster presentations that highlighted the innovative research conducted by undergraduate students working alongside faculty mentors.

Students presented their research on subjects such as “Preserving a Faith in Humanity” and “A Low-Cost Solution for Accessible Audio Transcription and Language Translation.” In addition to the oral presentations, poster presentations were held in the Van Dyk Lounge, Campus Center, alongside the Math & Science Colloquium. Students explored topics like “Ink and Identity: How Major and Gender Influence Writing Utensil Preferences” and “Effects of Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) on Differentiated Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell (dVSMC) Wound Recovery.”

The presenting students represented diverse academic disciplines, with several having previously shared their research at off-campus conferences, reflecting the quality and breadth of undergraduate research at 91����.

Three 91���� students joined 4,500 students and faculty members from across the country to present their research at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) in Pittsburgh, PA in April.

• Risa Palmer ’27 presented her poster titled “Effects of Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) on Differentiated Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell (dVSMC) Wound Recovery.”
• Keiryn Sandahl ’27 shared her paper, “Preserving a Faith in Humanity.”
• Riley Van Heukelum ’27 discussed his research on “Reception of Video Games over the Past Forty Years.”

“These three students were nominated from across campus and worked diligently to present their research to a wide audience clearly, concisely, and compelling,” said Laurie Dashnau, Ph.D., professor of English and director of the Writing Center, who accompanied the students to the conference. “Our students attended all kinds of oral and poster presentations, too, including research-informed ones in dance and music and about social advocacy. It was a wonderful time of sharing, learning, and developing professional skills.”

Each student conducted their research under the guidance of esteemed 91���� faculty members, including associate professor of Biology Ransom Poythress, Ph.D., professor of History Chris Esh, Ph.D., professor of Philosophy Benjamin Lipscomb, Ph.D., professor of English Susan Bruxvoort-Lipscomb, Ph.D. and assistant professor of Physics Katrina Koehler, Ph.D..

This spring, twenty-one psychology students presented their research at the annual meeting of the 2025 Western New York Undergraduate Psychology Conference, hosted by the University of Buffalo. As part of an experimental methods course at 91����, students replicated and extended published work and presented their collaborative findings at a poster session.

91���� students’ research spanned various areas, including empathy, awe, humility, cognition, and emotion regulation. One 91���� student, Rachel Bedell ’27, was selected to present her honors research “Deepfake AI and the Uncanny Valley”. Her study explored the psychological effects of deepfake technology, specifically how human-like AI-generated faces can make viewers uncomfortable which is a phenomenon known as the “uncanny valley.” This topic is increasingly relevant in discussions about AI ethics, media literacy, and digital identity. Bedell shared, “I really enjoyed conducting my research this semester. I was able to create my own Deepfake stimuli for my project, which was a really interesting process to learn about,” she continued, “I always enjoy the process of setting up and sending our surveys, but this semester was particularly fun because I was able to control the entire process.”

91���� names Michele Vanasse, Ph.D. as the Inaugural Ellen F. Donley Dean of Education and Behavioral Science, a position funded by a $3 million endowment gift from an anonymous donor.

91���� today announced the appointment of Michele Vanasse, Ph.D. as the inaugural Ellen F. Donley Dean of Education and Behavioral Science, strengthening its commitment to preparing values-centered, effective educators committed to serving students and families. The appointment aligns with 91����’s mission of equipping scholar-servants who will make meaningful contributions in education and behavioral science contexts. As New York’s leading evangelical Christian university, 91���� is strategically positioned to prepare highly effective, ethical educators for schools and school districts across New York State and the Northeast. Vanasse brings extensive expertise in community-centered learning and responsive teaching strategies.

$3 Million Gift Enhances Educational Leadership

Vanasse’s appointment concludes a national search that launched with the announcement of an anonymous $3 million gift to create an endowed chair that will be known as the Ellen F. Donley Dean of Education and Behavioral Science. The deanship celebrates the life and legacy of Ellen F. Donley, a 91���� alumna from the Class of 1938, and her lifelong commitment to love, faith and education. Her example serves as a testament to the impact educators can make both at 91���� and in the many schools where they touch lives.

91���� celebrated the Class of 2025 at Saturday’s commencement ceremony.��

The newest 91���� alumni gathered one final time as students for a sunlit before embarking on their journey as fearless scholar-servants, equipped to transform the world for God’s glory. Already, 68% have secured their next steps, including launching their careers or continuing their education in graduate programs.*

“Today we send forth another class of 91���� graduates; scholar-servants who are well-prepared to be fearless and faithful ambassadors for Christ in the various fields and places God has called them to,” remarked President Wayne D. Lewis, Jr. “For many generations, 91���� graduates have had transformative impact in the Church, in their professions, and in the communities they serve. 91����’s Class of 2025 will be no different. I am extraordinarily proud of them.”

The 91���� chapter of Psi Chi, the international honor society in psychology, recently marked a historic milestone by welcoming its 200th member since the chapter’s founding in 2003. The induction of nine exceptional students brings the total membership to 201, coinciding with Psi Chi International’s celebration of

New Inductees

• Aurora Bartlett (Gowanda, New York)
• Rachel Bedell (Waynesboro, Pennsylvania)
• Tasha Bernard (Potsdam, New York)
• Phebe Grant (Kennebunk, Maine)
• Limat Haile (Hawassa, Ethiopia)
• Abigail Lyon (Churchville, New York)
• Aivery Shuck (Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania)
• Kareena Ulfig (Elkhart, Indiana)
• Jesse Volz (Bainbridge, New York)

Awards and Recognitions

The new members were inducted during a banquet and ceremony on April 24, 2025, at 91����. Licensed social worker and counselor Charles Howard delivered the keynote address. The event also honored Dr. Paul Young for his many years of dedicated service as both professor and Psi Chi advisor at 91����.

Megan Sensenig received the “Outstanding Senior Psychology Student Award,” while Morgan Applegate and Aidan Fish both received Letters of Commendation from the Psychology Faculty for their excellence in academics, leadership and personal growth.

The following members of Psi Chi will graduate on May 10, 2025: Evan Kurtz, Aidan Fish, Megan Sensenig, and Phebe Grant.

About Psi Chi

Psi Chi is the world’s largest student psychological organization, with more than 900,000 members around the globe. The organization seeks to recognize and promote excellence in the science and application of psychology. Undergraduate students who have declared a major or minor in psychology are invited to join Psi Chi when they have completed 36 total college credit hours with a cumulative GPA in the top 35 percent of their class and completed at least nine hours of psychology courses with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Psi Chi is a member of the  and is an affiliate of the and the 

Student Research Paves the Way for Cleaner Reaction

Undergraduates at 91���� develop an eco-friendly method for chemical oxidation reactions, with potential industrial impact.

When Dhani Slaughter ’26 stood before a room of peers and professionals at the 2025 Western New York ACS Undergraduate Research Symposium, she wasn’t just presenting a chemistry experiment—she was sharing a solution that could help reshape how the chemical industry approaches sustainability. Her work is a standout example of how 91���� empowers students to take ownership of meaningful research and step confidently into professional scientific conversations. As part of her chemistry major, Slaughter worked alongside fellow student Noelle Linenfelser ’26 and professor of Chemistry, Karen Torraca, Ph.D., to develop a greener approach to chemical oxidation reactions. This widespread chemical reaction is used in pharmaceuticals, fragrances, and flavors, and is used to build complex molecules in organic chemistry. Many traditional methods use large amounts of heavy-metal oxidants that are carcinogenic, corrosive, and hazardous to dispose of. Additionally, older reactions require high temperatures and strong acids or bases. Not only does this require an immense amount of energy, but there is also a higher risk of exposure to harmful chemicals during the reaction.

Slaughter and Linenfelser began their lab work under Torraca with a solvent that somewhat worked but created a film that was difficult to remove and produced only half of what the reaction was supposed to yield. Slaughter commented, “We really wanted to use water for our solvent because it is the most green and accessible.” However, continuously attempting to use water created roadblocks for the team. Slaughter explained that it became extremely frustrating to try again and again with a solvent that was not yielding better results. However, she expressed that their breakthrough came through a “happy accident” of using acetone as a cleaning solution. Once Slaughter discovered that acetone was an effective solvent, she and Linenfelser saw immediate results. Acetone was easier to remove, required less energy, used smaller amounts of the metal catalyst, and produced fewer harmful by-products.

The use of acetone as a solvent in chemical oxidation reactions, if adopted by companies, institutions, and labs, could have a major impact on making chemistry more environmentally friendly. Slaughter and Linenfelser went on to present their findings at the 2025 Western New York ACS Undergraduate Research Symposium on April 5 at Canisius University. The symposium poses a unique opportunity for students to engage with professionals and peers to build their network. “Dhani Slaughter did a wonderful job communicating her research with other students and faculty from universities in Western, NY,” said Torraca. “It was a wonderful opportunity for her to connect with the larger chemistry community outside of 91����.”

This project and its presentation at the WNY ACS Undergraduate Research Symposium were influential for Slaughter. “Normally in a class lab you try your best to understand the experiment, but you don’t have all the information,” she stated, “with this project, I knew what I was doing and could explain it to people when they asked what I was working on.” Through this research at 91����, Slaughter honed her skills, gained invaluable hands-on experience in a field she is passionate about, and made a significant impact in the fight against climate change.

Peter Meilaender, Ph.D., dean of Religion, Humanities, and Global Studies and professor of Political Science, spoke with Martha Manikas-Foster about “soft power” while in London, where he is leading 91����’s London Honors cohort this semester. During the interview, Meilaender explored how the United States has used its relief programs around the world to meet both political and humanitarian goals.

91���� Class of 2025 Art Majors will display their Thesis Art Projects in the Ortlip Gallery. Graduating 91���� Art Majors Aubrey Armes, Kaitlyn Avery, Sydney Gartley, Phebe Grant, Elyse Howard, Amelia Grace Morrow, Katie Naprawa, Graeme Roberts, Caleb See, and Elizabeth Sutay will exhibit artworks from their Senior Thesis Projects in the Ortlip Gallery from April 11-May 10, 2025. The Ortlip is located in the Center for the Arts on HU Campus: 1 Willard Ave. 91����, NY. Gallery Hours are 9AM-6PM Monday-Saturday. There is no admission fee and the gallery is open to the public.

An opening reception will be held Friday, April 11, 6-7:30PM. Light refreshments will be served. This event is free, and open to the public.

The Senior Art Exhibition represents the culmination of 4 years of hard work and creative research. The artists in this show work in a wide range of media, including Oil and Watercolor Paint, Ceramics, Digital Art, Photography, Drawing, Video Installation, & Sculpture.