Romeoville Students Get Cutting-Edge Research Opportunity at Lewis U

“In setting up this unique partnership between RHS and Lewis University, we wanted to give students the opportunity to engage in high-level academic research using cutting-edge equipment and facilities,” said RHS science teacher Patrick Holden.

The Romeoville high School students will have the opportunity to study in the new 50,000-square-foot Science Center addition at Lewis University, where the Physics and Chemistry Departments have some of the most impressive undergraduate lab resources in the region. They will conduct research in modern physics labs with industry-grade optics and laser technology. They will also have access to the chemistry labs, where internationally-recognized research is being performed in nanotechnology.

The students, who were selected based on a combination of factors including their active participation last school year in the new RHS Science Research Club, teacher recommendations, grades in science courses and a personal essay, will work in groups not only through the summer, but also after school and on some weekends throughout the school year.

“Upon completion of their research, they will present at various science fairs and participate in regional and national-level competitions,” said Holden, who is the founder of the RHS Science Research Club.

Holden, Lewis University Chair and Assistant Professor of Chemistry Dr. Jason Keleher and Chair and Associate Professor of Physics Dr. Joseph Kozminski are overseeing the collaboration. 

Students who are participating include Rene Galvan, Adam Irvine, Alex Lara, Jessica Tabert, Cindy Valadez, Vanessa Velasco, Alicia Vitel, Leslie Vasquez, Akachi Ajiere, Cole Brooker, Will Caron and Jillian Crocker.