Biochemistry junior Olivia Apicella is spending 10 weeks of her summer vacation in the laboratory. This is Olivia’s second independent research experience with Chemistry faculty member Dr. Will Harrell. She, along with chemistry majors Joe Kittelberger and Sarah Riggin are synthesizing tripheynyl methane derivatives that can serve as anion binder and transporter molecules. These transporters, if effective, can help with the fundamental buildup of chloride in the lung cells of patients with cystic fibrosis. Olivia has chosen to continue her work with Dr. Harrell because she had a lot of fun in her first independent research experience. The summer research experience is more in depth than what can happen during the semester, and students have opportunities to not only learn new lab skills, but to practice their oral presentation skills through weekly journal club meetings with other summer research students in the School of the Sciences.