Marquis Scholar Sandra Rodriguez '08 (left) is researching self-assembled monolayers, a key part of the emerging fields of molecular electronics and nanotechnology, as an excel scholar working with Tina Huang, Assistant Professor of Chemistry.

Marquis Scholar Sandra Rodriguez ’08 used cutting-edge technologyto study gold electrodes that conduct electrons into and out of solutions as an EXCEL research assistant with Tina Huang, assistant professor of chemistry.

“The opportunity to work with high-tech equipment such as the atomic force microscope was a bit nerve wracking at the beginning,” says Rodriguez, a biology major. “I would probably not have this opportunity at another school, especially at a large university. That is one reason I chose a school like Lafayette.”

“Lafayette’s professors are committed to making sure the students get hands-on experiences,” adds Rodriguez, who plans to become a pediatrician. She is a member of College Choir and Lafayette Christian Fellowship, and volunteers with the Landis Community Center.