Foundation Grant Gives Two Frederick County Students a Summer in the Lab

Two Frederick County students spent the summer investigating scientific questions at Mount St. Mary’s University with support from a $10,000 G. Frank Thomas Foundation grant.

According to the university’s Sept. 28 announcement, Sameera Ashfaq and Lulu Sanchez-Chagoya, both members of the Class of 2027, participated in its Summer Research Scholars program.

Ashfaq, a biochemistry major, worked with Geraldine Vilmen on whether a cellular recycling process helps break down HIV’s envelope protein. Biology major Sanchez-Chagoya worked with Rachel Hartnett to examine how environmental conditions, including metal-rich environments, affect cyanobacteria.

Both encountered experimental setbacks and gained experience adapting their work. They later presented posters at the university’s QUEST research showcase.

The projects reflect the purpose of paid undergraduate research: giving students time to practice scientific work alongside faculty.

The Mount’s student-opportunities guidance describes summer research awards as a way for promising researchers to concentrate on a project without the competing need to earn money elsewhere. Its general awards program supports work on campus or at designated laboratory and field sites.

For students considering a research career, that experience offers a practical introduction to the work behind a scientific question—from learning techniques to responding when an experiment does not proceed as expected.