Seton Hall University is making waves in international research by partnering with Universidad de Los Andes (U. Andes), a top institution in Latin America. This collaboration, established through a Memorandum of Understanding in 2022, allows students from U. Andes to gain valuable research experience at Seton Hall, particularly in the fields of chemistry and biochemistry.
One standout participant is Fabian Dagnober Ricardo, a graduate student in Bioengineering at U. Andes. Through his work at Seton Hall with Dr. Wiedman, Fabian has made significant strides in peptide synthesis, which is crucial for creating sustainable alternatives to harmful chemicals often used in industries like agriculture and cosmetics. Traditional surfactants can harm the environment, so the research aims to develop eco-friendlier substitutes.
Fabian’s groundbreaking project involved designing peptide-based surfactants using both computational and experimental approaches. It was published in the American Chemical Society Journal of Physical Chemistry B, showcasing innovative methods for reducing surface tension. Dr. Wiedman emphasized the potential of this research to change how surfactants are synthesized, suggesting applications in agriculture and personal care products.
Fabian noted that the resources at Seton Hall, including 24/7 lab access and advanced equipment, significantly boosted his research efforts. “At U. Andes, we were limited to lab hours,” he shared. “Having the freedom to experiment whenever I wanted led to better results.” He also appreciated the support from faculty and peers, calling Dr. Wiedman a mentor as well as a supervisor.
This partnership is not just beneficial for individual students but highlights the importance of global cooperation in addressing sustainability challenges. Dr. Wiedman said, "Fabian’s work illustrates how we can collaborate to tackle complex global issues." Seton Hall and U. Andes aim to expand this partnership further, facilitating more research opportunities for students from Latin America.
This collaboration underscores a growing trend in academia—international partnerships that foster innovation and tackle pressing global challenges. According to a recent survey by the Institute of International Education, the number of international collaborations in research has surged by 40% in the past decade, reaffirming the value of combining expertise from different regions.
By bridging gaps across borders, these partnerships not only enrich students’ educational experiences but also spark innovations that are essential for a sustainable future. Seton Hall’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers a range of programs, including a new accelerated BS-MS option, expanding pathways for students interested in STEM fields.
Combining the strengths of diverse institutions like Seton Hall and U. Andes can transform research landscapes and drive significant advancements. It’s clear that as more universities engage globally, the potential for impactful discoveries continues to grow.
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