CH
Carl Hjelmen
  • Biology
  • Class of 2013
  • Garretson, SD

Garretson Native Carl Hjelmen Conducting Scientific Research Through Augustana College

2011 Jun 30

Garretson native Carl Hjelmen, a Biology major in the class of 2013 at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D., has been selected for the College's prestigious Summer Research Program, an initiative that places undergraduates in the field at laboratories and study tanks throughout the U.S.

Working at Augustana, Hjelmen's project is described as "Measuring the effects of in vitro omega-3 fatty acid modification on platelet function and thrombin generation."

Program Growth

Augustana officials recently reported a 54 percent increase in the number of students participating in the College's Summer Research Program.

In summer 2010, 59 students participated in summer research opportunities. This summer, 92 students are working alongside faculty members, exploring everything from platelet-biogenesis to the impact of ultrafast laser pulses on molecular fragmentation.

Officials say the increase in undergraduate researchers is the result of two parallel tracks, each of which has experienced significant growth.

Students who are pursuing majors within the Natural Sciences have been steadily on the rise. In 2005, the College reported 169 biology majors, 60 chemistry majors and 26 physics majors.

For the 2010-2011 academic year, the College reported 265 biology majors (a 56 percent increase); 84 chemistry majors (a 40 percent increase); and 41 physics majors (a 57 percent increase).

In addition, the number of research-related grants received by the institution and its professors has also grown. A result Dr. Mark Larson, assistant professor of biology and Augustana's Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network (BRIN) coordinator, attributes to sheer momentum.

"It's easier for me to make the case for a grant when I can show that I can do the research, that I have the equipment necessary, and that I have skilled and competent students to assist me. When grants are approved, they lead to more discoveries, more equipment and, ultimately, more opportunities to make cases for additional grants."

Dr. Paul Egland, associate professor of biology and Augustana's chief health professions adviser, says the ability for students to work alongside him in his lab is priceless.

"One of the things that makes Augustana unique is that students get to apply what they learn in class in a hands-on lab – they get to do experiments and test ideas. That hands-on work is what helps students learn – it cements the ideas they learn about in the classroom."

Liberally Educated Scientists

In addition to teaching, researching and advising, Larson and Egland also serve as strong advocates for giving tomorrow's scientists a foundation in the liberal arts.

"Here [at Augustana], we want students to experience more than just science. We want students to learn about language, culture, art and politics so they'll be poised to understand the implications of their work. We often say to students that 'we'll give you the tools to specialize, but we won't specialize you.' For medical students in particular, that's so important. They need to have the capacity to appreciate beyond how to fix the patient. They need to connect with their patients emotionally; they need to be able to understand their patients' background, their culture," Larson said.

Dr. Thomas R. Cech, professor of chemistry and biochemistry at the University of Colorado at Boulder and an investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, recently conducted a study to measure the long-term success of science education at liberal arts colleges, compared to research institutions.

While only eight percent of students who attend four-year colleges or universities are enrolled at baccalaureate colleges, such as Augustana, Cech found that among students who obtain Ph.D.s in science, 17 percent received their undergraduate degree from a baccalaureate college.

Among the top liberal arts colleges, five to 18 percent of graduates go on to obtain a Ph.D. in science or engineering. "Considering that their graduates majored in English, history, art and other humanities, as well as in science, this represents an astounding percentage," Cech said.

"This is a great day for Augustana," said Rob Oliver, president. "We've long said that in order to learn about the world, you need to see the world. Our Summer Research Program is instrumental in helping tomorrow's health professionals and scientists see the world and the impact exploration and study can have on the future. On behalf of the College, I give a heartfelt thank you to our talented faculty and staff members who work tirelessly to mentor our students with the goal of making tomorrow's world even better than today's."

About Augustana

Founded in 1860, Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D., is a selective, residential, comprehensive college of the Lutheran Church. Committed to enriching lives and fostering development, Augustana combines a foundation in the liberal arts with professional skill and advanced study, leading the Templeton Guide to include the College among those that inspire students to lead ethical and civic-minded lives. With more than 1,800 students from 25 states and two dozen countries, Augustana was ranked the No. 6 baccalaureate college in the nation for its efforts to advance social mobility, research and service by Washington Monthly; has been named a "Best Midwestern College" by The Princeton Review; and is listed as a "Great School, Great Price" by U.S. News & World Report.Augustana celebrated its sesquicentennial during the 2010-2011 academic year.