Boyer School students recall summer research experiences

by Public Relations | November 05, 2025

LATROBE, PA – Eight students from the Herbert W. Boyer School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Computing at Saint Vincent College participated in the School’s annual Summer Research Showcase on Monday, Nov. 3, moderated by Dr. I. Mitch Taylor, Chemistry Department chair and an associate professor in the Boyer School.

The event consisted of a panel discussion between the students who partook in summer research internships at a variety of locations, including Michigan and Ohio.

“Summer research internships are an important part of the educational process for students pursuing a career in the sciences,” Taylor said. “It allows our students to be immersed in high-level research in our nation’s top research labs. The experience of conducting cutting-edge research is invaluable, regardless of the future career aspirations of our students.”

The students responded to questions from audience members and Taylor as they shared their internship experiences with a host of Saint Vincent students who attended the event.

“The panel discussion is designed to cover the entire summer research internship experience,” Taylor added, “from finding and applying to the internship, to recounting the day-to-day experience and discussing the pros and cons of conducting independent research.”

Student panel participants included:

Kate Bollinger, a junior biochemistry major from Mentor, Ohio, who completed an internship at Case Western Reserve University;
Elizabeth Dacanay, a senior biochemistry major from Beaver, who completed an internship at the University of Pennsylvania;
Aaron Grant, a junior engineering major from Pittsburgh, who completed an internship at the University of Pittsburgh;
Cassandra Lanza, a senior computer science major from Shermans Dale, who completed an internship at Kettering University in Flint, Michigan;
Jennifer Long, a senior biology major from New Alexandria, who completed an internship at Duquesne University;
Skyler Olp, a senior chemistry major from Marion Center, who completed an internship at Saint Vincent College;
Thomas Phillips, a junior biochemistry major from Rostraver Township, who completed an internship at Saint Vincent College; and
Brianna Sciore, a senior engineering major from Smithton, who completed an internship at the University of Pittsburgh.

A group of eight individuals seated behind a table, posing for a photo in a well-lit room. — Saint Vincent College students Kate Bollinger, Thomas Phillips, Aaron Grant, Cassandra Lanza, Elizabeth Dacanay, Jennifer Long, Brianna Sciore and Skyler Olp recently participated in the Herbert W. Boyer School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Computing annual Summer Research Showcase.