“Dear Professor Wilger, we have reached a recommendation on your proposal and are pleased to tell you that we are recommending it for an award…”

These were the words that greeted Dale Wilger, associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry, when he learned Samford University's Department of Chemistry secured a significant grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), paving a pathway for their research in chemical dynamics and mechanisms.

Wilger, leading the charge for this grant, has been awarded more than $300,000 to support student research. The grant provides room and board and essential research materials for students to complete projects over the summer.

“This type of training is really influential for students who are pursuing careers in science and medicine,” Wilger said. “The students who complete these projects often go on to attend graduate school in chemistry or medical school. The results, once the project is completed, will be published in a peer-reviewed chemistry journal. This will certainly improve our chances of securing additional funding to support students in the future.”

The NSF grant underscores its commitment to fostering groundbreaking research that expands scientific knowledge and addresses broader societal impacts. Wilger's project aligns with NSF's mission to support research initiatives of intellectual merit and broader significance, promising insights that could revolutionize the field of transition metal catalysis.

This funding bolsters Samford's standing in scientific research and positions Wilger’s team at the forefront of innovation in chemistry. Their findings could lead to more efficient and sustainable chemical processes. A journey of discovery that promises to shape the future of chemical synthesis and catalysis.