University of Mary Washington student Jonathan Williams of Stuarts Draft, Va., was awarded second place for his scientific research at the Second Annual Undergraduate Research Competition at Florida State University in October. He was among 12 students chosen from a national pool of applicants for the selective event, sponsored by FSU’s chemistry and biochemistry department.
Finalists were judged for originality, creativity and execution, and Williams received a cash reward of $750 for his poster.
Williams’ research focused on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), environmental contaminants found in sources such as cigarette smoke and crude oil. Conducted under the guidance of Charles Sharpless, associate professor of chemistry, Williams concentrated on the behavior of PAHs in crude oil spills to improve the understanding of PAH photodegradation, which predicts the removal rates of PAHs in oil in the event of a spill.
“I have gained a lot of valuable experience from this project, including learning the ropes of the research process and improving my ability to communicate the findings of myself and others to the general scientific community,” said Williams.
The son of Daniel and Sharon Williams of Stuarts Draft, Williams is a 2007 graduate of Wilson Memorial High School.
A senior chemistry major, Williams received the Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship for 2009-2011 through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and recently attended a 10-week internship in Charleston, S.C., as a result of the award. During the internship, he worked with the Hollings Marine Laboratory and the National Institute of Standards and Technology through NOAA.
Williams has received the university’s Roy Seldon Cook Scholarship in Chemistry for academic merit and high standards of achievement, the Earl N. Meyer Analytical Chemistry Award for the student with the highest cumulative average in analytical chemistry and the Undergraduate Award for Achievement in Organic Chemistry. A recipient of a Virginia Academy of Science undergraduate grant, Williams has been named to the President’s List and Dean’s List. He is a member of the American Chemical Society, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and the UMW chapter of Chi Beta Phi National Science and Mathematics Honor Society.
In addition, Williams has participated in UMW’s Summer Science Institute and has been a member of the Mary Washington Student Senate. He volunteers at the Lloyd F. Moss Free Clinic in Fredericksburg and worked with the R. Creigh . Deeds Virginia gubernatorial campaign.