Deaf students, faculty member, wrap up summer research at JMU

After graduating with a biology degree in May, doing chemistry research at James Madison University this summer has been quite a learning opportunity, said Kelsey Wessman.

Dr. Adebowale “Debo” Ogunjirin, a visiting assistant professor, has enjoyed teaching in the program because, among other things, he enjoys working with students and helping them understand his research in medicinal chemistry.

Wessman’s and Ogunjirin’s involvement in the Research Experience for Undergraduates program, funded by the National Science Foundation, has been quite a learning experience for other students and faculty as well since both are deaf and communicate via sign language.

Wessman, one of three deaf students participating in the REU program, which has been held for more than 20 years at JMU, will present her research Thursday, July 30 or Friday, July 31 during the annual summer undergraduate research symposium. The other deaf students, who also will present, are Olivia Johnson and Cadijah Sweeney, both rising seniors at Rochester (NY) Institute of Technology.