Noyce scholar Ada Smies will present her summer STEM education research at the 2026 American Chemical Society (ACS) conference in Atlanta, Georgia.
Noyce scholar Ada Smies has been invited to attend the 2026 American Chemical Society (ACS) conference in Atlanta, Georgia, where she will present research in STEM education that she conducted over the summer. This invitation is a distinguished opportunity for Smies to gain valuable experience in her field.
Smies' summer research was part of a Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship internship at Alma College in Alma, Michigan with their Research Experiences in STEM (RES) summer program. This program aims to equip future teachers in STEM education.
This summer, Smies researched the dependence of surfactant identity and concentration on nanoparticle purification by depletion flocculation. She and her research partner will present a poster presentation during the Nanoparticle Material session at the conference.
“Depletion flocculation is the process used to purify a crude solution of synthesized gold nanoparticles,” explains Smies. Through depletion flocculation, Smies and her partner aimed to isolate the “good/desired” particles for analysis. Through this study, Smies and her partner determined the best surfactants (liquids) and concentrations for depletion flocculation rates.
Research opportunities provide students with in-depth experience in their fields and accelerate learning. By immersing herself in the kind of scientific research and dialogue she will one day teach, Smies will be exceptionally well-prepared for a career in STEM education. “When Ada steps into the classroom, she will bring not only knowledge but also the firsthand experience needed to make science come alive for her students,” says Professor of Mathematics Dr. Valorie Zonnefeld.
The opportunity to present research reflects both Smies’ academic drive and Dordt’s commitment to preparing students for future careers. Programs like the Noyce Scholarship allow motivated students like Smies to extend their studies beyond the traditional classroom. “Ada’s preparation has stood out for these selective opportunities and speaks highly to her ability and to the strength of the STEM education program at Dordt,” says Zonnefeld.
The ACS conference will take place in Atlanta, Georgia from March 22 – 26, 2026.
About Dordt University
As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by U.S. News and World Report, the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review.
Nicole Rayhons, Dordt University art education major from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, will have a senior art exhibit on display in the Campus Center Art Gallery through February 20.
Related Events