Ph.D. student Richard Cochran attends Nobel Laureate meeting in Germany
University of North Dakota Ph.D. candidate Richard Cochran is mastering the chemistry of success.
A Denver, Colo., native and president of the UND Chemistry Graduate Student Association, Cochran parlayed his hard work in forensic science chemistry into a special invitation to the recent 63rd Annual Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in Lindau, Germany.
In late June, Cochran, along with nearly 550 other young researchers from about 78 countries, attended the elite gathering in Lindau to discuss an array of chemistry topics. Students and researchers alike used the forum to voice their ideas and discuss various projects, all while building international networks.
The meeting’s three themes — green chemistry, chemical energy storage and conversion, and biochemical processes and structures — all align with Cochran’s research interests.
Cochran considers the Nobel Laureate Meeting a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“I have not only had the honor of hearing seminars given by various Nobel Laureates in chemistry, but I have also had many opportunities to have one-on-one conversations with them,” Cochran said. “This dialogue has provided me with wisdom not only on a scientific level, but on a personal and professional level as well.
“This meeting has given me insight into the direct influences that great scientific discoveries can and will have on both the scientific community and general society.”
Cochran just finished his third year of Ph.D. studies.
“Richard has always been extremely motivated,” said Alena Kubatova, a UND associate professor and Cochran’s advisor. “He always wants to learn new things.”
Kirt Leadbetter scores prestigious Goldwater Scholarship
Kirt Leadbetter is a little busy these days, and that’s the way he likes it.
A native of Park Rapids, Minn., Leadbetter is pursuing a combined graduate and undergraduate degree in chemical engineering on a five-year program. He has already completed minors in biology, chemistry and mathematics.
Leadbetter has not only done a lot with his time at UND, he’s excelled at it, too. He recently was selected to be a 2013 Goldwater Scholarship recipient. The Goldwater Scholarship is considered the most prestigious award that can be won by an undergraduate student in the sciences. Leadbetter earned his after writing several essays and receiving strong recommendations, in addition to his impressive academic and research achievements.
“I have great appreciation and thanks for both my research advisor and academic advisor, Dr. Juergen Fischer and Dr. Mike Mann,” he said. “Without them, I would not be who I am today or where I am today.”
After Leadbetter completes his master’s degree and thesis on the “electrodeposition of aluminum from ionic liquids,” he has no plans to be idle. In fact, his next goal is to enroll in a doctoral program.
“I will focus on computational combustion chemistry applied to rocket engine design,” Leadbetter said. “So far, my goal dissertation project specifically focuses on development of electrospray ionization propulsion systems. After this, I plan to teach and research at a university or research at a government lab, although I am watching and considering options in the private sector.”
Leadbetter is the second Goldwater Scholarship winner from UND in less than two years. Jessica Greer, Grand Forks, was named a recipient in 2011.