Major: Liberal Studies 
Houston Scholars Project: 
Improving Diabetes Technology Use Through Quality Improvement Programs
Advisor: Dr. Richard H. Armstrong

For the Spring 2016 semester, Chemical Engineering major Zachery Baker is investigating crystals—specifically, cholesterol crystals. While crystals play a significant role in the functioning of the human body, crystallization can also impair bodily functioning. Cholesterol crystallization can cause blockages and hardening of the arteries, and underlies such pathologies as gallstones and atherosclerosis. Under the guidance of Dr. Jeffery Rimer, Zach is monitoring the crystallization of cholesterol in various solvents. He is exploring the effect of solvents with varying chain lengths with the goal of developing new inhibitors and assays for cholesterol crystallization. Zach spends upwards of twelve hours a week in the lab; his Houston Scholars project has provided him a chance to explore the field of organic crystallization, an experience that, as a chemical engineering major, he would not otherwise have had.

Future Direction: Phillip plans to continue his study of C.L. Lewis and Freud well after the completion of his summer research project by expanding his work into a senior Honors thesis.  Phillip has plans to attend law school upon graduation, as well as continue scholarly research on Freud and Lewis.