Spreading Iona Science to the World: Fifteen Project Symphony Members Attend the National Meeting of the American Chemical Society in Chicago, IL

Sunghee Lee • August 30, 2022

After an exciting research experience in summer ‘22 spent mostly in the Cornelia Hall laboratory, a team of fifteen Project Symphony members traveled to Chicago, IL and presented at the National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS) with their faculty mentor, Dr. Sunghee Lee of the Chemistry & Biochemistry Department. The theme of this year's ACS meeting was "Sustainability in a Changing World", which highlighted the critical role that Chemists play in addressing our environmental challenges, and how academia, industry, and government can work together to help create a more sustainable world. The Project Symphony team was honored to be part of an international conference, participated in sessions, workshops & networking opportunities, and presented seven research papers at Biomaterials & Biointerfaces session of the Division of Colloid and Surface Chemistry:

#1. Differential Interaction of Cannabidiol with Biomembranes Dependent on Cholesterol Concentration

#2. Characterization of electrical properties of model lipid membranes using a modified electrophysiological technique

#3. Calculations of DOPC/DOPE Bilayer Structural Properties at Different Compositions by Molecular Dynamics Simulation

#4. Effects of plant polyphenols on biophysical properties of model membranes

#5. Raman spectroscopic investigation of model lipid membranes containing cholesterol and small molecules

#6. Thermodynamic investigation of interactions of phytochemicals with model cell membranes 

#7. Effect of different DOPC/DOPS Ratios on the Structural Properties of Biological Membranes 



Project Symphony at ACS Fall 2026

By Sunghee Lee • August 28, 2026
Project Symphony members proudly presented seven research posters at the ACS Fall Meeting in Chicago in the Biomaterials and Biointerfaces session of the Division of Colloid and Surface Chemistry. Presenting in this highly professional research setting—alongside graduate students and Ph.D.-level chemistry researchers—was a meaningful opportunity for our students to share their work, exchange ideas, and represent Project Symphony. This year’s group photograph is especially meaningful because it includes two Project Symphony alumni from the classes of 2015 and 2010, pictured at the far left and far right. Both are now accomplished scientists, and their return is a wonderful reminder of the lasting legacy of Project Symphony and the close-knit scientific community we have built over the past two decades. I am immensely proud of the hard work, dedication, and growth that led to these presentations. Congratulations to all of our presenters—keep up the excellent work!

Project Symphony Spotlight: Celebrating Colleen Clarke

By Sunghee Lee • May 18, 2026
We are proud to celebrate the continued success of former Project Symphony member Colleen Clarke, a Ph.D. candiate at Clemson University, who has recently received the first place in the poster session at the Women in the Global Battery Industry's Science Award. Colleen received this prestigious honor for her academic work on the impact of lignin on the transport of chemical properties of sulfonated ionomer composites for all-vanadium redox flow batteries. Colleen exemplifies the curiosity, dedication, and perseverance that Project Symphony strives to nurture in all of its participants. During her time with Project Symphony, Colleen demonstrated a strong commitment to scientific exploration and collaborative learning. Those early experiences helped shape her path toward advanced study and research, where she continues to excel and make meaningful contributions in her field. We are thrilled to see her accomplishments and look forward to following her continued success. Congratulations, Colleen—we are incredibly proud of you!

Celebrating Project Symphony at ISD 2026

By Sunghee Lee • April 24, 2026
On Thursday, April 16, 2026, our Project Symphony members presented their work at the 17th annual Iona Scholars Day, a campus-wide celebration of student scholarship and creative activity. This event showcases faculty-mentored projects across disciplines and highlights the depth of undergraduate research at Iona. This year, Project Symphony members contributed an impressive total of 15 research posters, representing months—and in many cases, years—of sustained effort, curiosity, and collaboration. Their work stood alongside projects from across the university, helping to put chemistry and biophysical research in the spotlight. As the PI of Project Symphony, I am deeply proud of each team member’s dedication, professionalism, and growth. Watching them explain complex ideas with clarity and confidence to faculty, peers, and visitors was truly inspiring. Their posters did more than present data—they told the story of how careful experimentation, persistence, and teamwork lead to new insights. Congratulations again to all of our presenters—you represented Project Symphony, with excellence.
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