Franklin Park Chemistry Professor Makes Lasting Impression on Aspiring Scientists

A Franklin Park resident is making a big difference in the next generation of scientists.

Dr. Jennifer Aitken, associate professor of chemistry at Duquesne University, attracted a $431,000, three-year grant from the National Science Foundation through her research of semiconductor compounds used in everything from solar cells to imaging equipment. The 38-year-old chemist has made it a point to provide graduate and undergraduate students, even high schoolers, opportunities to contribute.

“It’s important that we’re educating the next generation of scientists,” Aitken said.

Aitken is working with students to collect research data that she'll eventually use to write and publish materials based on the outcomes. This latest research grant started back in June and is a continuation of another big grant she received for new scientists at the start of her Duquesne University career.

“That lasted for five years and that really kick-started my career here,” Aitken said. 

Her love for science started early on. Aitken said she was one those children who always asked “why?” 

“I was never really satisfied unless I understood the answer. That’s one of my good characteristics. I’m not brilliant that I do this. I work hard and make sure I understand something before I move on,” she said.

She's finding her two sons, ages 5 and 2, carrying on that same curiosity. Her 5-year-old, who has Asperger’s syndrome, has such an intense focus on animals that he can incredibly name numerous birds, dinosaurs, bugs.

“He knows probably a lot more animals than PhD biologists. He’s so interested in science and I enjoy reading science books to him.” 

Aitken initiated Duquesne’s Project SEED program, administered by the American Chemical Society, that places economically-disadvantaged high school students in the chemical lab for eight weeks over the summer.  Students must be high-achievers and are exposed to science and the college environment. This summer, Aitken said six students will be accepted into the program, currently the only one in Pittsburgh, though the hope is to expand.

In addition to her research, David Seybert, dean of schools, said “Dr. Aitken’s extraordinary ability to mentor undergraduate and graduate students in their research has had a profound effect upon the quality of our chemistry program in the Bayer School.” 

Aitken said many scientists think they’re going to save the world with their work, which is possible. But she finds mentoring students also to be rewarding.

“Then you really know you made a real difference,” she said. 

Follow us on Twitter | Like us on Facebook

Check out some of today's other top stories here.