Augustana student, Peter Draznik, conducts summer research project

2013 Jul 25

This summer nine Augustana College students are participating in full-scale scientific research projects under the guidance of their faculty advisors, gaining experience to utilize in graduate school and careers after college. Each summer research project is funded through an Augustana Summer Student Research Fellowship.

A Palatine, Ill. , student, Peter Draznik is working alongside Dr. Tom Bengston, professor and Beling chair in the mathematics department. Draznik is a senior majoring in mathematics and physics.

Intrigued by a field of mathematics not typically explored at the undergraduate level, Peter Draznik is studying the topic of tournaments in graph theory. Draznik’s research is looking into underlying patterns of round-robin tournaments and developing methods to count the many types of tournaments. “It is always difficult to tell where a project will lead, but if any of my work gets published, I will be very contented,” he said. While he has the freedom to ensure the work is completely his own, Draznik meets every day with Dr. Tom Bengtson to make sure he stays on track.

For a photo of Draznik, click here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/daisyhoang/9357418805/

To encourage students to immerse themselves in their subject matter and engage in hands-on practice, Augustana College provides students of all disciplines opportunities through the Summer Student Research Fellowships. The program encourages research or artistic projects under the guidance of a faculty member. Students may apply for a maximum stipend of $3,000, plus additional funding for project expenses. Students' contributions to these projects can inspire them to conduct even more cutting-edge research in their later years of study, and also direct them to the post-graduate field of study they would like to pursue.

About Augustana: Founded in 1860, Augustana College is a selective four-year residential college of the liberal arts and sciences. Augustana College is recognized for the innovative program Augie Choice, which provides each student up to $2,000 to pursue a high-impact learning experience such as study abroad, an internship or research with a professor. Current students and alumni include 146 Academic All-Americans, a Nobel laureate, 13 college presidents and other distinguished leaders. The college enrolls 2,500 students and is located along one of the world's most important waterways, the Mississippi River, in a community that reflects the diversity of the United States.