Carroll College welcomed the second cohort of students to participate in the Freshman Research Experience in Chemistry (FREC). FREC is an on-campus, five-day pre-orientation camp where students make friends, float the Missouri River, collect lake and river water samples, perform experiments to better understand algal blooms in Montana, and learn about the support services and opportunities available to first-year Carroll College students. Dr. John Rowley, associate professor of chemistry, has been instrumental in establishing and overseeing this program.
"It was a fun and exciting experience that allows you to get an early grip on college and the experience at Carroll. Balancing fun and exciting experiences along with chemistry and knowledge. Providing an awesome week that is full of friendly and incredible people." ~ Summer 2026 FREC participant
Twelve incoming freshmen and one high school student participated in FREC this summer. The students plan to major in a wide variety of disciplines including: biology, biochemistry & molecular biology, and chemistry. The weeklong program includes outdoor recreation, STEM skill-building activities, enrichment workshops and open-ended research projects.
"These distinctive, student-centered, high-impact experiences welcome students to our college and draw students to the intellectual work of our community. Through freshman experiences like FREC we live out our mission of instilling an enduring wonder of knowledge that will prepare students for success in college and their chosen vocations." ~ Dr. Karen Price, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs
A highlight of this year’s program was the FREC alumni question-and-answer panel. Rising sophomore FREC alumni returned to campus early to answer questions about college life from incoming freshmen.
The culmination of the four-day camp involved spiking lake and river water samples with known levels of inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus to determine under what conditions algal blooms occur. Students will continue this research into the fall semester.
"FREC isn't just staying in a lab all day, but a chance to talk to other freshmen, explore Helena, and learn more about yourself. If I had a chance to take FREC again for the first time, I would in a heartbeat." ~ Summer 2026 FREC participant
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