MVNU undergraduate researchers publish first peer-reviewed article from SPUR Program

Research predicts how gold nanoclusters interact with amino acids — the building blocks of proteins

Two men standing on either side of a poster board at an indoor presentation.

Dr. Luiz Oliveira, Associate Professor and Program Director for the MVNU Chemistry and Physics program, left, and student Jerhett Morehouse stand before their presentation which was completed as part of the University’s Summer Program for Undergraduate Research.

MVNU Communications

Published May 9, 2026 - 12:20 p.m.

Mount Vernon Nazarene University faculty and undergraduate researchers have published the first peer-reviewed journal article produced through the university’s Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR).

The study, “Gold Nanocluster-Amino Acid Interactions: Assessment of DFTB with Dispersion Corrections,” by Dr. Luiz Oliveira, Associate Professor and Program Director for the Chemistry and Physics program, and students Jerhett Morehouse, Alyssa McPhee and Emily Howie, appeared Feb. 11 in ACS Omega.

The research evaluates an approximate quantum mechanical method known as density functional tight binding (DFTB) and its ability to predict how gold nanoclusters interact with amino acids — the building blocks of proteins. The team found that the method can efficiently and accurately model these interactions, potentially helping accelerate the development of gold-based nanotechnologies for medical applications.

“This work establishes DFTB as a practical screening tool for gold-biomolecule interfaces,” Dr. Oliveira said. “It strikes an effective balance between computational cost and accuracy.”

Program leaders say the publication reflects the strength of undergraduate research opportunities at the university.

“The publication of this paper marks a significant milestone for the program,” said Dr. Binyang Hou, Associate Professor of Physics and SPUR director. “It testifies that SPUR at MVNU is not just a summer enrichment program. With the dedication of our SPUR faculty and their genuine care and investment in our students, undergraduate student scholars at MVNU can excel and become excellent scholars who are competitive with their peers from research universities and make meaningful impact and contribution to the wider scientific community.”

SPUR launched in summer 2022 under the leadership of Dr. LeeAnn Couts, then dean of the School of Natural and Social Sciences. The program provides undergraduate students with eight weeks of faculty-mentored research designed to strengthen academic learning, scholarly productivity and professional development.

More information about the program is available at mvnu.edu/SPUR.