Research Projects

2006 - 2007
Research Advisor: Dr. Michael J. Claus

The first project involves the analysis of energy drinks. The first stage of this project it to measure the amount of caffeine in energy drinks (Red Bull, Full Throttle, etc.,) and comparing them with other stimulant drinks, (espresso, coffee, tea). This project can expand when more equipment is made available to the chemistry department (HPLC) and can include the analysis of sugars in the drinks, as well as the amount of dissolved carbon dioxide. There are currently three students working on this project, Nick Doman ’09 biology, Dennis Quist ’08 chemistry, and Jeremy Smith ’08 chemistry.

The second project is testing the differences in flavor compounds present in Vodkas. This project involves collecting many samples of vodka (~1-2 mL each) of a variety of manufactures, and price ranges. Analysis of the flavor compounds in these vodkas will shed light on if a $25 bottle of vodka is really worth the added expense, when compared with a $5 bottle of vodka. Claudia Place ’07 chemistry, and Kelly Hutchens ’09 chemistry, are involved in work on this project.

Claus Research Group 2006-2007
L to R: Dennis Quist, Kelly Hutchens, Jeremy Smith, Nick Doman, Claudia Place, Dr. Claus.

2007-2008
Research Advisor: Dr. Michael J. Claus

Continuing the above projects, the research group has started new tracts of research. One project will attempt to measure the amount of dissolved CO2 in energy drinks. Another project will explore the charcoal filtering process in the manufacture of vodkas. This project is in cooperation of Working Bugs™ and the Michigan Brewing Company.