ORONO — Kyle Michael Rousseau graduated from the University of Maine at Orono with magna cum laude status on May 10. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry with a minor in chemistry.

Rousseau participated in the Honors College Program for four years where he maintained a high honor status and achieved the title of magna cum laude. During his senior year, he was initiated into Sigma Phi Epsilon where they frequently held achievement contests trying to maintain the highest GPAs as a contest with other fraternities.

He graduated from Lewiston High School in 2010 as a National Honor Society student who participated in their medical science program. He loved soccer, track and swimming while he attended LHS.

On May 9, Rousseau received recognition at a special Honors College Brunch among 76 other students. He was presented with a medal and a certificate to honor his hard work performed on his thesis project. He had to present his thesis in front of the Honor’s College Board members on May 8. His project title was “Protocol Development for the Analysis of Anthocyanins in Aronia via HPLC.” His advisor was Dr. Angela Myracle.

As a result of his commendable work in the Honors College Program along with his many biochemical classes, he was selected to be part of a research team on conducting mass spectrometry and ion mobility experiments at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, for the entire summer. He will be working with a professor along with some graduate students from Baylor.

The goal of this project will be to develop methods for careful monitoring of food products and detection of persistent organic pollutants sold and consumed as dietary supplements.

Rousseau and his pilot team intend to provide preliminary data that will help launch a longer-term initiative. He will get a publication as a result of this project. He is hoping this will lead to prospective job opportunities upon his return at the end of the summer.