The Summer Research Program encourages undergrads to tackle interesting research questions in their field of study.
In an ambitious summer initiative, eight undergraduate students are collaborating with esteemed faculty members across various disciplines in the Summer Research Program. From the intricate world of parasite biodiversity to the complexities of pharmaceutical chemistry and equine health, the program encourages students to take a deep dive into research endeavors within their chosen field of study.
Mentored by faculty members from the biology, chemistry, equestrian studies, and psychology departments, the students will delve into a wide array of projects spanning multiple fields. The program, commencing in mid-May and extending through the beginning of August, aims to provide invaluable hands-on experience to aspiring researchers.
Among the notable projects this summer:
1. Leak-Proof Spatiotemporal Control of Gene Expression: Sophie Stober, under the guidance of Dr. Stephen Wilson, ventures into the realm of gene expression control.
2. Inducible Genetic Recombination during Retinal Regeneration: Kiera Laskie collaborates with Dr. Wilson to explore genetic mechanisms in retinal regeneration.
3. Multifunctional, Nanomolecular, and Monodisperse Drug Delivery: Thalma Wahab, working alongside Dr. Satish Jalisatgi, focuses on innovative drug delivery systems.
4. Gastrointestinal Health and Gut Microbiome of Horses: Kathleen Cooper-Cameron and Veronica Buman, mentored by Sara Linde-Patel and Shelby Baxley, delve into equine health and gut microbiome studies.
5. Decision Making and Mental Shortcuts: Carsyn Osborn partners with Dr. Crina Mansat to investigate human decision-making processes.
6. Correlates of the Tendency to Anthropomorphize: Cassandra Frayer collaborates with Dr. Eric Marx to unravel the factors influencing anthropomorphism.
7. Biodiversity and Species Identification of Trematode Parasites in Terrestrial Snails: Abigail Hatfield joins forces with Dr. Michael Barger to explore the biodiversity of trematode parasites.
Notably, students participating in the program will receive a stipend for their contributions and are expected to present their findings at the upcoming 2025 Spring Research Conference. This initiative not only nurtures budding researchers but also contributes to the advancement of scientific knowledge across diverse disciplines.