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Legislators learn about diverse student research conducted at all four UM System campuses

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Fifty-four students representing the four campuses of the ��ɫ��Ƶ participated in Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol on March 15. The annual event gives students an opportunity to share with state lawmakers the wide variety of undergraduate research taking place across the university system.  

Among the participants were eight students from St. Louis County:

• Benton Berigan, a senior majoring in biology and psychology at the ��ɫ��Ƶ-Columbia from Chesterfield, presented his research titled "Modulation of voltage-gated sodium channels by auxiliary subunits” under the direction of Lorin Milescu, assistant professor of biological science. Berigan is the son of Bret and Julie Berigan of Chesterfield.
• William Galvin, a senior majoring in biological sciences at the ��ɫ��Ƶ-Columbia from Chesterfield, presented his research titled "Microbial degradation of alternative herbicides” under the direction of Brian Thompson, researcher in the MU Life Science Incubator. Galvin is the son of Robert and Leslie Galvin of Chesterfield.
• Katherine Herries, a senior majoring in geology and geophysics at Missouri University of Science and Technology from St. Louis, presented her research titled "An investigation of the genesis of microbialite communities in Storr's Lake, San Salvador Bahamas” under the direction of David Wronkiewicz, associate professor of geology and geophysics. Herries is the daughter of Michael and Paula Herries of St. Louis.
• Ava Hughes, a senior majoring in biological sciences at Missouri University of Science and Technology from St. Louis, presented her research titled "Isolation and characterization of acidohalophiles from Western Australian Lakes” under the direction of Melanie Mormile, professor of biological sciences. Hughes is the daughter of Robert and Debra Hughes or St. Louis.
• Brendan Marsh, a senior majoring in physics and mathematics at the ��ɫ��Ƶ-Columbia from Wildwood, presented his research titled "The algorithmic advantage: single molecular protein studies” under the direction of Gavin King, associate professor of physics. Marsh is the son of Patrick and Eva Marsh of Wildwood.
• Will McHargue, a senior majoring in biological engineering at the ��ɫ��Ƶ-Columbia from Chesterfield, presented his research titled "The use of thermal data for quantifying plant transpiration” under the direction of Ricardo Holdo, assistant professor of biological science. McHargue is the son of Kevin and Mary Beth McHargue of Chesterfield.
• Taylor Wagner, a senior majoring in biochemistry at the ��ɫ��Ƶ-Columbia from Kirkwood, presented his research titled "Biochemical study on initial steps of jasmonate biosynthesis” under the direction of Abe Koo, assistant professor of agriculture biochemistry. Wagner is the son of Dan and Claudia Wagner of St. Louis.
• Alex Willenbrink, a senior majoring in biological engineering at the ��ɫ��Ƶ-Columbia from Chesterfield, presented his research titled "Using calcium imaging to understand the role of glia in dysfunctional behavior of Drosophilia Melanogaster” under the direction of Bing Zhang, professor of biological science. Willenbrink is the son of Marci Willenbrink of Manchester and Bill Willenbrink of Chesterfield.

The student researchers were selected in a competitive process to present their projects to Missouri’s elected officials, and included 24 students from the ��ɫ��Ƶ-Columbia, 19 from Missouri University of Science and Technology, nine from the ��ɫ��Ƶ-Kansas City and two from the ��ɫ��Ƶ-St. Louis.

“Student engagement in research projects with faculty members at each of our campuses is a staple of the undergraduate academic experience,” Bob Schwartz, interim UM System vice president for academic affairs, said. “The experience exposes students to the wonders and possibilities of research and innovation, and helps develop them as future scientists and entrepreneurs whose discoveries could result in new technologies and businesses, and improve the quality of life for Missourians.”

Students highlighted the broad spectrum of research conducted at across the UM System’s four campuses including research in the areas of education, health, agriculture, biotechnology, transportation and infrastructure, social services, and economic development.

The UM System is one of the nation’s largest public research and doctoral level institutions with more than 77,000 students on four campuses.

Photo, left to right: Alex Willenbrink, Taylor Wagner, Will McHargue, Benton Berigan, Katherine Herries, Brendan Marsh

Photo: Missouri S&T student Ava Hughes (left) visits with Senator Ed Emery (R-District 31)

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