Summer Scholars showcase a range of research

Jenna Thompson '17 and Leigha Embertson '17 discuss their exercise science research with Alvina Brueggemann of the WHIR Center. Photo by Ryan Johnson '19

Jenna Thompson '17 and Leigha Embertson '17 discuss their exercise science research with Alvina Brueggemann of the WHIR Center. Photo by Ryan Johnson '19

2016 Summer Scholars

This week, fifteen hardworking student-faculty teams readied posters, artwork and test samples for the Summer Scholars Closing Celebration. The teams presented their research work to faculty, staff, trustees, family and community members.

A Collaborative Undergraduate Research program, Summer Scholars offers an intensive 10-week experience. Students collaborate with faculty, conducting in-depth research. The topics of the research projects this summer varied hugely, ranging from theology to physics.

The students鈥 creative and problem solving skills were evident throughout their presentations. For instance, is the equipment you need too expensive? Emily Anderson 鈥17 has a solution!

鈥淐ell incubators are approximately $2500, $5000, and up 鈥 very, very expensive. So I decided that I鈥檓 going to make one,鈥 explained Anderson as she showed attentive listeners the acrylic and polycarbonate microscope incubator prototypes that she crafted over the summer.

From Sharon Tacheny 鈥17 researching women and their part in ancient law, to biology students Chi Na Moua and Courtney Kirkeide 鈥17 creating marketable research for new assistive walking devices, St. Kate鈥檚 students delved deep into their research for the past three months.

Summer Scholars 2016 Teams

Biology

Characterization of DNA-binding Proteins in Lumbriculus Sperm

Students: Mysee Lee and Kelsey McKenna

Faculty mentor: Kay Tweeten

 

Genetics and Nutrient Conditions of Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris Arundinacea) Populations at the Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve

Student: Danielle Meyer

Faculty mentor: Martha Phillips

Practicing with a Gait Trainer: A Longitudinal Study

Students: Courtney Kirkeide, Chi Na Moua, and Nicole Szyszka

Faculty mentor: Marcie Myers

Chemistry

Mechanochemical Synthesis of Photoluminescent Copper (I) Complexes: A Green Chemistry Approach

Student: Dominique Rabaey

Faculty mentor: Daron Janzen

 

Characterization of Dilated Cardiomyopathy Linked R25 Mutants of Phospholamban

Student: Mara Exline

Faculty mentor: Kim Ha

Derivatization of Secondary Alcohols for the Purpose of Molecular Characterization

Student: Odi Mentari

Faculty mentor: Ani Jordan

Alterations of HMBC Parameters to Show 4JC-H and 5JC-H Correlations

Student: Elizabeth Sperry

Faculty mentor: Ani Jordan

Characterization of the Reduction of Graphene Oxide

Students: Madisen Hyatt and Alexa Trusty

Faculty mentor: Gina Mancini-Samuelson

Economics

What鈥檚 the Value of a Degree? Evidence from Egypt, Jordan, and Tunisia

Students: Zea Branson and Taylor Flak

Faculty mentor: Caroline Krafft

 

Exercise and Sports Science

Exercise Duration and Associated Fitness Improvement

Students: Leigha Embertson, Sophie Olson, and Jenna Thompson

Faculty mentor: Mark Blegen

 

Mathematics

Homology of Permutation Complexes

Student: Kat Wallick

Faculty mentor: Chris Ross

 

Investigating Topological Properties of Neural Codes

Student: Ruby Bayliss

Faculty mentor: Kristy Pelatt

Physics

Low Cost Microscope Incubator for Long-Term Cell Observations

Student: Emily Anderson

Faculty mentor: Jolene Johnson

 

Public Health

Child Spacing Decision-Making and Couple Communication among Somali Men and Women in the Twin Cities

Student: Fathi Ahmed

Faculty mentor: Carie Cox

 

Theology

Ladies and the Law: Considering Women in Ancient Legal Codes

Student: Shannon Tacheny

Faculty mentor: Elaine James
 

By Ryan Johnson '19