Undergraduate symposium spotlights students’ work
Erskine’s sixth annual Undergraduate Research Symposium (URS) April 15 included a variety of student presentations in the areas of athletic training, biology, chemistry, English, history, political science, psychology, and sociology, all in the Daniel•Moultrie Science Center. In conjunction with the symposium, a Visual Arts Show in the Bowie Arts Center featured works by 23 student artists.
Recognition was given to several students for their research presentations. Dr. McKenzie Campbell, a 2011 chemistry graduate, served as judge.
First place in the competitive poster category went to AnnaTaylor Hydrick for “The Effects of Tetracycline Exposure on Rotifer (Philodina acuticornis) Egg Production in the Parental and F1 Generation,” looking at the problem of antibiotic runoff in aquatic environments. Her research was conducted with Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Naoma Nelsen.
Second place in the competitive poster category went to Mikhayla Clothier for “Room temperature hydrosilylation of imines catalyzed by an air stable rhenium(v)-oxo complex,” presenting research undertaken with Dr. Ana Ison of North Carolina State University.
Selected for the People’s Choice Award among the posters was “Antimicrobial Soil Bacteria,” based on research focused on the isolation of antimicrobial bacteria from soil samples. Working on the project were Kimberly Jimenez, Elizabeth Schneider, Raven Valentine,and Gary Aromin, under the guidance of Dr. Naoma Nelsen.
Awards were also given for presentations in psychology and sociology.
Alexis Lyda, working with Professor of Psychology Dr. Elsner, took first place for “The Effectiveness of Group Art Therapy for the Elderly in Community Living Environments.”
Cori Damron, also with Elsner, took second place for “Trait Anxiety and Vicarious Anxiety are Not Affected by Personality in the Same Way.”
Among the art show participants, Anna Daly won first place in the 2D category for “Cherry Blossom Tree,” and Hayden Banks won second place for “Flower Pig.”
Paul Lawing’s “Lumberjack” was named Best in Show 3D and Mikhayla Clothier’s “Feather Mask” won second place in the 3D category.
Paul Lawing’s “Place Setting” was named Best in Show Functional.
Jurors for the show were Dr. Christine Schott, Dr. David Reiter, and Dr. Keith Timms.
The People’s Choice Award, voted on during the Undergraduate Research Symposium, was given to Brittany Nuce for “Bob Ross and the Llama.”
More photos can be seen here.
