Christina Wales '06 had a surprise. "This summer I was sure a reaction had failed when a solid that was supposed to stay orange turned white, but when we tested the product it turned out that we had stumbled upon something no one had ever made before."
Wales' groundbreaking research was showcased at the 12th annual Undergraduate Science Research Symposium held on Feb. 24. The campus symposium featured the work of more than 100 students from 11 departments. The results of many students' projects promise real benefits in medicine and technology. For example, Erin Crowder '07 gave a talk titled "The Neural Mechanisms of Respiration: An In Vitro Approach," explaining that her research could lead to a better understanding of the causes of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) and sleep apnea.
Other research topics ranged from quantum dots to the Matoaka woods. Kinesiology student Blair Ashley '08 presented research with implications for treating cardiovascular disease. Psychology student Amy Pastva '08 is studying the relationship between gender and frustration.
"I was very impressed to see how many [students] were doing really good research," said Class of 2008 Professor of Biology Margaret Saha, who was among many faculty members in attendance. "Plus I learned something too!"
