KU, Haskell scholars to present research projects at annual symposium

LAWRENCE – Research on the spread of fungal infections, effectiveness of teletherapy, use of microfluidics for diagnostics, communication strategies of bacteria, and effects of social behavior and stress on brain signaling will be among student work presented at the 22nd annual University of Kansas-Haskell Indian Nations University Student Research Symposium.

Ten undergraduates and six post-baccalaureate scholars supported by the Office for Diversity in Science Training will present posters of their research from 3 to 5 p.m. April 12 in the first-floor foyer of Haworth Hall.

The presenters include undergraduates from KU and Haskell, along with post-baccalaureate scholars from KU. Supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health focused on training, workforce development and diversity in biomedical research, the three programs include:

• 500 Nations Bridge Collaboration: Haskell/KU
  Principal investigators: Amy Burgin, KU, and Melissa Holder, Haskell
   
• KU Maximizing Access to Research Careers
  Principal investigators: Paulyn Cartwright and Paul Hanson, KU
   
• KU Post-baccalaureate Research Education Program
  Principal investigators: Gustavo Blanco, Adam Smith and Ilya Vakser, KU

The grants for these programs are administered by the Higuchi Biosciences Center. The Office for Diversity in Science Training is led by Paulyn Cartwright, director.

Participants are listed alphabetically:

Destiny Batista, of Hutchinson, is a junior at KU majoring in human biology. Batista is a scholar in the MARC program and is mentored by Adam Smith, assistant professor of pharmacology & toxicology.

Darren Boydston, of Adams and Norwich, has a bachelor’s degree in molecular, cellular & developmental biology from KU. Boydston is a post-baccalaureate scholar in the PREP program and is mentored by Kristi Neufeld, professor of molecular biosciences.

Kayla Castillo, of Topeka, is a junior at KU majoring in chemical engineering with a biomedical engineering minor. Castillo is a scholar of the MARC program and is mentored by Jennifer Robinson, assistant professor of chemical & petroleum engineering.

Bryce Gaskins, of Springfield, Virginia, is a junior at KU majoring in biochemistry and Spanish. Gaskins is a scholar of the MARC program and is mentored by Zarko Boskovic, assistant professor of medicinal chemistry.

Daniel Henderson, of Leawood, has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from KU. Henderson is a post-baccalaureate scholar in the PREP program and is mentored by Adam Smith, assistant professor of pharmacology & toxicology.

Megan Hinrichsen, of Spencer, Iowa, has a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and chemistry from the University of West Florida. Hinrichsen is a post-baccalaureate scholar in the PREP program and is mentored by Roberto De Guzman, professor of molecular biosciences.

Autumn Powell, of Window Rock, Arizona, has a bachelor’s degree from Haskell Indian Nations University. Powell is a post-baccalaureate scholar in the PREP program and is mentored by Kelly Kindscher, professor of environmental studies and senior scientist at the Kansas Biological Survey & Center for Ecological Research. Powell is affiliated with the Navajo Nation.

Cynthia Rubio Justiz, of Guanabacoa, Cuba, has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of South Florida. Justiz is a post-baccalaureate scholar in the PREP program and is mentored by Stephen Ilardi, professor of psychology.

Adrianna Kirckof, of Stanley, Wisconsin, has bachelor's degrees in neuroscience and psychology from University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Kirckof is a post-baccalaureate scholar in the PREP program and is mentored by Adam Smith, assistant professor in pharmacology & toxicology.

Taryn McNickle, of Arkansas City, is a junior at KU majoring in chemistry and exercise science. McNickle is a scholar of the MARC program and is mentored by Steven Soper, University Distinguished Professor in chemistry, mechanical engineering, and bioengineering, and Malgorzata Witek, associate research professor in the Soper lab.

Seth Pua, of Lawrence, is a senior at Haskell Indian Nations University majoring in environmental science. Pua is a scholar of the Bridge Program and is mentored by Maria Orive, professor of ecology & evolutionary biology, and Fola Agusto, assistant professor of ecology & evolutionary biology. Pua is affiliated with the Navajo Nation.

Gita Regmi of Kansas City, Kansas, is a junior at KU majoring in mechanical engineering. Regmi is a scholar of the MARC program and is mentored by Sara Wilson, associate professor of mechanical engineering.

Jayde Schlesener, of Belton, Missouri, is a junior at KU majoring in microbiology and chemistry. Schlesener is a scholar of the MARC program and is mentored by Adam Smith, assistant professor of pharmacology & toxicology; Erika Vitale, associate researcher in the Smith Lab; and Amy Burgin, associate scientist at the Kansas Biological Survey & Center for Ecological Research.

Dorothea Summers, of St. Marys, is a senior at Haskell Indian Nations University majoring in environmental science. Summers is a scholar of the Bridge Program and is mentored by Peggy Schultz, associate specialist, and Susan Magnoli, postdoctoral researcher, both at the Kansas Biological Survey & Center for Ecological Research. Summers is affiliated with the Diné tribe.

Kade Townsend, of Topeka, is a junior at KU majoring in microbiology. Townsend is a scholar of the MARC program and is mentored by Josephine Chandler, associate professor of molecular biosciences.

Alice Wambua, of Shawnee, is a junior at KU majoring in microbiology. Wambua is a scholar of the MARC program and is mentored by Josephine Chandler, associate professor of molecular biosciences.