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Undergraduate Research

At Saint Louis University’s School of Science and Engineering, students studies have the opportunity to team up with professors in order to gets hands-on experience applying the concepts they have been learning in the classroom.

Enrolling at SLU can be a huge benefit for students who want to participate in innovative work that is often featured in industry publications.

Read the profiles below to learn more about some of our undergraduates conducting research.

Danielle McTigue

Hometown : St. Louis, MO

Program : B.S. in Biomedical Engineering Expected Graduation : 2023

Lab : Tissue Scaffold Lab Faculty Supervising : Scott Sell, Ph.D.

About Danielle's Research

Danielle is currently working on electrospun scaffolds, which are tissue scaffolds made by nanoscale fibers interconnected by pores. These scaffolds will be used in a microfluidic device, which is a fancy way of saying that we will be able to observe things on a micro-scale easily. The observations in the microfluidic device will be used to determine the effect of sheer stress on osteoblasts, bone creating cells in the body.

I got involved in research my freshman year of college, in Dr. Sell's tissue scaffold lab, and it was an opportunity for me to further my knowledge in chemistry. One of the best experiences I had freshman year was getting experience with MatLab. I will be graduating in May of 2023 with a bachelor's in biomedical engineering with a pre-med. In the future, I plan to attend medical school and use my biomedical engineering background to aid in my medical degree.”  — Danielle McTigue

Jahnavi Nadella

Hometown : Dublin, OH

Program : B.S. in Biomedical Engineering Expected Graduation : 2022

Lab : Soft Tissue Engineering Lab Faculty Supervising : Silviya Zustiak, Ph.D.

About Jahnavi's Research

In the past, Jahnavi was doing work in the soft tissue engineering lab around working on a microfluidic device to aid in drug testing. Currently, her research involves working with hydrogels and cell culture. She is working with a Ph.D. candidate to develop dual-stiffness hydrogels that can be used for drug testing.

I really enjoy doing research. It allows me to explore concepts that are discussed in my classes and put them to use. Participating in a research lab allows me to connect concepts that are taught in multiple biomedical engineering classes. Another thing I appreciate about doing research is that it allows to me connect with graduate students with similar interests. I can ask them questions about classes and opportunities that are available to me. After graduation, I will be attending Saint Louis University School of Medicine. I hope that my background in biomedical engineering will provide me a unique understanding of topics covered in medical school. In regards to research, I hope to continue participating in research throughout my time in medical school.” — Jahnavi Nadella

Jackson Woodside-Miller

Hometown : Union, MO

Program : B.S. in Aerospace Engineering Expected Graduation : 2023

Lab : Polysonic Wind Tunnel Lab Faculty Supervising : Mark McQuilling, Ph.D.

About Jackson's Research

In the polysonic wind tunnel lab, Jackson is helping to conduct research on shockwave boundary layer interactions, as well as flow over turbine airfoils, and most of this research is conducted for aerospace companies.

Personally, I love helping with this research. It is very challenging, yet extremely rewarding. We are solving very tough problems which have never been solved before. I hope to continue this in the future and help improve the knowledge of fluid dynamics. I also hope I can work in the aerospace industry in a fluid dynamic related field, but eventually I would love to get my Ph.D. and teach at a college. Overall, I truly enjoy the research, and I am grateful for the opportunities Park College has provided me." — Jackson Woodside

Connecting student life at WashU

Office of Undergraduate Research

The Office of Undergraduate Research facilitates and promotes faculty-mentored undergraduate research experiences in all schools and all disciplines.

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Undergraduate Research

Summer Research Opportunities

At WashU, you will have the opportunity to work side-by-side in labs with some of the best faculty in engineering, medicine and the sciences.

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Summer research experiences for undergraduates 

Each summer, hundreds of undergraduate students arrive on campus at Washington University in St. Louis to perform research in faculty labs. At the McKelvey School of Engineering, students can choose from six summer research programs that aim to help undergraduates sharpen their analytical skills and build their professional network. In this video, meet five students who spent their summer researching and growing at McKelvey Engineering.

The summer research programs offered through the McKelvey School of Engineering is a great way to expand your horizons and discover if a future in research is right for you.

Washington University Summer Engineering Fellowship (WUSEF)

The WUSEF program is designed to encourage exceptional students from backgrounds underrepresented in the STEM fields, including underrepresented minority students, students from economically disadvantaged and underserved backgrounds, and students with disabilities, to participate in engineering research. Fellows will enjoy a rewarding summer research experience at one of the nation’s top universities. Each fellow will engage in an independent research project under the guidance of a McKelvey School of Engineering faculty member. 

Washington University Cardiovascular Research Summer Program (WashU CardS)

WashU CardS is designed to encourage undergraduate students from academic institutions with limited research opportunities to participate in cardiovascular research. In this 10-week program students will be immersed in rigorous research skill training (e.g., critical thinking, literature reviews and bench skills, like histology, PCR, ECG, microscopy, image analysis, etc.) and cutting-edge projects that advance the state-of-the-art in cardiovascular research.

Computer Science & Engineering Research Experience for Undergraduates

Participating in an undergraduate research project is a great way to learn a lot about a specific area and to try your hand at a cutting-edge research topic. If you are thinking about graduate school, this is also an excellent opportunity to learn more about academic research and to get hands-on experience before applying.

NSF Center for Engineering Mechanobiology Summer Research Experience

The CEMB seeks motivated undergraduate students for its annual summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program . Students participate in 10-week, on-campus programs in Philadelphia or St. Louis, working in research groups at the University of Pennsylvania and WashU. Students are matched to projects within a research group based on their interests, educational background and previous research experience.

International Student Research Internship Program

The International Student Research Internship Program is designed for students currently enrolled at an international university to participate in engineering research at WashU during the summer months (May through September).

Projects will be in the general areas of biomedical engineering, computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, systems engineering, chemical engineering, energy & environmental engineering, mechanical engineering & materials science.

Thermal Management Research Experience for Undergraduates

Be immersed in projects tied to emerging technologies such as metal-air batteries and nanofluidic and micro-/nanostructural thermal transport enhancement, while also learning the role of thermal-fluids engineers in the micro-/power electronics, chemical/material processing, transportation, and energy industries. You'll have multiple one-on-one advising sessions with faculty to define and develop a plan for achieving personal goals.

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Undergraduate Research

The Environmental Studies program encourages undergraduate students to get involved with research both on and off campus. Directed and independent research is seen as an important educational complement to classroom instruction. Opportunities are available for research with experienced faculty on a variety of exciting topics. The Environmental Studies program helps connect students with faculty members and organizations that offer a range of immersive opportunities for field and research experience.

Research Opportunities

Living Earth Collaborative

The Living Earth Collaborative coordinates student research opportunities at Washington University, the Missouri Botanical Gardens, the St. Louis Zoo, and other St. Louis institutions that allow students to study and conserve biodiversity, regionally and around the world.

Tyson Research Center

Tyson Research Center offers a robust summer field research program for undergraduate students. First-time fellows typically have interest in environmental research but may not yet have the experience needed to conduct independent research projects. Advanced or returning undergraduate fellows often design and execute their own field-based research under the guidance of a mentor.

Funding Opportunities

Beyond our partnerships with Tyson Research Center and the Living Earth Collaborative, Environmental Studies students can propose and develop their own research projects and secure funding from the program. Do you have a desire to do research in a particular area of study? Does field work appeal to your outside yearning? Do you have a particular faculty member that you would like to collaborate with on their research? If so, consider applying for an Environmental Studies Grant. Please note that these grants are restricted to Environmental Studies students.

Grant Types

Student Research Funding : This grant is open to students who wish to pursue research that is of interest to them. Faculty/Student Collaboration : This grant is available to students who wish to collaborate with an Environmental Studies faculty member on their research.

Required Material

Request for either of the above grants must include a one-page (single-spaced) description of the research, plus a budget. Budget information should include items such as: sample analysis, travel to meetings and/or conferences, equipment, and supplies.

Faculty/student collaboration grants are prepared by a faculty member participating in the environmental studies program, in collaboration with the relevant student(s). The faculty member involved must sign the proposal, and the proposal must provide a description of the student’s involvement and the distribution of effort.

Available Funding Amount

Student Research Funding = up to $500 Faculty/Student Collaboration = up to $2,500

Proposals must be received by December 15 for spring research, April 15 for summer research and August 15 for fall research. Send proposals via email to Environmental Studies . Please contact the Environmental Studies program for more information.

Student Research Resources 

Undergrad Research

create knowledge in any discipline with the office of undergrad research

Missouri Botanical Garden

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Danforth Plant Science Center

producing more nutritious food, improving the environment and strengthening the St. Louis region

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• Udall Undergraduate Scholarship

Previously Funded Undergraduate Research Topics

• Hanusia Higgins - Advisor: Dr. Mangan (Biology) "The Enemy of an Enemy, is a Friend"
• Emily Dewald-Wang - Advisor: Dr. Myers (Biology) "Plant chemical defenses, density dependence, and biodiversity in temperate forests"
• Addison Green - Advisor: Dr. Lowry (Political Science)  “Exploring bicycle culture as it relates to European cities ”
• Joseph Stromberg - Advisor: Dr. Evans (Philosophy)  “A Study of Land Tenure and Livelihoods on the Lakota on the Pine Ridge Reservation, South Dakota”
• Ted Erker – Advisor: Dr. Knight (Biology)  “Is the relationship between phylogenetic novelty and invasiveness dependent on spatial scal
• Katherine Seidler – Advisor: Dr. Knight (Biology)  “Understanding Invasiveness: How does habitat heterogeneity influence dispersal kernels of wind-dispersed species”
• Kristyna Solawetz – Advisor: Dr. Giammar (Environmental Engineering)  “Arsenic Mitigation and the Role of Traditional Knowledge in Bangladesh”
• Arthur J. Singletary and Kelley E. Greenman – Advisor: Dr. Stone (Anthropology)  “Pesticides in Indian Groundwater”
• Brittany Teller – Advisor: Dr. Knight (Biology)  “Do Invasive Species Change the Biomass of Dependent Trophic Levels in Communities?”
• Aaron David – Advisor: Dr. Knight (Biology)  “Environmental Conditions and Inbreeding Depression in Mimulus ringens”
• Anna Truszczynski – Advisor: Dr. Knight (Biology)  “Which mechanisms promote success in phylogenetically novel invasive species?”

Office of Neuroscience Research

• Undergraduate Opportunities

Thinking about an undergrad major in Neuroscience at WashU? Are you an undergrad at WashU or elsewhere, looking for a summer undergraduate research position? Check out details below.

Majoring in Neuroscience at WashU

For Washington University Undergraduates with interests in Neuroscience, there are three distinct choices in Arts & Sciences.

• For those with interests in the Biological Bases of Neuroscience, the  Neuroscience Track of the Biology Major is recommended.
• For those with interests in Human Cognitive Neuroscience, a  Major in Cognitive Neuroscience  is recommended. 
• For those with interests in Philosophy and Neuroscience and Psychology, a  Philosophy-Neuroscience-Psychology (PNP) Major  is recommended.

Student-led Groups

Summer Research Opportunities

New vagelos undergraduate research fellowship.

This new program is a unique opportunity for Washington University undergraduate students to gain hands-on, graduate-level research experience in biology and biomedical sciences, working under School of Medicine faculty supervision.

• Aging & Neurological Diseases Track  
• Amgen Scholars Program  
• Anesthesiology Summer Research Fellowship (ASSURE)  
• Advanced Summer Program for Investigation & Research Education (ASPIRE)
• BioSURF Program
• BMB Summer Undergraduate Research Program
• BME Summer Internship Program
• Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program  
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• MGI Undergraduate Scholars Program  
• MIR Summer Research Program
• MSTP Access Program
• NIDA Summer Research Internship Program
• Summer Engineering Fellowship Program  
• WUSTL ENDURE Program
• Additional summer research programs  
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Undergraduate Program

Studying psychology at washu.

Psychology is a multi-purpose, valuable discipline, with relevance for those considering careers in law, medicine, the health professions, education, business, and more. As the science concerned with the study of behavior, psychology includes diverse areas of study, including: biological bases of behavior; brain-behavior interactions; learning; memory; cognition; motivation; sensation and perception; the study of social interactions, persuasion, and attitudes; aging and development; personality; clinical, abnormal, and health psychology; and leisure and work experiences.

Our mission is to educate our Psychological & Brain Sciences majors in the discipline's core aspects, questions, theories, and approaches. A major in our department can include more focused study in a specific area, and possibly the completion of one of our concentrations.

Degree Requirements

Psychological & brain sciences (p&bs) major.

The Psychological & Brain Sciences (P&BS) major provides students with the content of psychology, including breadth and depth. It also provides students with the tools needed to evaluate critically psychological information, independent of specific content. Our students learn how to gather data, conduct literature reviews, and write proficiently and scientifically. We strive to ensure that our students understand the importance and become critical evaluators of empirical psychological research.

Cognitive Neuroscience (CN) Major

How does the brain think? Cognitive neuroscience refers to scientific study of the linkage between mental functions and the operation of the brain and nervous system. The goal of cognitive neuroscience is to provide an understanding of psychological processes, such as attention, memory, thinking, and emotion in terms of physical principles and biological components. At the same time, it also aims to provide psychological constraints on how the brain processes, computes, and generates behavior.

Psychological & Brain Sciences (P&BS) Minor

Even PB&S minors have the choice to study more broadly, or use their minor to specialize in on area of psychology.

Major Concentrations

To augment the major in Psychological & Brain Sciences (P&BS), the department offers the option of a concentration for students who wish to engage more intensively with a specific area within the discipline. A concentration may be a valuable experience for students planning on graduate study in psychology or related fields, or for those who have a particular interest or want to gain expertise in one of the approved concentrations.

Internships & Research

Research listing.

There are numerous and varied opportunities for students to become involved in ongoing psychological research conducted within the Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences and affiliated programs. We publish a listing of those opportunities, including information on the research itself, as well as duties of a research assistant in each lab. There are also opportunities to earn course credit for this work. Students should speak with the contact individual directly affiliated with each listing.

Internships in Psychology

An internship in psychology gives you an opportunity to apply theories and principles you’ve been learning in your psychology courses to the “real world” of social service agencies, medical institutions, the criminal justice system, business, and industry. During an internship, you can explore career interests, develop pre-professional skills, see how community organizations work, expand your clinical and interpersonal skills, and, in many cases, help others. An internship is a great way to enrich your own college experience while making a valuable contribution to the St. Louis community. Internships are possible in either the fall or spring semester each academic year.

Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis: Autism Spectrum Disorder

The Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis: Autism Spectrum Disorder (Psych 235) offers an opportunity for students to be trained in applied-behavior-analytic techniques and to work with a child with autism spectrum disorder. The Practicum may be of benefit to anyone considering a career in an applied setting or in any number of health-related areas. It may be valuable for those considering graduate training in clinical or counseling psychology, social work, speech, occupational or physical therapy, or a career in education.

Career Resources & Outcomes

Interested in learning more about career options in psychology & brain sciences? Unsure how to get started with the Career Center? Or want to explore what some of our graduates go on to do?

Psi Chi is the National Honor Society in Psychology, founded in 1929 for the purposes of encouraging, stimulating, and maintaining excellence in scholarship, and advancing the science of psychology. Membership is open to graduate and undergraduate students who are making the study of psychology one of their major interests, and who meet the minimum qualifications. Psi Chi is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies and is an affiliate of the American Psychological Association (APA) and the American Psychological Society (APS).

Learn More about Psi Chi

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The primary goal of the Honors Program in psychology is to provide those students who have achieved a superior academic record the opportunity in their senior year to conduct a comprehensive empirical investigation under the direction of a faculty member, who serves as the student's Honors advisor. The Honors Program is not restricted to students who plan to pursue graduate study in Psychology. 

Guide to Honors brochure

Study Abroad

Our study abroad programs provide psychology majors with an opportunity to enrich their education in psychology by studying in another country.  

Explore Study Abroad Opportunities

Copenhagen, Denmark

Stockholm, Sweden

London, United Kingdom

Sydney, Australia

Santiago, Chile

Undergraduate Student Resources 

Here are a few resources to help you get started. Don't see what you're looking for? SEE ALL UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT RESOURCES

Undergraduate Guide (PDF)

details about studying psychology for undergrads

APA Student Resources

find internships, learn about apply to grad school, or simply perfect apa formatting

Faculty Appointment Signup

use our online system to sign up for appointments with department faculty

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Awards & Prizes

John a. stern undergraduate research fund.

Undergraduate involvement in research is of obvious importance in fulfilling the mission of the Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences and for the intellectual development of our students. Our undergraduates have enormous opportunities to become engaged in the enterprise of research. Indeed, one of the special attractions of Washington University is precisely the opportunities for its undergraduates to immerse themselves in the research enterprise with active, first-rank scientists.

Through the generous donation of John Stern, a previous chair of the department, combined with donations from other faculty, friends, and former students, an undergraduate research fund, the John A. Stern Undergraduate Research Fund, has been developed. Students who wish to apply for research funds should submit a copy of their research proposal (usually the description provided for IRB or ASC protocol approval), the IRB/ASC approval, and the purpose for which funds are needed. Examples of appropriate purposes include: purchase of materials, subject payments, travel to meetings or symposia for presentation of research. Support is not provided for research that is covered under grant or other faculty funds. Application forms may be obtained from Shelley Kohlman, Psychology 207B, or [email protected] .

John A. Stern/Katherine F. Hoopes Undergraduate Research Prize

The Stern Undergraduate Research Award has been supplemented through the generous gift of the Hoopes family. The John A. Stern/Katherine F. Hoopes Undergraduate Research Prize recognizes a Psychology major’s undergraduate record of superior achievement in research.

Hyman Meltzer Memorial Award in Psychology

Hy Meltzer was a faculty member of the Psychology Department of Washington University, a leader in the field of Industrial/Organizational Psychology, and a philanthropist (e.g., the Meltzer labs in our previous building, Eads Hall). The Hyman Meltzer Memorial Award in Psychology was created to honor his teaching, research, and practice, and his devotion to the betterment of others. His work helped to shape the field of Psychology in general and Industrial/Organizational Psychology in particular. He was a person who cared about others, and made life better. The Hyman Meltzer Memorial Award recognizes a Psychology major’s overall academic record and significant contributions to serving others.

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Mechanobiology

Undergraduate Research

Summer research experiences for undergraduates (reu) program.

The Center for Engineering MechanoBiology (CEMB) , a National Science Foundation (NSF) Science and Technology Center (STC), recruits motivated undergraduate students for its Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program. Students participate in a 10-week, on-campus program, working in research groups both at Washington University in St. Louis and at the University of Pennsylvania. Students are matched to projects within a research group based upon their interests, educational background, and previous research experience.

Many projects are interdisciplinary and provide opportunities to develop research skills in the physical sciences, the biological sciences, and engineering. Students develop practical research skills: collaborating, designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and communicating results. Other aspects of the program complement the lab experience and are oriented toward professional development and career skills: seminars, outings, and professional and career workshops, including training in ethics, science communication, and knowledge transfer.

Research projects may be interdisciplinary and include such areas as:

• molecular biology
• cell and tissue mechanics in plants and animals
• bioengineering
• biochemistry
• computational biology
• biomedical devices
• nanoscale science and engineering

The Center for Engineering MechanoBiology (CEMB) is a National Science Foundation (NSF) Science and Technology Center (STC)

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Home > UNDERGRAD > URS

Undergraduate Research Symposium

Article article.

Afterlight: Game Design and the Power of Narrative , Elio Hollenbeck

Animal Conservation in St. Louis , Kate O'Sullivan

A Vaccine Against Holocaust Denial: Knowledge , Riley Andreasen

Chemtrails: Deadly Skies or Dangerous Misinformation? , Abigail Foust

Comparing Sucrose Preference Between Colonies of Bombus impatiens , Kevin R. Corrigan, Becky Hansis-O'Niell, and Aimee Sue Dunlap

Conceptualizing Nazism in America through Alternative History Media , Matthew Fear

Content Analysis of Backyard Conservation Websites , Katie George and Sam Holzer

COVID-19 Effects on Adolescent Anxiety , Lyndsay Michelle

Determination of Antibody Affinity for the Alzheimer’s Amyloid-β Protein , Bree Carlton

Effects of Beauveria bassiana on the Mortality and Thorax Width of Bombus impatiens Colonies , Bri Petty

Effects of Foster Children’s Epigenetics in Abusive Environments , Shamika Ellis and Theresa Moore

Effects of Fungal Biopesticide Doses on Mortality in Bumble Bees , Colton Burris

Erwin Rommel: Noble Knight of Germany or Nazi Knave? , Jake Schultz

Etherification of Propargylic Alcohol using Ferrocenium Ions , Cody Amann, Sai Anvesh Bezawada, and Eike B. Bauer

Evaluating Farm Size Change as an Expression of Preferential Alignment in the Corporate Food Regime , Rachael Carpenter

Examining Immune Markers as Determinants of Cognitive Difficulties Among Perinatally Infected Youth with HIV , Addie Halbrook, Jacob Bolzenius, Julie Mannarino, and Robert Paul

Exploring Best Practices in UMSL’s Collaborative Laboratory Internship and Mentoring Blueprint (CLIMB) Program , Dakota Warren

Finding gene candidates that interact with MarA to control hilA expression in Salmonella enterica , Kylee Hempel

Gangsterism, the Urban Ruling Elite, and the Guomindang: Power Sharing During the Early Years of the Chinese Republic, 1927-1937 , Evan Boyle

Hogan's Heroes: Fact or Fiction? , Mark Granicke

Holocaust Denial: The Conspiracy of Ignorance , Morgan Nelson

Hope for the Unhoused: Medical treatment access and retention among unhoused individuals with Opioid Use Disorder in the St. Louis region , Allison Token

How Technology is Helping Holocaust Deniers Rewrite History , Michael Raffelson

How the West Was Stolen: A Closer Look at the St.Louis Treaty of 1804 , Lisa Kozieja

Human Zoo Healthcare at the 1904 World’s Fair , Angel Blake

Hvaldimir: Russian Beluga Spy Whale , John Granicke

"I Hate Illinois Nazis:" Remembering Hate Speech and the First Amendment in Skokie, Illinois , Morgan Myers

Investigation of Alzheimer’s Amyloid-β Protein Aggregation With a New Fluorescent Dye. , Emma Alberty

"Killin' Nazis": How Jews are Portrayed in Tarantino's Inglorious Basterds , Skylar Baxter

Learning curves in bumblebee foraging (Bombus impatiens) , Samir Benbakir, Becky Hansis-O'Niell, and Aimee Sue Dunlap

Life Beyond the Horizon: The Universe Was Born in a Black Hole , Zahria Patrick

Lucas' Empire: Star Wars and Nazi Germany , Karli Dean

Magneto’s Origin in the Holocaust and how it Influences His Character Today , Rena Usprich

Memory as a Foundation for Learning , Manuel Vicuna and Juan Manuel Vicuna

NBA Conspiracies: A League That Values Money Over Honesty , Rebecca Littrel

Precautionary Buying During the COVID Pandemic: Evidence from Grocery Scanner Data , Blake Williams and Trilce Encarnacion

Preserving Sacred Memory: The Effort to Create the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum , Jessica Wachtel

Psychopathy & Perceptions of Control , Amy Kenny

Recognition Promotes Sodomy: Gay Lib Vs. The University of Missouri , Micah Hillier

Recovering Ancient DNA Using the Polymerase Chain Reaction , Rose Jennings

Socio-Demographic Risks Affect Executive Functioning , Brittny Rodgers; Nicole Shelley; and Hannah B. White, Ph.D

Space Nazis - The Specific Connections Between Star Wars and Nazi Germany , Jeremy Dobrzanski

Stability and Crisis Response: Comparing the U.S. and Canadian Banking Systems , Sarah E. Boslaugh

Studying the genes and conditions that influence root development , Tessa Holtkamp and Hannah Ordonez Webb

Surveys of Aphonopelma hentzi in Missouri: Conservation Efforts through Population, Genetics, and Habitat Studies , Anderson B. Spencer Mr. and Becky Hansis-O'Niell

Telehealth Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder in Missouri’s Urban and Rural Areas Prior to and Since COVID-19 , Aurora Rojo, Rashmi Ghonasgi, Zachary Budesa, and Rachel Winograd

The 1904 World’s Fair: Intended Impact of the U.S. Government Building Versus Visitor Experience , Dalton King

The association between coping-motivated drinking and alcohol-related consequences. , Jacob D. Salser, Ian A. McNamara, and Ryan W. Carpenter

The Effect of Caffeine on Bee Behavior: A Progressive Ratio Study , Kayle Cohen, Becky Hansis-O'Neill, and Aimee Dunlap Dr

The Effect of Variation of N-Substituents on Oxidopyridinium Ions in (4+3) Cycloadditions , Zahria Patrick and Madison Clark

The Failed 1971-1973 Redevelopment of Pruitt-Igoe , Rachael Heriford

The Fentanyl Crisis in the African American Community: Exploring Geographic Differences in Overdose in the St. Louis Region , Tanys Giles, Devin Banks, Rashmi Ghonasgi, Maria Paschke, and Rachel Winograd

The Fight for Fluoridation in STL , Noor Yousaf

The Life and Music of Hazel Felman , Shane Devine

The Revolutionary St. Louis Insane Asylum , Julia Talbert

The Roaring Lion of Berlin: The Life, Thought, and Influence of Eugen Dühring , Arden Roy

Third Reich in Harry Potter: Fiction Imitating Fact , Paul Sanders

Total Variation Flow in R^n Dimensions with Examples Relating to Perimeters of Level Sets , Luis Schneegans and Victoria Shumakovich

Tritons United: Against Gender-Based Violence , Kayla Bowling, Jessica Emert, Kimberly Werner, and Maggie Gross

Unraveling the Truth: The Wannsee Conference and Holocaust Denial , Howie Parkes

White Allies in the American South , Diamond Cannady

Programs Programs

2024 Program , Kate Votaw

2023 Program , Kate Votaw

Gonorrhea: Tragic Effects on Women ​ , Aleah Thompson

Seeing Me: Influential Queer Black Men in Entertainment , Jay Gaskin

Posters Posters

Bananas vs. Coffee: Why Did One Instigate Violence and the Other Community? , Sydney Stark

Alzheimer's: The Invisible Second Victim , Emma Alberty

Analysis of SoxS in S. typhimurium by Transposon Mutagenesis , Joel Hanns, Brenda Pratte, Lon Chubiz PhD, and Lauren Daugherty

Analyzing the Variable Pain , Payton Ruediger, Ryan W. Carpenter, and Melissa Nance

A New Life for UMSL’s African Instrument Collection , Brandon Elliott, Shane Devine, and Kieth Stephens

Asthma in St. Louis: A Crisis of Equity , Ashley Maempa

A Study of Brain Cell Loss In the Student Body of UMSL: Brain Stew. , Cullen Landolt, Mya Horn, Aimee Q. Pieper, Abby 6. Wall, and Kenny "Special K" Miller Esq

Bridging the Gap: Informal Sex Education on TikTok , anne brown

Cinema Exhibition In St. Louis, 1920: A Thriving Business , Sarah E. Boslaugh

Comparative Performance of Food and Nutrition Security Operations , Maya Harter

Competition between honey bees (Apis mellifera) and native bees: an investigation in urban community gardens in St. Louis, Missouri , Owen Ireton

Eating Disorders: Creating a New Standard , Bree Carlton

E. coli: The 1993 Jack in the Box Nightmare , Jared Morton

Externalizing Behavior Predicts Differential Patterns of Substance Use among Adolescents by Race , Andrea Palacios

Gender Dysphoria: The Widespread "Social" Disease of the 21st Century , Aria Spencer

Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Challenges in Everyday Life , Chloe Wilke

Giving of One’s Self: Perceptions, Experiences, and Motivations in United States Blood Donation , Allison Huene, Jamie Jones, Hayden Steingruby, and Alexis Warnecke

How Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games Can Change the World , Jacob Fox

Jesse James' Hideout or Civil War Midden? , Steven Meyer, Tim Evers, and Ben Ebert

Leprosy: How it Defined a King , Paul Sanders

Malaria: Existence Perpetuated by a Counterfeit Drug Industry , Nicholas Black

Mow It or Grow It?, Neighborhood Survey of UMSL Sustainability , CRT Moorhead

Mythos Modernized: Echoes of the Literary Past in Robert Eggers' The Lighthouse (2019) , Kayla Burrows

Polio: Healthcare Workers Murdered for Eradication Efforts , Emily Beauto

Putin's Russia: Lineage of Totalitarianism , Micah Hillier

Rabies lyssavirus: A Vector for Stories​ , Daniel Olejniczak

Resolving the Repression Pathway of Virulence Gene hilA in Salmonella , Alexandra King, Lon Chubiz PhD, Brenda Pratte, and Lauren Daugherty

Respiratory Diseases: Results of 9/11 Rescue and Recovery Effort , Isabel Schnittker

Schizophrenia and Social Stigma: How Society Views Those With Mental Illness , Rebecca Littrel

Staph Infection: Hospitals Battle Against A Deadly Menace , Mckenzie Lamos

Successful Women Majoring in STEM Have Higher Optimism and Lower Stigma Consciousness , Bridget Muise and Bettina Casad

Synthesis of Curcumin Derivatives: Increasing Compound Stability , Chloe Wilke

The Demise of the Beef Industry , Natalie Powers

The Diversification of the Anti-Vietnam War Movement: An Analysis of the St. Louis Peace Information Center Files , Reagan Elkhashab

The Effects of Floral Attributes and Conspecifics on Bumble Bee Forager Memory , Lucas Lauter and Tiffany Dinh

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Undergraduate Research

Let your curiosity lead the way..

Research addressing global and international issues is a fundamental part of the Global Studies Program. Global Studies Program faculty and students are actively engaged in research projects that explore historical and contemporary issues around the world and draw on various disciplinary approaches. The research projects allow for, and help develop, a variety of skills that distinguish Global Studies from disciplinary programs: as a Global Studies scholar, you speak at least one foreign language, you are a conscious participant of intercultural encounters, and you are aware of historical and cultural linkages across political and geographical boundaries. In addition, you are prepared to use various methodological and theoretical approaches that suit your questions and take into account the cultural, political, and historical specificity of your research sites.

You are encouraged to publish your original research in a Senior Honors Thesis and/or are strongly encouraged to submit to and present at the Undergraduate Research Symposium . Qualified graduates are recognized by the Global Studies Program as Research Scholars each year.

Research Spotlight: Jaszmine Parks

IAS and French major Jaszmine Parks (LA'17) journeyed to Senegal to interview local women about their Islamic faith after finding their voices.

Research Spotlight: Nicholas Okafor

Majoring in mechanical engineering and IAS: Development, Nick Okafor (EN'16) talks about his recent efforts in Brazil to create better, more sustainable housing for those living in the favela.

IAS major Samantha Pitz publishes independent study project during a semester in Geneva

Take Your Knowledge Further

Opportunities for independent research.

Many Global Studies courses include research components and final projects. In addition, Global Studies encourages you to gain credit through approved independent study projects, supervised research under the direction of Global Studies faculty, or participation in the Global Studies Research Methods Proseminar and Assistantship (L97 4007). Additional opportunities may periodically exist to join faculty projects. If interested, you may also form research cohorts under faculty direction.

Research Assistantships

Global Studies selects a limited number of Research Assistants (RAs) each fall and spring semester. RAs will work on an ongoing faculty research projects for five hours per week. Research Assistants will meet for a weekly proseminar, or orientation to the practice of research professions. Ideally, students should apply to take this course in their sophomore or junior year.  There are no prerequisites to take this class. Students who successfully complete the Research Methods Proseminar will be awarded the Research Scholar Distinction within Global Studies.

How are students selected for the ‘Research Team’? This is a competitive process. Students are matched with faculty based on the needs of faculty for a particular research project. Some faculty, more often those in the Humanities, require certain language skills. Other faculty may not have specific needs but do expect that students are diligent, meticulous, and curious. Students will work with faculty from Global Studies and other departments in Arts & Sciences on projects focused on public health, human rights, and political behavior, among others. All of the projects are international or global in focus and some may make use of students’ foreign language skills. 

To apply for the Research Team, please submit an application to Dr. Elizabeth Reynolds and register for Research Methods Proseminar and Assistantship (L97 4007) .

While we encourage you to pursue individual interests outside the classroom format by enrolling in L97 GS 400 (Independent Study) OR L97 GS 4007 (Research Methods Proseminar) under the direction of one or more faculty members, please note that electing either of these two options may not necessarily fulfill your 400 level requirement for your specific Global Studies concentration and direct approval must be sought from your major advisor. If that approval is given, a limit of 3 units of independent study may be counted toward the 36 units needed to complete the Global Studies major.

If you have additional questions, please contact Dr. Elizabeth Reynolds.

Email Dr. Reynolds

Additional Resources

Honors Thesis FAQs

discover what you need to know about writing an honors thesis

Undergraduate Honors & Awards

learn about our program honors and awards

Undergraduate Research Symposium

learn more about showcasing your research

Honors Thesis

Writing an honors thesis is exciting and very rewarding, but it can also be challenging, exhausting, and far more time consuming that you imagine. Ideally, you need to start thinking about potential topics and meeting with potential advisors by the end of your sophomore year. The deadline to declare your intent to write an honors thesis (by  completing this intent form  and submitting it to the Global Studies main office) is the second Friday in April of your junior year. You must have your thesis advisor secured at this time. [For those students graduating in December, the deadline for the intent form is the second Friday in November of their junior year.]

In writing a thesis, you will work closely with a faculty advisor to articulate a narrow research question, identify the type of data and secondary sources you will examine to answer this question, and formulate an original argument based on your findings. Your faculty advisor will do their best to guide you, but ultimately, the project is up to you. In the Fall, all Global Studies honors students must enroll in the Global Studies honors seminar course ( GS 485 ). In this seminar, you will present your thesis proposal, your results at various stages of progress, and a final presentation. To write a first-rate research paper, all scholars need the opportunity to present their ideas and receive feedback. In addition, you will have the opportunity to interact and learn from your fellow honors students. In the Spring, all honors students must enroll in GS 486 . You will work closely with your thesis advisor (they will determine and submit the final grade for your thesis). Once your research and writing is complete, you will present your thesis to the Global Studies Honors Committee. We view this more as an assessment than a defense, and as an opportunity for professional development in preparation for the public presentation at our annual spring semester conference.

Through the process of writing a thesis, you make the transition from being a consumer of other scholars’ analyses to being a contributor to knowledge. Regardless of your future plans, conducting an independent research project in the form of a thesis is a meaningful intellectual process. Moreover, the thesis can be helpful professionally. If you plan to attend academic graduate school or any professional graduate school requiring independent research, analysis, and writing, you should strongly consider writing a thesis.

Global Studies majors who write an honors thesis are eligible for Latin Honors (level is determined by the College of Arts & Sciences) and are strongly encouraged to submit to and present at the  Undergraduate Research Symposium .

Note: there are special requirements for students who conduct independent research involving human participants - for more information on the Institutional Review Board (IRB) process, contact your thesis advisor. The  WUSTL Human Research Protection Office  (HRPO) website has information for undergraduates conducting research, including information for students who conduct research abroad, and a special section for SIT program participants.

For more details about the thesis writing process, please consult the  Director of the Honors Program .

"The experience of writing my thesis on a United Nations climate change policy was both challenging and incredibly rewarding, as it pushed me as a writer and a critical thinker. I continue to use my research, writing, and critical thinking skills daily at my job as an analyst at a consulting firm in D.C. specializing in government-driven markets such as the aerospace, defense, energy and healthcare industries."

Arts & Sciences

WUSTL ENDURE Program

Endure undergraduate education.

The Blueprint initiative “ Enhancing Neuroscience Diversity through Undergraduate Research Education Experiences (ENDURE) ” aims to raise interest and opportunities in neuroscience research for individuals who are typically underrepresented in the field.

WUSTL ENDURE

undergraduate research experience in neuroscience May 26, 2024 – August 2, 2024

The Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL) ENDURE research program prepares undergraduates from diverse backgrounds for neuroscience PhD programs. We combine outstanding research training, a rigorous curriculum and an empowering support system so participants thrive on their path to graduate school and beyond. With support from the NIH Blueprint ENDURE initiative and Washington University, accepted students are funded for up to  two  years and trips to the annual Society for Neuroscience meeting. Overall, the program embeds students in a network of neuroscientists and enhances the success of trainees towards our goal of increasing diversity in neuroscience. Students will arrive on campus on Sunday, May 26, participate in our Closing Symposium on Friday, August 2, and return home that evening or on Saturday, August 6 (move out of the dorms by 11am).

WUSTL ENDURE selects new class of scholars

3.6.23 |  UNDERGRADUATE ,  OUTREACH

The ENDURE program has selected 10 students to join in 2023.

Along with 7 students who will return for their second year in the program, these scholars will arrive on campus Sunday, May 28, do cutting-edge research in a WUSTL lab for 10 weeks, and present their findings at our Closing Symposium on Friday, August 4. Congratulations to Catrina Reyes and Shylyn Collier from our 2022 cohort on being selected as our ENDURE Student Representatives! Catrina and Shylyn coordinate initiatives and serve as liaisons between the students, program director, faculty and staff.

The research-intensive  ENDURE  program prepares undergraduates from diverse backgrounds for neuroscience PhD or MD/PhD training with outstanding research experiences, a rigorous curriculum and an empowering network. With support from the NIH and Provost Office, accepted students are funded for up to two years of research, coursework, and trips to the annual Society for Neuroscience meeting.

The 2023 cohort:

Victoria Cadena, Sophomore, Washington University in St. Louis Tamara Dandreamatteo, Sophomore, Washington University in St. Louis Makenna Fluegel, Sophomore, Washington University in St. Louis Drake Gorecki, Junior, Hamilton College Kassie Hamilton, Junior, Duke University Yana Honcharuk, Junior, Kenyon College Noah Kabbaj, Freshman, Washington University in St. Louis Sara Morcos, Junior, Bowdoin College Sebastian Monge-Reyes, Sophomore, Washington University in St. Louis Megan Niehaus, Junior, University of Missouri-St. Louis

The 2022 cohort:

Shylyn Collier, Junior, University of Missouri-St. Louis Fabrizio Darby, Senior, University of Miami Javier Kelly-Cuenca, Senior, University of Missouri-Columbia Rachel Membreno, Junior, San Diego State University Trinidi Prochaska, Senior, Washington University in St. Louis Catrina Reyes, Junior, Washington University in St. Louis Tyara Thompson, Junior, The College of Wooster

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• Undergraduate Research

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• Undergraduate Research Symposium Frequently Asked Questions Past Symposiums
• Undergraduate Research Day
• Present & Publish
• Undergraduate Research Symposium

The URS provides a professional-style venue for undergraduates to present their original mentored investigations or creative inquiries to faculty, staff, administrators, students and visitors.

The URS is an UMSL-wide event occurring every spring on the last Friday in April, and is organized by the Undergraduate Research Coordinator and a team of coordinating students, faculty and staff members representing many academic units and disciplines.

The URS is an inclusive event for all UMSL undergraduates, regardless of discipline or project.

Presentations are typically in oral or poster format, and the most common disciplines represented are from the sciences, but students from ALL disciplines are both welcome and encouraged to present in a format that is appropriate for their field. There is no cost to students who follow application guidelines. Resources to prepare for the event and feedback following student presentations are both provided. We strive to provide undergraduates the support they need to have a successful academic conference experience. 

URS 2024 Digital Program of Presentations and Itinerary

 urs 2024, april 26 1:00-4:30 millennium student center .

To participate in the URS, students must:

• have worked on the project as an UMSL undergraduate student
• currently be an UMSL undergraduate student (or have graduated in the previous semester)
• have an UMSL faculty sponsor agree to oversee the project
• submit an  Intent to Participate form by March 15 (one per project, regardless of number of authors)
• If students presenting posters include the final version of their poster (sized to print, in a PDF format) attached to the IRL submission by the April 7 deadline, they will have their poster printed and paid for by the URS (approx. $80)
• If students presenting posters do  not submit a final poster file (sized to print, in a PDF format) by the April 7 deadline, they may still participate, but will be responsible for printing and paying for their own large-format poster
• Even if students are not including attached files to the IRL, they must still complete the form with the final information for their project (e.g., final abstract, author information) to signal to organizers their commitment to participate and for that information to be included in the printed program

Volunteers are needed!

Student volunteers are a necessary part of the URS and are needed to help with tasks such as set up/tear down of presentations, assisting guests, and moderating oral presentation panels. The time commitment can be as little as one hour, up to the entire day.  To volunteer or for more information, please consult the Student Volunteer Form:  STUDENT VOLUNTEER FORM  Deadline - April 17, 2024

Faculty, staff, and graduate students are an integral part of the URS, asked to review presentations and offer feedback to students on the day of the event. Many judges are needed to provide adequate feedback. The time commitment will be approximately 1.5 hours the afternoon of the URS. To volunteer or for more information, please consult the Judge Volunteer Form:  JUDGE VOLUNTEER FORM  Deadline - April 17, 2024  

  *All Times Tentative, until closer to the event

A distributed model of funding support is employed, such that departments, colleges, student organizations, outside donors and others may contribute towards event expenses including cost of the event and prizes.

  Contact Kate Votaw (Undergraduate Research Coordinator) at [email protected] with any questions, concerns, or ideas for how you can present at the 2025 URS!

Let your curiosity lead the way:

Apply Today

• Arts & Sciences
• Graduate Studies in A&S

Publications

As part of its mission to present undergraduate research to a wider audience, the office of undergraduate research has long facilitated the publication of undergraduate research..

OUR publications included two journals: Washington University Undergraduate Research Digest  (WUURD)  and Washington University Senior Honors Thesis Abstracts  (WUSHTA) . The WUURD presented abstracts of student research projects from the most recent Undergraduate Research Symposium as well as peer-reviewed, full-length student articles. WUSHTA highlighted the work of graduating seniors receiving honors for their work. Each  is available online through the  WashU Library's Open Scholarship Repository  (accessible with WUSTL Key login).

Following its relaunch in Fall 2022 , the OUR is collaborating with campus partners to establish a new vision for supporting undergraduate research, including research dissemination strategies.

Washington university undergraduate research digest (wuurd).

From 2005 to 2021, the Office of Undergraduate Research published the Washington University Undergraduate Research Digest (WUURD). A scholarly journal with peer-reviewed feature articles as well as abstracts, the WUURD highlighted research by Washington University students in language that is accessible to a broad audience. The Office of Undergraduate Research held no copyright on the 3000-word articles published in the WUURD, meaning students were free to publish their work elsewhere. 

View past issues

Washington university senior honors thesis abstracts (wushta).

From 2009 to 2022, the Office of Undergraduate Research published Washington University Senior Honors Thesis Abstracts (WUSHTA) to coincide with the University’s Commencement. All seniors receiving academic honors in any school or department were encouraged to submit an abstract of their honors thesis or capstone research project for publication.

Other Publishing Opportunities

The gateway history journal.

At Washington University

Columbia Undergraduate Science Journal

Columbia University

Discussions

Case Western Reserve University

Ball State University

The International Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities

Pacific University

Journal of Student Research

Journal of undergraduate chemistry research.

Virginia Military Institute

Journal of Young Investigators

Papers & publications.

North Georgia College & State University

Stanford Journal of Public Health

Stanford University

Undergraduate Journal of Service Learning and Community-Based Research

Penn State-Berks

Undergraduate Research Journal for the Human Sciences

Kappa Omicron Nu

The Valley Humanities Review

Lebanon Valley College

Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine

Yale School of Medicine

Young Scholars in Writing

University of Missouri-Kansas City

by UMSL Daily | Apr 8, 2024

Biology student Jesse Laseter (center) speaks to State Sen. Brian Williams (at left) about his research during UM System Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol. Laseter and fellow biology major Zachary Pfeiffer (at right) have been researching the presence of small predators in Missouri glades. (Photos by Abbie Lankitus/University of Missouri System)

Seven University of Missouri–St. Louis students joined with 36 of their peers from across the University of Missouri System in taking part in Undergraduate Research Day last Thursday at the Missouri State Capitol .

UMSL students (front row, from left) Julia Talbert, Cory Perkins and Addison Vogt and (back row, from left) John Granicke, Zachary Pfeiffer, Jesse Laseter and Brittany Bounds took part in UM System Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol last Thursday in Jefferson City, Missouri.

The annual event was a chance for students to meet with legislators and share their research innovations from a breadth of disciplines, including biology, health, history and psychology.

“The University of Missouri System Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol illustrates these student accomplishments and allows our elected officials to see, firsthand, the exciting innovations taking place at the University of Missouri–Columbia , University of Missouri–Kansas City , Missouri University of Science and Technology and the University of Missouri–St. Louis,” UM System President Mun Choi wrote in a letter to legislators.

As the only public research universities in the state, MU, UMKC, Missouri S&T and UMSL provide unique student opportunities to work alongside faculty members on groundbreaking research in areas that range from science to medicine to the humanities. The lessons students learn through research help prepare them for graduate and professional studies at top universities as well as careers in leading industries.

This year’s UMSL participants at the UM System Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol were:

Brittany Bounds, nursing Faculty mentor: Vanessa Loyd , College of Nursing “Healthy Eating at Project Compassion”

Project Compassion is a nonprofit organization that provides resources for single mothers. Through interaction with clients, Bounds and fellow nursing students learned that the majority of meals they eat come from fast food restaurants. The project was designed to encourage the preparation of home-cooked meals. The goal was to minimize the risk factors associated with hypertension, coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus by incorporating healthy substitutions that are sustainable.

John Granicke, economics Faculty mentor: Rob Wilson , Pierre Laclede Honors College “Jefferson Barracks Post Theater: A Place for People to Gather”

The Jefferson Barracks Military Post had a rich and extensive history during its 120 years as an active military installation. The Post Theater was just one aspect of everyday life at Jefferson Barracks. Granicke’s project was part of a collection of historic research blogs about Jefferson Barracks done in collaboration with St. Louis County Parks. The blogs will soon be available to view on the Jefferson Barracks County Park website . The story of the Jefferson Barracks Post Theater begins with the Old Post Theater, which was built during World War I. From 1933 to 1944, four more post theaters were built at Jefferson Barracks. They showed the latest Hollywood movies in addition to instructional military films. Soldiers and their families living at Jefferson Barracks often invited guests over for dinner and a show at the Post Theater. Numerous events and celebrations were held at the Post Theater over the years. The theater ceased operations after Jefferson Barracks was decommissioned in 1946. A few years later, the Archdiocese of St. Louis purchased the Post Theater and converted it into a church for the parish of St. Bernadette. The Post Theater building remained in continual use for over 70 years, until St. Mark Catholic Church absorbed St. Bernadette in August of 2023. Currently the former Post Theater building is used once a week for mass, but its future remains uncertain.

University of Missouri System students set up poster presentations in the third floor rotunda of the Missouri State Capitol during Undergraduate Research Day last Thursday.

Jesse Laseter and Zachary Pfeiffer, biology Faculty mentor: Aimee Dunlap , Department of Biology “Harmony in the Glades: Analysis of a Small Predator Location Survey”

Small predators, despite their size, play pivotal roles in ecosystem balance. Primarily, through their predation of herbivores, they indirectly benefit native plant communities. By reducing the damage from herbivory, herbaceous plants have a higher likelihood to thrive and proliferate. This is crucial in the restoration of Missouri glades. However, for small predators to achieve this, they rely heavily on their ability to navigate through their environment. One factor that may influence their ability to traverse their environment is recreational trails. Trails can cause habitat fragmentation by disconnecting one larger area into two. Trails also have significantly different microclimate than the surrounding glade and little ground cover to protect from aerial predators, possibly deterring small animals from crossing. Laseter and Pfeiffer’s hypothesis posited that by looking at the locations of the herpetofauna and tarantulas found in Missouri glades, in comparison to nearby walking trails, they would see evidence that they might be avoiding such areas.

Cory Perkins, psychology Faculty mentor: Hannah White , Department of Psychological Sciences “Deconstructing Diagnostic Criteria for ADHD”

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder , or ADHD, is a highly prevalent disorder across development. Early detection is a critical first step to early intervention but the average age of diagnosis is 7. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, includes 18 symptoms for ADHD. The purpose of this project was to determine how these 18 symptoms individually map onto effortful control, surgency, and negative affect (measured via the Child Behavior Questionnaire) in 3-6 year olds. A better understanding of how ADHD symptoms manifest in that age range has the potential to move the average age of diagnosis and help connect children with resources earlier.

Julia Talbert, biology Faculty mentor: Bethany Zolman , Department of Biology “Investigating the Impact of Edaphobacter aggregans (WBG1) on Arabidopsis thaliana Development”

Acidobacteria is a phylum of bacteria that make up 50% of soil microbes. While making up a large proportion of bacteria found in soil, this phylum is largely unexplored with limited information about the bacteria and their impact on plant growth. The selected target of this study was Edaphobacter aggregans, WBG-1, which is a part of a subdivision of acidobacteria. Examining the bacteria’s effects on the development of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana could provide insight into understanding this unknown phylum of soil-dwelling bacteria. Acidobacteria are an important realm to investigate as they affect agriculture practices. With Missouri being such a hotspot of farming, it is important to know the function of what is in the soil.

Addison Vogt, psychology Faculty mentor: Hannah White , Department of Psychological Sciences “Effects of Written and ScreenBased Media on Infant Attentional Control”

Vogt’s study investigated how exposure to both television and book media impacts infant executive function, as assessed through attentional control. Specifically, eye-tracking was used to examine infants’ average fixation duration as an index of how efficiently they divide their attention in a visual scene. A sample of 44 3½-month-old infants participated in a social cognition eye-tracking study, where they viewed static images of human bodies. Results indicated the more hours per week parents reported reading to their infants, the stronger attentional control infants demonstrated by showing lower fixation durations. The number of hours infants were reported to watch television per week, however, did not predict attentional control. The current study suggests being read to may promote executive function in infants as young as 3½ months, providing further evidence parents should read to their infants early and often, and suggesting reading time may be a useful target for intervention and prevention studies aimed to promote robust cognitive development.

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Missouri S&T announces Undergraduate Research Conference winners

Posted by laura studyvin on may 3, 2024.

Dozens of students presented their research projects to the public during the 19th annual Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T this April.

The conference featured exhibitions from students in a variety of majors. Students were required to prepare either an oral presentation or a poster summarizing their research and had to be ready to take questions from judges and conference attendees.

First-place winners were awarded a cash prize of $500. Second- and third-place finishers received $250 and $100, respectively. Prizes for group projects were split equally among group members.

Six students were awarded Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experiences (OURE) Fellows Scholarships for ongoing interdisciplinary research projects; the six students who won for 2022-2023 were awarded final scholarship payments. The OURE Fellows program provides funding to support research combining two or more academic disciplines or fields of study. For more information, visit experientiallearning.mst.edu/ourefellows .

For more information about the Undergraduate Research Conference, visit experientiallearning.mst.edu/ugrc .

Oral Category:

Engineering:

• First Place: Allie Dingfield, a junior in mechanical engineering from Blair, Nebraska, for research titled “Density Fluctuations Measurements in Supersonic Flow.” The research advisor is Dr. Davide Viganò, assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering.  
• Second Place: Zachary Baldwin, a senior in architectural engineering from Clinton, Missouri, for research titled “Feasibility of Using Hemp Fiber Reinforcement in 3DPC.” The research advisor is Dr. Nicolas Libre, associate professor of civil, architectural and environmental engineering.
• Third Place: Joshua Gary, a senior in aerospace engineering from Lake St. Louis, Missouri, for research titled “New Testing Capabilities of the S&T Supersonic Tunnel.” The research advisor is Dr. Davide Viganò, assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering.
• First Place: Rosalee Brown, a sophomore in chemical engineering from Rolla, Missouri, for research titled “Quantifying Asphalt Binder UV Effects with Relaxome.” The research advisor is Dr. Klaus Woelk, associate professor of chemistry.
• Second Place: Tylor Cheatham, a senior in environmental science from Rolla, Missouri, for research titled “Water Quality Profiles in Two Rolla Ponds.” The research advisors are Dr. Dev Niyogi, professor of biological sciences, and Dr. Mark Fitch, associate professor of environmental engineering.
• Third Place: Samuel Schrader, a senior in physics from Hailey, Idaho, for research titled “Visualization of Ultracold Atomic Samples.” The research advisor is Daniel Fischer, associate professor of physics.

Social Sciences:

• First Place: Daniel Stutts, a non-degree seeking student from Rolla, Missouri, for research titled “Test-Optional Policy’s Impact on Statewide ACT Scores.” The research advisor is Dr. Jikhan Jeong, assistant professor of economics.
• Second Place: Love Gami, a sophomore in information science and technology from Janakpur, Nepal, for research titled “CO2 Pricing Impact on Partially Regulated Market.” The research advisor is Dr. Yishu Zhou, assistant professor of economics.
• Third Place: Jessica Frame, a senior in psychology and biological sciences from Rolla, Missouri, for research titled “Modality’s Effect on Aesthetic Ratings of Poetry.” The research advisor is Dr. Amy Belfi, associate professor of psychological science.

Poster Category:

Arts and Humanities:

• First Place: Brileigh Cates, a junior in applied mathematics from Poplar Bluff, Missouri, for research titled “Gender and the Billboard Top-40 Charts 1958-2023.” The research advisor is Dr. David Samson, professor of music.
• Second Place: Joely Hall, a sophomore in psychology from Ozark, Missouri, for research titled “Neurodivergence & Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Writing.” The research advisor is Dr. Jossalyn Larson, associate teaching professor of English and technical communication.
• Third Place: Ben Brown, a sophomore in chemistry from St. Louis, for research titled “The Search for the Akwamu People, 1729-1733.” The research advisor is Dr. Justin Pope, assistant professor of history.

Engineering: Individual Projects

• First Place: Henry Tien, a senior in mechanical engineering from Lee’s Summit, Missouri, for research titled “Development of Perturbation Device for pHHI Research.” The research advisor is Dr. Yun Seong Song, associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering.
• Second Place: Gracie May James, a senior in nuclear engineering from House Springs, Missouri, for research titled “TNT Equivalence of Binary Energetics.” The research advisor is Dr. Catherine Johnson, Robert H. Quenon professor of mining and explosives engineering.
• Third Place: Noah Sparks, a senior in chemical engineering from Jackson, Missouri, for research titled “Ionizable Lipid Nanoparticles Characterization.” The research advisor is Dr. Hu Yang, Linda & Bipin Doshi department chair and professor of chemical and biochemical engineering.

Engineering: Group Projects

• First Place: Preston Carroll, a senior in electrical engineering from Nixa, Missouri; Benjamin Cuebas, a senior in electrical engineering from Springfield, Missouri; and Justin Fausto, a senior in electrical engineering from Pleasant Hope, Missouri, for research titled “Deconstructed 555 Timer for Engineering Education.” The research advisor is Dr. Rohit Dua, associate teaching professor of electrical and computer engineering.
• Second Place: Kaylee Denbo, a senior in environmental engineering from Rolla, Missouri; and Briannah Spisak, a sophomore in environmental engineering from Rolla, Missouri, for research titled “Analysis of 1,4 Dioxane in Plants.” The research advisor is Dr. Joel Burken, chair and Curators’ Distinguished Teaching Professor of civil, architectural, and environmental engineering.
• Third Place: Rebekah Floyd, a senior in architectural engineering from O’Fallon, Missouri, for research titled “Using VR Technologies in Built Environment Education.” The research advisor is Dr. Stuart Baur, assistant chair and associate professor of architectural engineering.

Sciences: Individual Projects

• First Place: Kamden George, a junior in biological sciences from Vienna, Missouri, for research titled “Drug Loading and Release Based on Aerogel Morphology.” The research advisor is Dr. Chariklia Sotiriou-Leventis, chair and professor of chemistry.
• Second Place: Emily Cahill, a junior in chemical engineering from Ellisville, Missouri, for research titled “FeDoped Zeolite for Propane Dehydrogenation Catalyst.” The research advisor is Dr. Amitava Choudhury, associate professor of chemistry.
• Third Place: Joshua Caruso, a senior in computer science from Ballwin, Missouri, for research titled “Improve Labeling-Efficiency for Active Learning.” The research advisor is Dr. Ardhendu Tripathy, assistant professor of computer science.

Sciences: Group Projects

• First Place: Amelia Markwell, a sophomore in biological sciences from Chesterfield, Missouri; and Sophia Nicolette Militante, a first-year student in biological sciences from Palo, Philippines, for research titled “Microbe Emulation: Cell-Cell Communication.” The research advisor is Dr. David Westenberg, Curators’ Distinguished Teaching Professor of biological sciences.  
• Second Place: Charles Green, a junior in biological sciences from Kansas City, Missouri; and Elena Zobel, a sophomore in biological sciences from O’Fallon, Missouri, for research titled “C. elegans Populations in the Presence of P. pacificus.” The research advisor is Dr. Andrea Scharf, assistant professor of biological sciences.
• Third Place: Matthew Dominicis, a senior in computer engineering and computer science from Ellisville, Missouri; Gabriel Riddle, a junior in physics from Kidder, Missouri; Parineeta Puja Saha, a junior in computer science from Rolla, Missouri; and Mason Toombs, a senior in physics and computer science from Arnold, Missouri, for research titled “T Gates on a Quantum Circuit to Achieve Randomness.” The research advisor is Dr. Avah Banerjee, assistant professor of computer science.

Social Sciences

• First Place: Akira Durbin, a sophomore in psychology from Saint Robert, Missouri, for research titled “Stimuli-Evoked Spontaneous Recall, Ages 18-35 vs 65-85.” The research advisor is Dr. Amy Belfi, associate professor of psychological science.

OURE Fellowships

Final scholarship payments awarded to:

• Megan Benkendorf, a senior in applied mathematics from Cape Girardeau, Missouri, for research titled “Numerical Studies on Bose-Einstein Condensates.” The research advisor is Dr. Yanzhi Zhang, associate professor of mathematics and statistics.
• Erik Bergstrom, a senior in biological sciences from Riverside, Missouri, for research titled “Mathematical Analysis of C. elegans Population Dynamics.” The research advisor is Dr. Andrea Scharf, assistant professor of biological sciences.
• Grace Duong, a senior in environmental engineering from St. Louis, for research titled “Floating Treatment Wetlands for Zinc Phytoremediation.” The research advisors are Dr. Mark Fitch, associate professor of environmental engineering and Dr. Dev Niyogi, professor of biological sciences.
• Jessica Frame, a senior in psychology and biological sciences from Rolla, Missouri, for research titled “Modality’s Effect on Aesthetic Ratings of Poetry.” The research advisor is Dr. Amy Belfi, associate professor of psychological science.
• Steven Karst, a senior in computer science and physics from Ballwin, Missouri, for research titled “Enhancing Galaxy Surveys with Machine Learning.” The research advisor is Dr. Shun Saito, assistant professor of physics.
• Clare Koerkenmeier, a senior in biological sciences from Aviston, Illinois, for research titled “Data Analysis Pipeline of C. elegans Dynamics.” The research advisor is Dr. Andrea Scharf, assistant professor of biological sciences.

Students selected for the 2024-25 OURE Fellows, and awarded a $2,000 scholarship:

• Tylor Cheatham, a senior in environmental science from Rolla, Missouri, for research titled “Phytoremediation of Nonpoint Source Pollution.” The research advisors are Dr. Dev Niyogi, professor of biological sciences, and Dr. Mark Fitch, associate professor of environmental engineering.
• Matthew Dominicis, a senior in computer engineering and computer science from Ellisville, Missouri, for research titled “TA Theoretical Framework for Comparing RLHF Method.” The research advisor is Dr. Ardhendu Tripathy, assistant professor of computer science.
• Gracie May James, a senior in nuclear engineering from House Springs, Missouri, for research titled “TNT Equivalence of Binary Energetics.” The research advisor is Dr. Catherine Johnson, Robert H. Quenon professor of mining and explosives engineering.
• Amelia Markwell, a sophomore in biological sciences from Chesterfield, Missouri, for research titled “A New Genetic Tool for Quorum-Sensing Ba.” The research advisor is Dr. David Westenberg, Curators’ Distinguished Teaching Professor of biological sciences.
• Joshua Santy, a senior in physics from Plattsburg, Missouri, for research titled “Amorphous Transparent Oxide P-type Semiconductors.” The research advisor is Dr. Julia Medvedeva, professor of physics.
• Noah Sparks, a senior in chemical engineering from Jackson, Missouri, for research titled “Lung Cancer Drug Study using ALC Nanoparticles.” The research advisor is Dr. Hu Yang, Linda and Bipin Doshi department chair and professor of chemical and biochemical engineering.

About Missouri University of Science and Technology

Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) is a STEM-focused research university of over 7,000 students located in Rolla, Missouri. Part of the four-campus University of Missouri System, Missouri S&T offers over 100 degrees in 40 areas of study and is among the nation’s top public universities for salary impact, according to the Wall Street Journal . For more information about Missouri S&T, visit www.mst.edu . 

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Posted by Laura Studyvin

On May 3, 2024.

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