Mansfield, PA – Ten Mansfield University undergraduate researchers presented 9 poster and platform presentations during the 50th annual Commonwealth of University Biologists’ (CPUB) conference April 12-13th 2019 held at Edinboro University, with three presentations winning awards. Their faculty mentors, Dr. Elaine Farkas (Chemistry and Physics), Dr. Jeanne Kagle (Biology), and Dr. Kristen Long (Biology) also attended the meeting. The annual meeting is a research conference for all PASSHE biology programs. Adrianna Vaskas (Wyalusing, PA) received the CPUB Outstanding Senior award for Mansfield University. Vaskas, advised by Dr. Long, gave a platform presentation in the category of Cell and Molecular Biology titled “The effect of curcumin on pancreatic cancer.” Also in this category Krystal Lefever (Ephrata, PA), advised by Dr. Kagle, won first place for her poster titled “Antimicrobial activity of cinnamon essential oil and tylosin on Pseudomonas aeruginosa separately and in combination.” Tyler Walters (Danville, PA), advised by Dr. Long, won second place for his poster titled “Protective effects of cranberry juice on alcohol-related liver damage.” Additional presentations in this category included: Jason Chilson (Towanda, PA, advised by Drs. Farkas and Long) presented a poster titled “Differential gene expression in the Tardigrade Tun State: osmotic stress versus dehydration”, David DeGaramo (Wyalusing, PA, advised by Dr. Long) presented a poster titled “Impact of icariin on gene expression and viability of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells in vitro,” Gavin Neigh (Owego, NY, advised by Dr. Long) presented a poster titled “Evaluating silver nitrate induced tumor cell death in vitro,” and Cheyanne Youse (Westfield, PA, advised by Dr. Kagle) presented a poster titled “Characterization of an antibiotic-producing soil isolate with three distinct colony morphologies.” In the category of Ecology and Organismal Biology, Katelyn Davis (Gouldsboro, PA) and Kory Wolfe (Sunbury, PA), advised by Dr. Farkas, won first place for their joint poster presentation titled “Tardigrade viability upon exposure to micro- and nanoplastics.” Katherine Thompson (Greenville, PA, advised by Dr. Farkas) also presented a poster in this category titled, “Analyzing the pervasiveness of microplastic beads in mouse livers, spleens and kidneys.” Over 150 talks and posters from across the PASSHE system were presented and judged, and Mansfield University once again demonstrated that a small school can achieve big returns!
This statewide Biology conference
provides many opportunities to young scientists, and these experiences go far
beyond just research. Students had the opportunity to network and interact with
students and faculty from other PASSHE universities. Tyler Walters explains, “CPUB
was an incredibly unique opportunity that allowed for me to interact with
undergraduate researchers from other institutions. These interactions provide
unique perspective on approaches to research, presentation styles, and the
interpersonal culture of the scientific community.” Kory Wolfe added, “It was
great to see what other students are doing at other schools and to gain
experience presenting in a professional setting.”
Cheyanne Youse said, “It was great
to share my research with other scientists, and to see firsthand how successful
they want you to be.” Senior Adriana Vaskas added, “This experience provided
the opportunity to network with fellow young scientists and learn about other
projects being conducted at the undergraduate level within the PASSHE state
system.”
“I enjoyed listening to
everyone’s presentations and learning about research other than my own,” said
Katelyn Davis.
In addition, the CPUB conference
allowed students to gain experience in public speaking and increase their
confidence in their research and their communication skills. According to Ms.
Vaskas, “This experience was important practice for presenting my research to
fellow scientists in the future.” Ms. Davis continues, “Learning to present
undergraduate research in a professional setting, will benefit me when I
further my education.” Mr. DeGaramo explains, “When thinking about presenting
research, it is easy to stress about significant results and think that they
are the only things worth presenting; going to CPUB has shown me that this is
not the case. Rather than being a stressful event where I was worried about
being judged, it was an enriching experience that allowed me to look at my own
research through other biologist’s eyes. Their feedback aided me in finding new
directions in which to take my project, and this process has greatly
ameliorated my issues with public presentation.”
The efforts Mansfield faculty put
forth in preparing students for the CPUB conference did not go unnoticed by
these students. Mr. Walters states, “I am deeply thankful for the mentorship
provided by the Mansfield University Biology Department, and I look forward to
seeing what Mansfield is able to bring to the scientific community moving
forward.” Mr. Chilson agrees, “I’m thankful to have professors who not only
instill a love of science into their students, but also go out of their ways to
ensure we gain firsthand experience presenting research we have worked hard on.”
The students enjoyed an
all-around great experience. Ms. Youse continues, “There is always something
new to learn, and receiving feedback on my research will allow me the chance to
make my research better, and become a better scientist. Mr. Neigh adds, “It
allowed me to apply my knowledge from my project to fit multiple backgrounds in
science, and from this I have gained forever-valuable skills that would not
have been learned elsewhere.” Ms. Lefever explains, “CPUB has taught me that it
isn’t about the perfect project or showing off significant results; it is about
celebrating science, engaging with fellow researchers, and becoming inspired.
There’s also good food.” Mr. Wolfe agrees, “The desert was phenomenal!” Ms.
Lefever concludes, “I encourage any student who has the opportunity to attend
to seize it.”