URDC Participants

This event features poster presentations from undergraduate students engaged in research and creative projects from different universities around the state at the Capitol in Charleston, WV. During this time State Legislatures and members of the Executive Branch attend and learn of the importance of the scholarly research being conducted by students by being able to communicate directly with undergraduate researchers.

Forty-nine WVU students representing the Morgantown and Beckley campuses have been invited to participate in the nineteenth annual Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol (URDC) in Charleston on February 18, 2022.

West Virginia University Institute of Technology

Ashton Graley, Poca, WV (Engineering) “Tiny ‘Green’ Houses: Sustainable Energy Water Pumping System for Small-Scale Living,” Winnie Fu, Research Mentor                                                

Gregory Panther and Jacob Cross, Beckley, WV (Engineering) “WONDERLIFT,” Winnie Fu, Research Mentor                                                                    

Valentina Abondano, Beckley, WV (Biochemistry) “Understanding DNA Hairpin-Silver Nanocluster Conformations Using Molecular Dynamics Simulations,” Taejin Kim, Research Mentor                                                  

Elijah Buckland, Fayetteville, WV and Brenna Emery, Beckley, WV (Engineering) “The Automatic Spotting System: A Safety Device to Prevent Weightlifting Related Injuries,” Winnie Fu, Research Mentor                                               

Rebecca LaRochelle, Mount Hope, WV (Environmental Studies) “Coliform Bacteria in the Sediment of Piney Creek, a Tributary of the New River,” Matthew Williams, Research Mentor

Mackenzie Miller, Scarbo, WV (Neuroscience) “Inhibition of cancer cell signaling regulator microRNA-21 decreases tumorigenic capacity in glioma cell lines,” Adrienne Williams, Research Mentor

West Virginia University

Jenna Friend, Morgantown, WV (Agriculture) “The Effect of Varying Steam Conditioning on Enzyme Products in a Pelleted Broiler Diet,” Joe Moritz, Research Mentor

Savannah Mead, Lancaster, PA (Agriculture) “Horticultural performance of ethylene insensitive etr1-1 petunias,” Nicole Waterland, Research Mentor

Brady Nicewarner, Morgantown, WV (Agriculture) “Characterization of Agouti-Signaling Protein Expression in the Bovine Ovarian Follicle,” Jianbo Yao, Research Mentor

Abigail Jones, Wheeling, WV and Lauren Bish, Lancaster, NY (Biochemistry) “Identification and genetic manipulation of fungi that produce pharmaceutically important compounds,” Daniel Panaccione, Research Mentor

Jessica Burke, Kearneysville, WV (Biology) “Genetically engineered bioenergy cane suppresses microbial activity and reduces soil carbon losses,” Edward Brzostek, Research Mentor

Rachel Morris, Charleston, WV (Biology) “From Here to There: Transporter Expression through Tsetse Fly Development,” Rita Rio, Research Mentor

Teagan Kuzniar, Morgantown, WV (Biology) “Temperature, Oxygen, and Vegetation as Drivers of Microbial Dynamics in Warming Boreal Peatlands,” Ember Morrissey, Research Mentor

Meagan Walker, Weston, WV (Biology) “High Resolution 14C Anchors Confirm Tree Ring Dating with Limited Replication,” Amy Hessl, Research Mentor

Jacob Smothers, Morgantown, WV (Chemistry) “Site-Selective Nickel-Catalyzed Nitration of 8-Benzamidoquinoline,” Jessica Hoover, Research Mentor

Peyton Burford, Hurricane, WV (Creative Arts) “The Mod Revival,” Angela Uriyo, Research Mentor

Madison Hess, Bridgeport, WV (Creative Arts) “Flora Beginnings,” Angela Uriyo, Research Mentor

Charmaine Riestenberg, Kingwood, WV (Creative Arts) “Long May She Reign,” Angela Uriyo, Research Mentor

Chelsea Hidalgo, Morgantown, WV (Creative Arts) “Going Green and Dressing Clean,” Angela Uriyo, Research Mentor

Rebecca Erwin, Wheeling, WV (Engineering) “Development of polyelectrolyte multilayer membranes for ammonium recovery from anaerobic digestate,” Oishi Sanyal, Research Mentor

Ayman Seif, Athens, WV (Engineering) “Prolonged Flight Time and Autonomous Functionality in Small Commercial Drone,” Guilherme Pereira, Research Mentor

Ashley McCullough, Lumberport, WV (Engineering) “Renewable Energy Data Mapping and Integration for the PJM Region,” Fernando Lima, Research Mentor

Kara Cunningham, Hamlin, WV and Emily Kwiatkowski, Virginia Beach, VA (Engineering) “Improving Management of Rural Water Utilities: Digitizing Drinking Water Distribution Infrastructure Records,” Emily Garner, Research Mentor

Lillian Bischof, Wheeling, WV (Engineering) “Modeling of Solar and Wind Power Plants in WV Using System Advisor Model,” Fernando Lima, Research Mentor

Kayla Gibson, Marlinton, WV (Engineering) “Rare Earth Mineral Recovery Using Food Waste-Produced Reagents,” Hassan Amini, Research Mentor

Jessica Friedel, Morgantown, WV (Forensic) “Responding to gun violence epidemic through technology innovation and statistical interpretations for forensic investigations,” Tatiana Trejos, Research Mentor

Rachel McNeel, Morgantown, WV (Health Sciences) “Early metabolic hallmarks of the eye and brain in Alzheimer's disease,” Jianhai Du, Research Mentor

Hanna Jandrain, Martinsburg, WV and Bailey Fedun, Philippi, WV (Health Sciences) “Analyzing MitoNEET Protection Against Paraquat-induced Oxidative Stress in C. Elegans Aging Models,” Werner Geldenhuys, Research Mentor

Makayla Anderson, Beckley, WV (Health Sciences) “Hard Knock Life for Us: Poverty and Chronic Health Conditions,” Julie Patrick, Research Mentor

Nathaniel Palmer, Clarksburg, WV (Health Sciences) “Satisfaction with access to health services in WV during COVID-19,” Trisha Petitte, Research Mentor

Faraz Shere, Charleston, WV (Health Sciences) “Diabetes is a stronger predictor of cognitive difficulties than age,” Bernard Schreurs, Research Mentor

Madison Robinson, Randallstown, MD (Health Sciences) “Single vape exposure on middle cerebral artery function over a 72-hour period,” Mark Olfert, Research Mentor

Matthew Hudson, Scott Depot, WV and Evita Yang, Follansbee, WV (Health Sciences) “Characterizing Humoral Immune Response of Cystic Fibrosis Patients with Clinical History of P. aeruginosa infections,” Mariette Barbier, Research Mentor

Rhett White, Clendenin, WV (Health Sciences) “Dim Light at Night Reduces Cerebral Vasculature Structure in the Hippocampus of Mice,” Randy Nelson, Research Mentor

Kelsie Bishop and Madelyn White, Morgantown, WV (Health Sciences) “The Effects of Different Operator Chairs on Dental Professional Back Pain and Ergonomics,” Ashlee Sowards, Research Mentor

Serenity McDill, Hedgesville, WV (Health Sciences) “Identifying Home Care Needs of Families Living with Heart Failure and Vascular Dementia,” Ubolrat Piamjariyakul, Research Mentor

Emma Rice, Point Pleasant, WV and Caylie Simmons, Franklin, WV (Health Sciences) “A Study of the Ergonomics of Dental Hygiene,” Alcinda Shockey, Research Mentor

Catlyn Sparks, Buckeye, WV and Kandice Pruitt, Panther, WV (Health Sciences) “The Link Between Different Dental Products and Enamel Crystallization,” Alcinda Shockey, Research Mentor

Isabella Balko, Morgantown, WV (Health Sciences) “Incidence, Prevalence, and Outcomes of Pediatric Trauma in Rural Appalachia From 2017 to 2019,” Pavithra Ellison, Research Mentor

Tatiyana Caesar, French Creek, WV and Abigail Charles, Fairmont, WV (Health Sciences) “Efficacy of Plastic Protective Barriers vs. Disinfectant Wipes,” Alicinda Shockey, Research Mentor

Natalie Clingan, Harpers Ferry, WV and Rursch Makennah, Morgantown, WV (Health Sciences) “Use of Disposables in the WVU School of Dentistry,” Alcinda Shockey, Research Mentor

Phillip Englund, Hurricane, WV (Health Sciences) “Chronic Stress Increases the Production of Xanthine Oxidase in the Liver of C57BL/6J Mice,” Dr. Paul Chantler, Research Mentor

Hannah Grimm, Smithfield, PA and Lauren Sobek, Morgantown, WV (Health Sciences) “A Study to Determine Dental Hygienists' Comfortability to Assess Eating Disorders in WV,” Alcinda Shockey, Research Mentor

Baylee Fitzwater and Kaci Zopp, Morgantown, WV (Health Sciences) “Professional Grade Carbamide Peroxide for at Home Bleach Trays vs. at Home Bleaching Remedies,” Alcinda Shockey, Research Mentor

Morgan Glass, Triadelphia, WV (Health Sciences) “Understanding radiation’s potential in drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier,” Paul Lockman, Research Mentor

Falon Snodgrass, Bridgeport, WV (Humanities) “Land Access in the Italian Alps and How it Influenced Relationships in Premodern Societies,” Matthew Vester, Research Mentor

Collin Lloyd, Cincinnati, WV (Social Sciences) “The Impact of Race and Sex on Access to Healthcare,” Julie Patrick, Research Mentor

Sarah Ihlenfeld, Wheeling, WV (Social Sciences) “American exceptionalism after 9/11:   Dominant narratives in foreign and national security policy,” Christina Fattore, Research Mentor

Aradhita Yadava, Bridgeport, WV and Abigail Ebert, Sistersville, WV (Social Sciences) “Intersecting Identities on Our Country Roads: Depression Among Diverse Adults in WV,” Julie Patrick, Research Mentor

Forty-six WVU students representing WVU and the WVU Institute of Technology campuses were invited to participate in the 18th Annual Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol (URDC), which took place virtually on Friday, March 5, 2021.

West Virginia University Institute of Technology

• Hailey Brooks, Beckley, WV (Biology), “Histological characterization and cytogenic authentication of adult human epidermal keratinocyte (HEKa) cell line,” Adrienne Williams, Research Mentor
• Jaelynn Parks, Lewisburg, WV (Biology), “Antagonism of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Using Novel Bacteria to Develop Probiotics,” Matthew Williams, Research Mentor
• Madison Lilly, Oak Hill, WV (Immunology and Medical Micobiology), “Formation of Kidney Stone Phantoms and Dissolution using Pineapple Extract,” Adrienne Williams, Research Mentor
• Mackenzie Miller, Fayetteville, WV (Neuroscience/Neuro-Oncology), “Defining a Cell Growth Medium for Glioblastoma Cancer Management,” Adrienne Williams, Research Mentor

 

West Virginia University

• Abreanne Andlinger, Moundsville, WV (Neuroscience), “Examining Relationships Between Neurodevelopment Genes and Transcription Factor Proteins in Zebrafish,” Sadie Bergeron, Research Mentor
• Allison Ball, Daniels, WV (English), “More Diverse than You Might Imagine: A Survey of Recent Young-Adult Appalachian Literature,” Rosemary Hathaway, Research Mentor
• Annette Straziuso, Morgantown, WV, and Emma Dorsey, Morgantown, WV (Aerospace), “Experimental Investigation of Filament Wound Custom Composite Rocket Body Tubes,” Patrick Browning, Research Mentor
• Anthony Siler, Glen Dale, WV (Psychology/Healthcare), “Assessing Perioperative Patient Distress in Office-Based Hand Surgery,” Shafic Sraj, Research Mentor
• Ashley Linder, Wheeling, WV (Community Health), “Accountable Health Communities: Addressing Social Needs,” Brianna Sheppard, Research Mentor
• Bennington Opdahl, Erdenheim, PA (Geosciences), “Rare Earth Elements (REE) association in organic and inorganic fractions of Appalachian coals: Implications on REE extractability and enrichment,” Shikha Sharma, Research Mentor
• Brent Zutaut, Morgantown, WV (Medicine), “Treatment of Severe Cervical Spondylodiscitis with Combined Anterior and Posterior Surgical Instrumentation: Case Series,” Shari Cui, Research Mentor
• Christopher Anderson, Terra Alta, WV (Engineering), “Microbial composition and diversity of biofilms and bulk water in drinking water distribution systems/,” Emily Garner, Research Mentor
• Claire Kelly, Bruceton Mills, WV (Immunology and Medical Microbiology), “Characterization of Interleukin-6 Regulation in Neuroinflammation,” Gordon Meares, Research Mentor
• Daniel Price, Falling Waters, WV (Geology), “Using StraboTools for Compaction Gradients in Continuous Miocene-Modern Fine-Grained Volcaniclastic Successions, IODP Site U1437,” Graham Andrews, Research Mentor
• Devin Kelly, Hedgesville, WV (Biochemistry), “Analysis of Active Site Mutation in Casein Kinase 2 Involved in Okur-Chung’s Neuropathy,” Ashok Bidwai, Research Mentor
• Emmelia Braun, Morgantown, WV (Biology), “Morphological and Physiological Variations Associated with Reproductive and Vegetative Salinity Tolerance in Sorghum,” Jennifer Hawkins, Research Mentor
• Hannah Petronek, Morgantown, WV (Biology), “Exploring Species Boundaries for Neonectria magnoliae,” Matt Kasson, Research Mentor
• Hosanna Barrett, Keyser, WV (Biology/Plant Pathology), “Conoideocrella luteorostrata, a Potential Fungal Biocontrol of the Invasive Christmas Tree Pest Elongate Hemlock Scale,” Matthew Kasson, Research Mentor
• Jessica Hogbin, Hedgesville, WV (History), “Love and Politics: Ippolita Maria Sforza and Early Modern Maternal Relationships,” Matthew Vester, Research Mentor
• Jonathan Lipovich, Shinnston, WV (Biology), “How changes in a nutrient sensing gene may impact Glyphosate resistance.,” Jen Gallagher, Research Mentor
• Kailey Basham, Morgantown, WV (Psychology), “Child Adversity and Perceived Stress in College Students: The Mediating Role of Emotion Regulation,” Nicholas Turiano, Research Mentor
• Kamil Abbas, Morgantown, WV (Education), “Incorporation of Fresh Tissue Training for into General Surgery Residency,” Daniel Grabo, Research Mentor
• Kelcie Britton, Morgantown, WV (Biochemistry), “Analysis of Esterase Genes Involved in Synthesis of Pharmaceutically important Ergot Alkaloids in Fungi,” Daniel Panaccione, Research Mentor
• Kelsey Keen, Harrisburg, PA, and Emily Lafferty, Spanishburg, WV (Psychology), “Qualitative and Quantitative Changes in Parental Verbalizations during PCIT for Children with Autism,” Cheryl McNeil, Research Mentor
• Linda Ma, Morgantown, WV (Neuroscience), “Hypoxia Ischemia Induces Cathepsin L Secretion in Cerebrovascular Endothelial  Cells,” Xuefang Ren, Research Mentor
• Marissa Gibides, Fort Worth, TX (Biomedical), “Development of noninvasive oxygen imaging approach using water-dispersible micro particulate Lithium naphtalocyanine probes,” Andrey Bobko, Research Mentor
• Melina McCabe, Wheeling, WV (Engineering), “Differences in Stepping Characteristics During the TUG Test with Aging and Neurodegenerative Disease,” Jessica Allen, Research Mentor
• Michelle Coleman, Smyrna, DE (Neuroscience), “Aberrant Cortical Networks for Multi-Sensory Processing in Autism Spectrum Disorder,” James Lewis, Research Mentor
• Olivia Oldaker, Bridgeport, WV (Human Performance), “Combating Declines in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's Disease Through Recent Neurological Technologies,” Scott Galster, Research Mentor
• Portia Peterson, Morgantown, WV (Native American Studies), “Standing with Our Sisters: Social Impacts and Media Platforms of the MMIW Movement,” Bonnie Brown, Research Mentor
• Ram Zaveri, Morgantown, WV (Computer Science), “A Hierarchical Approach to Fine-Grained Visual Classification for Plant Image Analysis,” Gianfranco Doretto, Research Mentor
• Rhett White, Clendenin, WV (Neuroscience), “Dim Light at Night Exacerbates Pain Associated with Chemotherapy,” Jacob Bumgarner, Research Mentor
• Riley Kane, Morgantown, WV (Biochemistry), “Novel Compound Screening to Combat Huntingtin Protein Aggregation in a Transgenic C. elegans Model,” Werner Geldenhuys, Research Mentor
• Rylee Cisney, Blairs Mills, PA (Immunology and Medical Microbiology), “Liver Kinase B 1 Regulates Antigen Presentation Genes in Brain Cells,” Gordon Meares, Research Mentor
• Samantha Holbert, Bridgeport, WV, Serena Roberts, Baltimore, MD, and Miranda Signorelli , Hurricane, WV (Psychology), “Analyzing parent characteristics and invalid responses on the Brief Child Abuse Potential Inventory,” Cheryl McNeil, Research Mentor
• Sara Kuberski, Morgantown, WV (Forensic Science), “Rapid Electrochemical Sensing of Acetaminophen Utilizing Screen-Printed Carbon Electrodes in Forensic and Environmental Applications,” Luis Arroyo, Research Mentor
• Sierra Arbaugh, Cabins, WV (Biomedical), “Effect of a Silverman-Andersen Respiratory Severity Score-based CPAP Weaning Algorithm on Newborn CPAP Duration,” Stephen Akers, Research Mentor
• Sophia Shank, Morgantown, WV, and Grace Berkmeyer, Mason, OH (Psychology), “Improving Child Emotion Regulation and Development Through Emotion Labeling and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy-Toddler,” Christopher Owen, Research Mentor
• Tate Hawkins, Point Pleasant, WV (Physics/Astronomy), “Searching for Fast Radio Bursts with the 20 meter telescope at Green Bank Observatory,” Duncan Lorimer, Research Mentor
• Vignesh Sivashankar, Morgantown, WV (Biochemistry), “Bioprinter Construction Using an Open-Source 3-D printer,” Mark Tseytlin, Research Mentor
• Wren King, Morgantown, WV (Sociology/Social Work), “Assessing Risk Factors of Sexual Assault Victimization on College Campuses,” Lindsay Kahle, Research Mentor

Forty-seven WVU students were invited to participate the 17th Annual Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol (URDC) in Charleston, West Virginia on Friday, February 7, 2020.

• Abigail Paul, Jim Thorpe, PA (Environmental Studies), “The use of bioremediation as a potential treatment for produced water,” Shawn Grushecky, Research Mentor

• Alex Deardorff, Charleston, WV, Carson Stebbins, Charleston, WV, and John Burke, Fredericksburg, VA (Material Science), “Investigation of Titanium-Dioxide Mesoporous Foams through 3D Printing in Microgravity,” John Kuhlman, Research Mentor
• Alexandra Collins, Lothian, MD (Neuroscience), “Development of Biomechanical Tools For Assessment and Rehabilitation of Upper-Arm Functionality,” Valeriya Gritsenko, Research Mentor
• Alyssa Rittinger, Red House, WV (Community Health), “Dietary patterns and their relation to gingival health during pregnancy in Appalachian women,” Daniel W. McNeil, Research Mentor
• Bethany Wager, Waverly, WV (Environmental Studies), “Using sex ratios of Brook Trout to identify population resilience and spawning adult size structure,” Ross Andrew, Research Mentor
• Caitlyn Lyons, Morgantown, WV (Physical Activity and Sports Sciences), “Camp FeWi: addressing the decline in female sport participation,” Dennis Jones, Research Mentor
• Carlie Ramsayer, Madison, WV (Engineering), “Quantifying United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Using  GREENSCOPE Indicators,” Fernando Lima, Research Mentor
• Colter Uscola, Morgantown, WV (Sociology/Social Work), “Status, Trust and Their Effects on the Allocation of Positive and Negative Rewards,” Lisa Dilks, Research Mentor
• David Sokolov, Morgantown, WV (Biology), “NMNAT1, a protein linked to blinding disease, is crucial for development of the retina,” Saravanan Kolandaivelu, Research Mentor
• Emily Longerbeam, Morgantown, WV, and Victoria Rutherford, Morgantown, WV (Community Health), “The JUUL's Effects on The Oral Cavity and Lung Function,” Alcinda Trickett Shockey, Research Mentor
• Fiona Galley, Morgantown, WV (Community Health), “Rate of Participation in High-Risk Occupations from 2009-2017 amongst Asians in the U.S.,” Carlos Siordia, Research Mentor
• Grant DuVall, Bridgeport, WV (Community Health), “Development of a multidisciplinary metabolic clinic in a primary care setting.,” Treah Haggerty, Research Mentor
• Jeffery Adkins, Nellis, WV (Neuroscience), “Repeat Concussions Impair Selectively Attention in Rats,” Cole Vonderhaar, Research Mentor
• Jessica Hogbin, Hedgesville, WV (History), “Between two worlds: power, politics, and noblewomen in early modern Europe,” Matthew Vester, Research Mentor
• Jordan Nistendirk, Charleston, WV (History), “Insiders and Outsiders on the Gay Community in Weimar Berlin,” Katherine Aaslestad, Research Mentor
• Julie Gilmore, Winfield, WV (Psychology), “Associations Between Adolescent Internet Use and Problematic Outcomes: The Role of Parental Monitoring,” Aaron Metzger, Research Mentor
• Kingsly Jonathan, Morgantown, WV (Biomedical), “Timing of Audiovisual Integration in Individuals with Autism,” Paula Webster, Research Mentor
• Kylie Sharp, Reedsville, OH, and Shelby Hawk, Morgantown, WV (Community Health), “In Vitro Effects of Aloe Vera at Varying Concentrations on Cariogenic Bacterial Growth,” Alcinda Shockey, Research Mentor
• Liam McCabe, Morgantown, WV (Psychology), “Political Affiliations and Happiness: How Do Liberals and Conservatives Differ?,” Amy Gentzler, Research Mentor
• Lindsey Hartzell, Arbovale, WV (Environmental Studies), “West Virginia Trout Stocking Survey: Catch Expectations vs. Reality Considering Angler Effort,” Ross Andrew, Research Mentor
• Madeline Price, Morgantown, WV (Psychology), “Parental Addiction is Associated with Adolescent Mental Health,” Amy Gentzler, Research Mentor
• Madewa Adeniyi, Bridgeport, WV (Biomedical), “User-controlled strategies for effective enzyme immobilization,” Cerasela Dinu, Research Mentor
• Matthew Young, Chesterfield, VA (Chemistry), “Valorization of WV wood waste-streams using novel green solvents,” Benjamin Dawson-Andoh, Research Mentor
• Meredith Phillips, Hurricane, WV (Biomedical), “Perception threshold of external disturbances to locomotion in healthy young adults,” Jessica Allen, Research Mentor
• Molly Plante, South Charleston, WV (History), “Life in the Face of Death: Children in the Theresienstadt Ghetto,” Katherine Aaslestad, Research Mentor
• Morgan Glass, Triadelphia, WV (Biochemistry), “Picking favorites: Differential activation of phosphofructokinase-1 by biphosphorylated sugars,” Bradley Webb, Research Mentor
• Noah Collie, Washington, WV, and Emmelia Braun, Hurricane, WV (Biology), “Phenomic and Genetic Variation Associated with Drought Stress, Recovery, and Memory in Sorghum bicolor,” Melissa Lehrer, Research Mentor
• Rebekah Kroeze, Biglerville, PA (Community Health), “Using a Mystery Shopper Approach to Assess Emergency Contraception Access in West Virginia Pharmacies,” Amie Ashcraft, Research Mentor
• Riley Darragh, Nottingham, PA (Sociology/Social Work), “Graduate Students' Identification with Science: The Roles of Demographics, Experiences, and Discipline,” Christopher Scheitle, Research Mentor
• Samantha Holbert, Bridgeport, WV, Kelsey Keen, Harrisburg, PA, and Josh Roark, Fairmont, WV (Psychology), “Resiliency for Appalachia-Youth Overcoming Trauma and the State Opioid Response,” Cheryl McNeil, Research Mentor
• Samuel Talkington, Bridgeport, WV, (Engineering), “Digital Forensics for Iris Image Spoof Detection: A Case Study,” Natalia Schmid, Research Mentor
• Sara Kuberski, Morgantown, WV, and Morgan Simpson, Summit Point, WV (Forensic Science), “Development of electrochemical sensors for buprenorphine and naltrexone using screen-printed carbon electrodes,” Luis Arroyo, Research Mentor
• Sarah Lipinski, Hurricane, WV, (Psychology), “Dental Provider-Child Interactions in West Virginia Pediatric Dental Care Settings,” Daniel McNeil, Research Mentor
• Sarah Segear, Morgantown, WV, (Psychology), “Impacts of Parental Psychological Control and Substance Abuse on Adolescent Depression,” Aaron Metzger, Research Mentor
• Savannah Hays, Mineral Wells, WV, (Psychology), “Association between social behavior and face responsiveness in autistic and healthy brains,” Shuo Wang, Research Mentor
• Serenity McDill, Hedgesville, WV, (Community Health), “Coaching Palliative Home Care for Family Caregivers of Heart Failure Patients,” Trisha Petitte, Research Mentor
• Sloan Nesbit, Morgantown, WV, (Immunology and Medical Micobiology), “Characterization of Drug Resistant B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cell Lines,” Laura F Gibson, Research Mentor
• Torey Wright, Monroe, GA, (Engineering), “Experimental Evaluation of the Marcellus Shale Properties,” Majid Jaridi, Research Mentor
• Trevor Brison, Morgantown, WV, (Engineering), “Development of Digital Models for Manufacturing of Surrogate Hands for Impact Tests.edu,” Eduardo Sosa, Research Mentor

More than 30 students took part in the 16th annual Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol in Charleston on  Feb. 26 in the Capitol Rotunda. 2019 Press Release

• Daniel Baker, Glen Dale, (Engineering), “Rare earth extraction from fly ash,” Edward Sabolsky, Research Mentor

• Laykin Beardsley, Parkersburg, (Dental Hygiene), “Clinical Study Comparing the Effects of Stannous vs. Sodium Fluoride on Implant Surfaces,” Alcinda Trickett Shockey, Research Mentor

• Hannah Belt, Thurmont, (Communications/Journalism), “Women Beyond Bars,” Geah Pressgrove, Research Mentor

• Katelyn Bond, Vienna, (Speech-Language Pathology), “Contextual interference in speech motor learning secondary to similar phonemes,” Kimberly Meigh, Research Mentor

• Taylor Bunting, Georgetown, (Dental Hygiene), “Oral Health Education Content Analysis of Middle and High Curriculum in West Virginia,” Alcinda Trickett Shockey, Research Mentor

• Zachery Donnellan, Morgantown, (Chemistry), “Understanding combustion: gas phase kinetics of the CH radical and cyclopentadiene reaction,” Fabien Goulay, Research Mentor

• Maria Ducci, Wheeling, (Music), “Perceived Advantages to Inclusive Programming in Music Therapy,” Dena Register, Research Mentor

• Nicole Fama, Daniels, (Biology), “Genetic diversity and morphological variation in a vulnerable West Virginia native orchid, Corallorhiza bentleyi,” Craig Barrett, Research Mentor

• Shianne Ferrell, Smithfield, (Communications/Journalism), “Partisan Outrage? Analyzing US Congressional Tweets following The Parkland Shooting,” Nicholas Bowman, Research Mentor

• Avery J Field, Morgantown, (Forensic Science), “Evaluation of Extraction Techniques for Fentanyl and Metabolites in Liver Tissue for Forensic Purposes,” Luis Arroyo, Research Mentor

• Olivia Friel, Bridgeport, (Agriculture), “Nutrient uptake analysis of light and hormone insensitive Arabidopsis thaliana mutants,” Nicole Waterland, Research Mentor

• Jesse Goodman, Morgantown, Nolan Mull, Ridgeley, and Albert Nunez, Stafford, Virginia, (Computer Science), “Mind-Reading Through EEG Data,” Frances Van Scoy, Research Mentor

• Jasmine Grossman, Grafton, (Biomedical), “Reducing PLGA nanoparticle and MnO core size to enhance MRI breast cancer detection,” Margaret Bennewitz, Research Mentor

• Jessica Hogbin, Hedgesville, (History), “Power and Influence Noblewomen in Early Modern Europe,” Matthew Vester, Research Mentor

• Nolan Holley, Ripley, (Biochemistry), “Identification of a sulfonamide analog that reduces cell viability in acute lymphoblastic leukemia,” Laura Gibson, Research Mentor

• Brooke Hostetler, New Martinsville, (History), “Immigrant contribution to the evolution of history in the early 20th Century Morgantown,” William Hal Gorby, Research Mentor

• Annalisa Huckaby, Morgantown, (Biology), “Generating bioluminescent Gram-negative bacteria to improve visualization of bacterial pathogenesis,” Mariette Barbier, Research Mentor

• Victoria Irr, Wheeling, (Engineering), “Subsurface modeling and well configuration design for deep direct-use geothermal development at WVU,” Nagasree Garapati, Research Mentor

• Muriithi-David Kem, Kennesaw, (Engineering), “Fabrication of Kirigami based structures for flexible electronics applications,” Konstantinos Sierros, Research Mentor

• Amal Khan, Scott Depot, (Psychology), “The Effect of Mentorship on Women's Self-Efficacy,” Paul Hernandez, Research Mentor

• Eva MacFarland, Bridgeport, (Psychology), “Racial Prejudice on College Campuses: The Role of Intergroup Anxiety and Contact,” Natalie Shook, Research Mentor

• Andrew McGrady, Branchland, (Geology), “Determining Changes in Porosity of Mature Shales on Interaction with Fracturing Fluids,” Shikha Sharma, Research Mentor

• Grace Nowicki, Scottdale, (Public Health), “Highlighting the Prevalence of Cardiovascular Risks Among Appalachian Children with Disabilities,” Lesley Cottrell, Research Mentor

• Juliana O'Reilly, Martinsburg, (Biomedical), “Maternal Exposure to Electronic Cigarettes Affects Memory and Learning of Their Offspring,” I. Mark Olfert, Research Mentor

• Travis Rawson, Morgantown, (Immunology and Medical Microbiology), “Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cell Chemotactic Potential in Neonatal Sepsis,” Cory Robinson, Research Mentor

• Madison Riffe, Charleston, and Samantha Phelix,  (Biology), “Building a Brain: Studying Development of the Hypothalamus Using Zebrafish,” Sadie Bergeron, Research Mentor

• Kenyane Simpson, Morgantown, (Child Development and Family Studies), “Correlations between Maternal Depression, Breast Feeding Self-efficacy, and Maternal Literacy Practices,” Amy Root, Research Mentor

• Aaron Stavrakis, Vienna, (Biology), “Evaluation of toxicity of mild and stainless steel welding fumes on mouse macrophage cells,” Stephen Leonard, Research Mentor

• Kathryn Taylor, Cross Lanes, (Biochemistry), “Consumption of Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) sarcoplasmic protein on bone health,” Janet Tou, Research Mentor

• Grant Tennant, Mineral Wells, (Wood Science and Technology), “Application of Thermal Treatment to Appalachian Hardwoods to Increase their Physical and Mechanical Properties,” Kaushlendra Singh, Research Mentor

• Erica Tracewell, Vienna, (Education), “The Effects of Instructional Rubrics on Essay Quality,” Melissa Patchan, Research Mentor

• Mya Vannoy, Cross Lanes, (Immunology and Medical Microbiology), “The Epigenetic Role of Septic Microparticles in Alzheimer’s Disease,” Duaa Dakhlallah, Research Mentor

• Brishti White, Morgantown, and Liza Grossman, Grafton, (Neuroscience), “Humoral (B cell) immune system imbalance is associated with development of depressive-like phenotype,” Elizabeth Engler-Chiurazzi, Research Mentor

• Olivia Young, Ridgeley, (Astronomy), “Pulsar and Fast Radio Burst Searching with the 20m Telescope at Green Bank Observatory,” Maura McLaughlin, Research Mentor