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Legislators learn about diverse research at all four University of ����ӰԺ campuses

Photo (Left to Right): Janae Judon, Lindsey Mirielli, Casey Gibbons, Samantha Fullington, Christine Carson, Jason Robke, Adam Kidwell, Briana Lynch.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Some of the state’s most remarkable students gathered March 10 for the University of ����ӰԺ System’s annual Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol in Jefferson City. Eight area students were among the participants who presented research posters:

Christine Carson of Columbia, ����ӰԺ, a senior majoring in soil science at the University of ����ӰԺ-Columbia presented "Influence of Agricultural and Restorative Land Use Practices on the Ability of Soil to Support a Diverse Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Community for Central ����ӰԺ Prairies" under the direction of Dr. Candace Galen, professor of biological sciences. Carson is the daughter of Christian and Kathleen Carson of Columbia, ����ӰԺ.

Samantha Fullington and Casey Gibbons of Columbia, ����ӰԺ, both juniors majoring in secondary education at the University of ����ӰԺ-Columbia co-presented "Functional Behavioral Assessment and Behavior Intervention Plan Among Children with Disabilities" under the direction of Dr. Timothy Lewis, associate division director and professor of special education. Fullington is the daughter of Roy and Rachel Fullington of Columbia, ����ӰԺ.

Janae Judon of Columbia, ����ӰԺ, a senior majoring in biological sciences at the University of ����ӰԺ-Columbia presented "The Effect of Osteogenesis Imperfecta and Maternal Development" under the direction of Dr. Laura Schulz, associate professor of obstetrics, gynecology and women's health, and Dr. Charlotte Phillips, associate professor of biochemistry. Judon is the daughter of Eric and Gina Morris of Chicago, Illinois.

Adam Kidwell of Columbia, ����ӰԺ, a senior majoring in biochemistry at the University of ����ӰԺ-Columbia presented "Understanding Molecular Mechanisms Controlling Trace Metal Homeostasis in Arabidopsis" under the direction of Dr. David Mendoza-Cozatl, assistant professor of plant sciences. Kidwell is the son of Greg and Teri Kidwell of Columbia, ����ӰԺ.

Briana Lynch of Columbia, ����ӰԺ, a senior majoring in biological sciences at the University of ����ӰԺ-Columbia presented “The Induction of Iridoid Glycosides in Scrophularia Species” under the direction of Dr. Heidi Appel, senior research scientist in the Division of Plant Sciences. 

Lindsey Mirielli of Columbia, ����ӰԺ, a senior majoring in special education at the University of ����ӰԺ-Columbia presented "Cyberbullying in Students with Disabilities" under the direction of Dr. Chad Rose, assistant professor of special education. Mirielli is the daughter of Edward and Rebecca Mirielli of Columbia, ����ӰԺ.

Jason Robke of Columbia, ����ӰԺ, a senior majoring in industrial engineering at the University of ����ӰԺ-Columbia presented "Reverse Logistics Network Design in a PBL Environment" under the direction of Dr. James Noble, professor of industrial and manufacturing systems engineering.

In total, 59 students from the university’s four campuses discussed their work with senators, representatives and other visitors. Each student was selected in a competitive process and recommended by his or her campus, including 30 from the MU campus; 10 from UMKC; 16 from ����ӰԺ S&T; and three from UMSL. The students shared their research from a variety of disciplines including criminology, biology, education, engineering, and political science.

"Research has been fundamental to the University of ����ӰԺ since it became a land-grant university more than 150 years ago,” Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, Research and Economic Development Hank Foley said. “Research exposes students to the wonders and possibilities of research and innovation, and helps develop them as future scientists and entrepreneurs whose discoveries could result in new businesses and jobs, and improve the quality of life for ����ӰԺans.”

With research core to its mission, the UM System accounts for 96.9 percent of all research conducted by public universities in ����ӰԺ.

“No other public higher education institution in the state provides undergraduate students with the breadth and depth of research opportunities as the UM System,” Vice President for University Relations Steve Knorr said. “Giving our students an opportunity to showcase their work at the state Capitol with their own hometown legislators spreads the value message for higher education on a greater level.”

The UM System is one of the nation’s largest public research and doctoral level institutions with more than 77,000 students on four campuses and an extension program with activities in every county of the state.

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