Students and faculty in the College of Natural and Applied Sciences (CNAS) were recognized in the 2023 Einhellig Interdisciplinary Forum (EIDF) on April 29.
The EIDF showcases graduate student research and creative works through poster presentations and art exhibitions, with an awards ceremony at the end of the event.
Outstanding CNAS Poster Presentations
Alexander Babel
Alexander Babel presented his project titled “Comparative study on peptide synthesis protocols towards more sustainable practices and improved efficiency.”
He is advised by Dr. Keiichi Yoshimatsu, associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry.
Jeffery Darko
Jeffery Darko presented his project titled “Synthesis, characterization and phase behavior in aqueous solution of copolymers containing poly (n-vinylcaprolactam).”
He is advised by Dr. Alan Schick, professor of chemistry and biochemistry.
Cora Dyslin
Cora Dyslin presented her project titled “Activity Cycles of Central American River Turtles (Dermatemys mawii) in Belize.”
She is advised by Dr. Day Ligon, professor of biology.
Brianne Edwards
Brianne Edwards presented her project titled “Role of Soil pH in Driving Selection of Rhizobial Endophytes within Soybean Root Nodules.”
She is advised by Dr. Babur Mirza, assistant professor of biology.
Elson Eguaosa
Elson Eguaosa presented their research titled “Searching for Sustainable Substitutes for Petroleum: Theoretical Studies on the Pyrolysis of Methyl Linoleate.”
They are advised by Dr. Mattew Siebert, associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry.
Elandé Engelbrecht
Elandé Engelbrecht presented their project “Beach Erosion and Recovery since Hurricane Ivan in 2004 along a Headland-Bay Coast in Treasure Beach, Jamaica.”
They are advised by Dr. Bob Pavlowsky, distinguished professor of geology, geography and planning.
Katie Grong
Katie Grong presented her project “Land use change and hydrological impacts on historical and present-day channel and floodplain form, Blue River watershed.”
She is advised by Pavlowsky.
Rejeena Jha
Rejeena Jha presented her project titled “Synthesis and Characterization of Chitosan Nanoparticles Loaded with PEO.”
She is advised by Dr. Robert Mayanovic, department head of physics, astronomy and materials science.
Nhi Le
Nhi Le presented her project “The assessment of quantum dots’ intracellular trafficking and their interactions with yeast proteins.”
She is advised by Dr. Kyoungtae Kim, professor of biology.
Olamide Ogundele
Olamide Ogundele presented their project “Does Prior Exposure of plants to perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) affect the next generation?”
They are advised by Dr. Cyren Rico, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry.
Onyinye Okafor
Onyinye Okafor presented their project “Quantum Dots on membrane organization and endocytosis of budding yeast.”
They are advised by Kim.
Nathan Sines
Nathan Sines presented his project “Channel shifting and bank erosion pattern in response to land use and climate change in the Cuivre River Watershed of Missouri.”
He is advised by Pavlowsky.
Dhruv Sitapara
Dhruv Sitapara presented their project “Characterization and crystallization of the canine p53 protein.”
They are advised by Dr. Natasha DeVore, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry.
Graduate student award winners
Shusmoy Chowdhury
The Graduate Student Senate selected Shusmoy Chowdhury as the recipient of the Outstanding Research Graduate Assistant Award.
They are advised by Dr. Ajay Katangur, department head of computer science.
Anthony Harris
Anthony Harris received the Distinguished Thesis Award in the Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Engineering category.
He is advised by Dr. Siming Liu, assistant professor of computer science.
Sophia Antonopoulos
Sophia Antonopoulos was awarded the Distinguished Thesis Award in the Biological/Life Sciences category.
She is advised by Dr. Paul Durham, distinguished professor of biology.