BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT
STUDENT PRESENTERS
Organized By Discipline
Sharlene Jumba ‘23
MAJOR: BIOLOGY
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR JESSICA STEPEHENS, BIOLOGY
Health Complications During Pregnancy
Types of viruses that are dangerous during pregnancy.
Ways to prevent complications and high risk pregnancy
Sean Clancy ‘23
MAJOR: BIOLOGY
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR JESSICA STEPEHENS, BIOLOGY
The Maternal Microbiome’s Impact on Fetal and Infantile Development
The human microbiome is a dynamic system that plays a key role in establishing offspring's immune system and colonizing microbiota. This living system has a determining impact on child development, yet remains a persistent blindspot in fostering future generations.
Samantha Biseinere ‘23
MAJOR: BIOLOGY & HEALTH SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR JESSICA STEPEHENS, BIOLOGY
The Importance of Nutrition During Pregnancy.
Our project focuses on the various nutrients needed during pregnancy. We investigated the importance of supplementation and the unequal access to prenatal care that currently occurs in
minority and marginalized communities.
Valerie De Jesus ‘23
MAJOR: BIOLOGY
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR JESSICA STEPEHENS, BIOLOGY
The Importance of Nutrition During Pregnancy.
Our project focuses on the various nutrients needed during pregnancy. We investigated the importance of supplementation and the unequal access to prenatal care that currently occurs in
minority and marginalized communities.
Annalise Cramer ‘23
MAJOR: BIOLOGY & MATHEMATICS
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR MAO-LUN WENG, BIOLOGY
Deforestation Affects Spillover Risk If Multi-Host Pathogens
Many pathogens can infect multiple host species, and land use change can create novel contacts between populations. Understanding the risk of short- and long-term spillover risk via modeling enables mitigation of these diseases.
Taylor Camossi ‘24
MAJOR: BIOLOGY
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR KATHRYN WEGLARZ, BIOLOGY
Identifying An Insect Adaptation For Inhabiting Marine Environments In The Small Cabbage White Butterfly
Research of butterfly wing size and area of melanization for specimens located around saltwater, compared to inland regions. Insects require a necessary adapation to allow inhabitation of regions near saltwater.
Shanna Mecherekov ‘23
MAJOR: HEALTH SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR ROBIN WHITE, BIOLOGY
Effects of Melatonin on Traumatic Brain Injury in Drosophila melanogaster
Traumatic brain injury leaves 1.5 million people in the United States each year with short- and long-term complications due the current lack of effective treatments. This study examines the effects of melatonin, a potential treatment, on traumatic brain injury in Drosophila melanogaster (the fruit fly).
Autumn Charnik ‘25
MAJOR: HEALTH SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR JESSICA STEPEHENS, BIOLOGY
Science Behind Attractiveness
I am researching the science and biology behind attraction and an attractive face. What kind of key factors are included when someone is looking for a partner, and how does that make someone more attractive.
Cecylia Cove ‘25
MAJOR: BIOLOGY
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR JESSICA STEPEHENS, BIOLOGY
Cancer in Pregnancy
What happens during pregnancy and how it affects the mother and fetus. Also about how treatments affect the mother and baby.