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Legislators learn about diverse student research conducted at all four UM System campuses

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Fifty-four students representing the four campuses of the ��ҹӰԺ System participated in Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol on March 15. The annual event gives students an opportunity to share with state lawmakers the wide variety of undergraduate research taking place across the university system.  

Among the participants were eight students from St. Charles County:

• Patrick Brennan, a junior majoring in chemical engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology from St. Charles, presented his research titled "Composite aminosilica/polymer hollow fiber sorbents for carbon dioxide from flue gas” under the direction of Fateme Rezaei, assistant professor of chemical and biochemical engineering. Brennan is the son of Brian and Ellen Brennan of St. Charles.
• Kelci Davis, a senior majoring in psychology at Missouri University of Science and Technology from St. Charles, presented her research titled "Drinking motives and protective strategies predict crossover point in a multiple choice procedure” under the direction of Amber Henslee, assistant professor of psychological science. Davis is the daughter of Mark Davis and Serall Chezem of St. Charles.
• Stephen Eastman, a junior majoring in chemical engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology from St. Peters, presented his research titled "Development of CO2 removal systems for NASA’s advanced exploration systems” under the direction of Fateme Rezaei, assistant professor of chemical and biochemical engineering. Eastman is the son of Roger and Nancy Eastman of St. Peters.
• Christine Noto, a senior majoring in biology at the ��ҹӰԺ-St. Louis from St. Peters, presented her research titled "Investigating the role of Puf proteins and miRNAs on Parkinson’s Disease gene regulation” under the direction of Wendy Olivas, associate professor of biology. Noto is the daughter of Michael Noto of St. Peters and Susan Casteel of House Springs.
• Diane Queensen, a senior majoring in criminology and criminal justice at the ��ҹӰԺ-St. Louis from St. Peters, presented her research titled "Exploring state legislation and penal change in an era of reform” under the direction of Michael Campbell, assistant professor of criminology and criminal justice. Queensen is the daughter of Lynn Queensen of St. Peters.
• Sam Runge, a junior majoring in civil and environmental engineering at the ��ҹӰԺ-Columbia from O’Fallon, presented his research titled "Performance of innovative, cost-saving bridge technology for rural roadways” under the direction of Andrew Boeckmann, engineering researcher. Runge is the son of Kevin and Elizabeth Runge of O'Fallon.
• Kara Schrand, a senior majoring in secondary education and physics at the ��ҹӰԺ-Columbia from O’Fallon, presented her research titled "Reading achievement: motivation and engagement by gender and SES” under the direction of Stephen Whitney, associate professor of educational, school and counseling psychology. Schrand is the daughter of Jame and Veronica Schrand of O'Fallon.
• Casey Yocks, a sophomore majoring in biological science at the ��ҹӰԺ-Columbia from Wentzville, presented her research titled "Developing tools to investigate the role of TCP transcription factors in the plant immune response” under the direction of Walter Gassmann, professor of plant sciences. Yocks is the daughter of Tim and Joann Yocks of Wentzville.

The student researchers were selected in a competitive process to present their projects to Missouri’s elected officials, and included 24 students from the ��ҹӰԺ-Columbia, 19 from Missouri University of Science and Technology, nine from the ��ҹӰԺ-Kansas City and two from the ��ҹӰԺ-St. Louis.

“Student engagement in research projects with faculty members at each of our campuses is a staple of the undergraduate academic experience,” Bob Schwartz, interim UM System vice president for academic affairs, said. “The experience 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 technologies and businesses, and improve the quality of life for Missourians.”

Students highlighted the broad spectrum of research conducted at across the UM System’s four campuses including research in the areas of education, health, agriculture, biotechnology, transportation and infrastructure, social services, and economic development.

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.