Having completed another successful academic year, our IMSD and BEP program scholars are now focusing their energy on their research full-time, both in on-campus labs and at other universities. This year, a total of 9 IMSD and BEP students were accepted to summer REU programs (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) across the U.S. Our scholars are spreading their wings, working with new mentors on different research projects, and trying out life in a different state. It is an exciting time for all of our students, and we look forward to learning about their summer research at the Undergraduate Research Symposium this September!
Student Name | REU Name | Research Mentor | Research Topic |
Rey Ayon (IMSD) | San Diego State University | Rulon Clark, PhD | Rattlesnake encounters alter vigilance of California ground squirrels |
Rosannae Chhouk (IMSD) | University of Wisconsin-Madison, Integrated Biological Sciences Summer Research Program | Matthew Ginder-Vogel, PhD and Christina Remucal, PhD | Analysis of how manganese oxides work to deteriorate bisphenol A and 17 β-estradiol |
Elizabeth Fortin (IMSD) | NC State ASSIST REU | Yong Zhu, PhD | Development of a flexible and wearable skin hydration sensor made of silver nanowires and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) |
Erika Garcia (IMSD) | San Diego State University | Marshal Hedin | Multilocus species delimitation in the Bishopella laciniosa species complex (Arachnida, Opiliones) from the southern Appalachian Mountains |
Nadia Ott (IMSD) | Cornell REU | Robert S. Strichartz, PhD | Analysis of differential equations on fractals to further the understanding of analysis over rough manifolds |
Sashary Ramos (BEP) | University of Michigan Interdisciplinary REU Program | Gustavo Rosania, PhD | Use of transmitted light and polarization microscopy to characterize fluticasone propionate crystals |
Efren Reyes (IMSD) | San Diego State University | Kelly Doran, PhD | Mechanism of blood-brain barrier disruption by Group B Streptococcus |
Savanna Tierney (IMSD) | University of Oregon SPUR | Jennifer Phillips | Study the role of Usher 2A gene in generating the phenotype of Usher type 2a, using a multidisciplinary approach |
Jerrell Tisnado (IMSD) | Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI) Internship Program | Richard Gregory, PhD | Investigating the roles of tRNA-derived small RNAs and associated proteins in embryonic stem cells |
Duyen Trang (BEP) | University of Iowa – School of Psychology | Stewart Ehly, PhD | Exploration of whether the interaction between social class and race can predict mental health service utilization among children and adolescents |
Aaron Ward (IMSD) | San Diego State University | Thomas Huxford, PhD | Metalloantibody metal binding characteristics |
Annalia Valdivia (IMSD) | University of Arizona Summer Program | Antonio Estrada, PhD | Access to mental health care among immigrants and non-Hispanic whites |
Alicia Zamudio (IMSD) | MIT Summer Research Program in Biology and Neuroscience | Li-Huei Tsai, PhD | Investigation of the role of HDAC3 (an enzyme that can hinder gene expression) in cognitive impairment |