WVU undergraduate researchers showcase work for lawmakers in Charleston

Jessica Burke, biology sophomore, explains her research to assess the sustainability of crops for bioenergy. (WVU Photo/Kevin Walden)

Undergraduate researchers from West Virginia University showcased their work at the State Capitol in Charleston Friday (Feb. 18), giving lawmakers a glimpse of the work they do in disease-carrying insects, the weather’s effect on renewable energy resources and the economic potential of petunias—just a few of the topics addressed by 49 presenters from WVU’s Morgantown and Beckley campuses.

Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

“At Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol, students get the opportunity to share cutting edge research, technology and scholarship with West Virginia legislators, supporting our land grant mission to the state,” Amy Hessl, director of the WVU Office of Undergraduate Research and professor of geography, said. 

Students presented their posters in the areas of agriculture, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, creative arts, engineering, exercise science, forensic science, health sciences, history, community health, immunology and medical microbiology, international studies, neuroscience and psychology. They were mentored by faculty from the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design, Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, the WVU School of Medicine, the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences and the School of Public Health.

Rachel Morris, a biology major from Charleston, is researching tsetse flies at the molecular level. A significant concern to public health because they act as carriers for African trypanosomiasis, or “sleeping sickness,” tsetse flies are dependent on a certain species of bacteria. Morris studies the relationship between the disease-carrying insect and the bacteria, as well as new approaches to disease control.

As the world explores alternative energy sources, Ashley McCullough from Lumberport is researching how weather may affect those sources. Through her chemical engineering studies, McCullough helps run and analyze software to continuously retrieve weather data and store it in a centralized database. Her work is in partnership with the PJM regional transmission organization, which is responsible for overseeing the movement of electricity to utilities across the eastern U.S. 

Horticulture major Savannah Mead from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, researches petunias, in part because of their economic significance. Her presentation will explore the usage of a flower mutation and its effect on the growth of the flower, including how much the petunias grow, how many nutrients they can absorb and how long they can live. 

Morris, McCullough and Mead have each established a record of success, having been accepted to WVU’s 2021 Summer Undergraduate Research Experience and being recognized as runners-up for their poster categories in the 13th Annual Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium.

Read the complete list of WVU undergraduate researchers presenting at Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol. 

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