13 students receive Summer 2017 Undergraduate Research Awards

LAWRENCE — This summer, 13 University of Kansas students will receive Undergraduate Research Awards, or UGRAs. Recipients receive a $1,000 scholarship as they work on mentored research and creative projects. 

“We know that summer is a great time for students to have a more intensive research experience,” said John Augusto, director of the Center for Undergraduate Research. “We see that the UGRA experience energizes students academically and opens doors they might not have thought to knock on.”
Students apply for UGRAs by writing a four-page proposal under the guidance of a research mentor. Faculty reviewers evaluate the applications based on the merit of the applicant's proposal, the applicant's academic record, and a recommendation from the mentor.

The call for proposals for the spring 2018 competition will come out in the fall. More information is available on the Center for Undergraduate Research website.

Students receiving awards for the summer are listed below by hometown, major, project title, mentor and mentor’s department:

Kansas:

David Cuellar, a junior from Kansas City, Kansas, majoring in interdisciplinary computing-biology: “DNA Methylation in Lepidoptera,” mentored by Jamie Walters, ecology and evolutionary biology
Emma Murrugarra, a junior from Kansas City, Kansas, majoring in human biology, psychology and philosophy: “Validating the Use of MTurk in a Longitudinal Design: A Follow Up Study on the Role of Menstrual Hormone Regulation,” mentored by Ruth Anne Atchley, psychology

Mika Schrader, a sophomore from Lawrence, majoring in History and Religious Studies: “Vessel Type and Function in Olive Oil Production at 9th Century B.C.E. Tell es-Safi/Gath, Israel,” mentored by Eric Welch, Jewish Studies

Emily Freeburne, a sophomore from Olathe, majoring in Biology- MCDB: “Mapping Yy6,” mentored by Lisa Timmons, Molecular Biosciences

Matthew Dunn, a junior from Overland Park, majoring in history and European studies: “Silent Resistors: The Unsung Heroes of the Belgian Civilian Resistance Movement During World War One,” mentored by Andrew Denning, history
Rachel Jenkins, a junior from Overland Park, majoring in anthropology and molecular, cellular, developmental biology: “A Physician’s Role: Ethnography of the Patient-Physician Relationship in Kansas City,” mentored by Kathryn Rhine, anthropology
Oliver L'Esperance, a senior from Overland Park, majoring in Neurobiology: “Using Mitochondria Targeted Supplements to Prevent Chemotherapy Induced Cognitive Impairment,” mentored by David Jarmolowicz, Applied Behavioral Sciences

Joseph Loomis, a sophomore from Pratt, majoring in chemistry and biochemistry: “Evaluating KU-32 as a treatment for chemotherapy-induced neurochemical alterations in zebrafish,” mentored by Michael Johnson, chemistry

Will Moore, a sophomore from Prairie Village, majoring in chemistry: “Synthesis and Characterization of New Earth-Abundant Manganese-based Catalysts for Carbon Dioxide Conversion,” mentored by James Blakemore, chemistry

Alix Fisk, a freshman from Topeka: “ACE Scores, Adult Health, and Housing Conditions in Hi-Crest,” mentored by Kathryn Rhine, anthropology

Out-of-state

Sarah Anderson, a junior from Lowell, Arkansas, majoring in environmental studies and English creative writing: “Examination of body size variation in cavity-nesting bees (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) across tallgrass prairie sites in eastern Kansas,” mentored by Deborah Smith, ecology and evolutionary biology

Chloe Clouse, a junior from Bedford, Massachusetts, majoring in classical antiquity: “Typology of Oil Presses at 9th Century B.C.E. Tell es-Safi/Gath, Israel,” mentored by Eric Welch, Jewish studies

Samiyah Para-Cremer, a sophomore from Mukwonago, Wisconsin, majoring in Law & Society and Spanish: “Working Together: A Comparison of Midwestern Human Trafficking Task Forces Perceptions on Collaboration,” mentored by Shannon Portillo, Public Affairs & Administration