KU, KUMC students will present at Capitol Graduate Research Summit
LAWRENCE — The value and benefits of research performed at the University of Kansas and KU Medical Center will be highlighted at the the Capitol Graduate Research Summit.
In its 13th year, the annual summit, set for Tuesday, Feb. 2, raises awareness of the research conducted by graduate students at state universities and highlights the importance of graduate students’ research at these institutions.
“The graduate students at KU are doing amazing work to enhance our understanding of the world; they contribute as they learn,” said Michael Roberts, dean of graduate studies. “With their faculty mentors, our students are having significant impact while in school, indicating a future of strong contributions in their careers. This Summit at the Capitol can only sample a small part of the exceptional scholarship that all KU and KU Medical Center graduate students are developing in their studies.”
State lawmakers and the public are invited to learn about a wide range of research including: methods for detecting cancer; the sociology of water conservation; improved motor vehicle safety; new ways to support veterans’ transition out of the military; means to reduce infections after joint replacement; and advancing treatments for clinical depression.
The students will present research projects from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the second-floor rotunda of the state Capitol. The KU and KU Medical Center representatives will join graduate students from Fort Hays State University, Kansas State University, Pittsburg State University and Wichita State University. See more at: http://graduate.ku.edu/2016-cgrs-presenters.
The presenters for both research events are listed below by name, degree, area of study, hometown and titles of their research projects.
From KU:
Emily Carlson, doctoral student in pharmacology and toxicology; Rochester, Minnesota; “Overexpression of HSD10 Increases Adrenal Gland Cancer Cell Growth and Resistance to Cell Death.”
Mackenzie Cremeans, doctoral student in geology; Grove City, Ohio; “Using Point Velocity Probes to Understand the Connection Between Stream and Groundwater Systems.”
Jessica Juanico, doctoral student in applied behavioral science; Athens, Georgia; “An Evaluation of the Effects of State Seat Belt and Cell Phone Laws on Motor Vehicle Collisions.”
Rouzbeh Khajehdehi, doctoral student in civil engineering; Mianeh, Iran; “Construction of Crack-free Concrete Bridge Decks.”
Michaela McNiff, doctoral student in pharmaceutical chemistry; Golden, Colorado; “The claMP Tag: Targeted Delivery of Metals to Treat Cancer.”
Venkat Motupalli, master’s student in engineering management; Pomona, New York; “Predicting Risk for Incidences of Homelessness Among Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan.”
Brock Ternes, doctoral student in sociology; Lawrence; “Well Ownership and Sustainable Practices: An Examination of Groundwater Policies, Water Conservation Routines and Groundwater Reliance in Kansas.”
Renae Waters, doctoral student in bioengineering; Lenexa; “Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome-Rich Hydrogels for Cardiovascular Regeneration.”
From KU Medical Center
Naomi Butler-Tjaden, medical student and doctoral student in anatomy and cell biology; Mansfield, Texas; “Vitamin A Metabolism is Required for Vagal Neural Crest Cell Colonization of the Gastrointestinal Tract in the Pathogenesis of Hirschsprung Disease.”
Aryn Kamerer, doctoral student in audiology, Olathe; “Beyond the Audiogram: Locating Regions of Outer Hair Cell Loss in the Inner Ear.”
Michelle McWilliams, doctoral student in molecular and integrative physiology; Reno, Nevada; “A Novel Cellular Pathway in the Pathogenesis of Uterine Fibroids.”
Peter Taulbee, doctoral student in nursing practice; Council Grove; “Knowledge and Perceptions Among Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurses Regarding the Use of Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Major Depressive Disorder.”
Alex Wendling, medical student; Lyndon; “Utilizing Mix Technique and Low Frequency Ultrasound to Control the Elution Profile of Vancomycin-loaded Acrylic Bone Cement.”