FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Contact: Dave Wellman, Director of Communications (304) 696-7153
 

      SURE program supports 13 Marshall undergraduate researchers

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall University has received funding from West Virginia’s Research Challenge Fund to advance research in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics through the support of undergraduate research.

Dr. Michael Norton, professor of Chemistry at MU, said the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program specifically funds 13 undergraduate students who receive stipends totaling $4,000 each and supplies for their research. SURE supports Marshall undergraduate researchers for a 10-week period, uninterrupted by classes, during the summer.

The SURE program, now in its second year, covers a wide array of topics and is directed by Norton. This year’s program began Monday, May 22 and ends Friday, July 28. The program enables these researchers to gain knowledge and valuable experience in research of their choice and a head start in building their scientific careers.

This year’s research students and project titles are:

  • Justin Angus, Physics: “Effects of Magnetic Fields on the Wannier-Frankel Hybrid Exciton;”
  • Cynthia Austin, Psychology: “Childhood influences on high risk behavior;”
  • Huan Cao, Chemistry: “DNA Nanostructure fabrication for Biomolecular studies;”
  • Elizabeth Fet, Biology: “Further study of Primates;”
  • Kristen Grinstead, Chemistry: “Proteins in reverse Micelles;”
  • David Sovic and Leana Lester, Integrated Science and Technology: “Development of novel Chromogenic Reagent;”
  • Andrew Lino, Geology:  “Rainfall trends in West Virginia;”
  • Charles Lowe, Biology:  “Stochastic Modeling of Sports Data;”
  • Deborah Preston, Biology:  “RhoA in Muscle unloading;”
  • Kevin Saunders, Biology: “Microhabitat selection of Salamander Larvae;”
  • Stacy Skidmore, Biology: “Purification of CHD-1;” and,
  • Cassie York, Biology:  “Biomass and Alkaloid Production in a Microgravity-based NASA Bioreactor.”

More information on the SURE program is available by calling Norton at (304) 696-6627.

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