Biological Sciences News Archive
Questions of “what’s that thing on that tree?” sparked curiosity across campus, but for Marshall University graduate student Jorge R. Vera, the answer was part of a larger scientific mission. Vera recently defended his master’s thesis, “Urban Trees in the Urban Hydrology Cycle,” which examined the tree community on Marshall’s… Read More
Two Marshall University undergraduate students are preparing to take their research beyond Earth’s atmosphere as part of a NASA-supported suborbital mission. Macy Smith and Joshua Hardesty, both biomedical engineering students, will launch a student-designed experiment through NASA’s RockSat program at the Wallops Flight Facility. Working with biology faculty member Dr. Read More
Dr. Jagan Valluri, professor of biological sciences at Marshall University, is being recognized for more than 20 years of research dedicated to improving how cancer is treated through personalized medicine. Valluri is co-developer of ChemoID®, a precision oncology tool that tests a patient’s tumor to identify the most effective chemotherapy… Read More
Two Marshall University Biological Sciences undergraduate students recently represented the College of Science on a national stage, presenting their research at the American Society for Microbiology’s Microbe Meeting in Washington, D.C. Jenna Reeves and Josie Barker, both students in the Department of Biological Sciences, completed their project in Dr. Im’s… Read More
Zak Bartholomew, a graduate student in the Department of Biological Sciences at Marshall University, has successfully defended his Master of Science thesis titled “Mapping coastal vegetation to evaluate salt marsh decline from 2016 to 2025 in South Carolina, USA.” Bartholomew conducted his research in the Palmquist Lab, where his work… Read More
Dave Boak, a Master of Science student in the Department of Biological Sciences, recently conducted field research in the Mojave Desert as part of his graduate work. Boak, a member of the Palmquist Lab, traveled with Dr. Kyle Palmquist to sites in Nevada and California, where they collaborated with researchers… Read More
Ten Marshall University students have been selected to participate in the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program. The competitive 10‑week program supports undergraduate research across STEM fields and provides funding to enhance student scholarship and innovation. SURE awards are determined through a competitive review process conducted by a committee of… Read More
Clara Minnich, a biology major at Marshall University, is graduating magna cum laude with an emphasis in ecology, evolution, and organismal biology. During her time in the College of Science, Minnich distinguished herself through academic achievement and hands‑on research experiences. Minnich received an REI scholarship to complete an internship at… Read More
Sara Slack, a recent Master of Science graduate in Biological Sciences from Marshall University, has also been recognized for completing her Global Education experience. During her studies, Slack participated in the Tropical Biology and Conservation Field Course in Costa Rica in 2025. The course provided hands‑on learning opportunities in a… Read More
Tyler Marcum, a biology major and Yeager Scholar from Ona, West Virginia, is graduating from Marshall University with minors in chemistry, English, and pre‑professional healthcare studies. Marcum distinguished himself through academic achievement and leadership, preparing for a future in medicine. Marcum was named a Dean’s Scholar at the Joan C. Read More