News Archives

Mathematics club creates pumpkin puzzle
This week students from the Pi Mu Epsilon math club created a math puzzle out of pumpkins for the Kenova pumpkin house. The puzzle can be viewed from now until Halloween. The students in the pictures are Julian Myers, Macy Skaggs, and Tommy Moore. Copies of the puzzle were distributed to local middle schools and
Mathematics represented at American Mathematical Society Central Section Conference
Dr. Tom Cuchta, assistant professor of mathematics, and his graduate student Richard Williams represented Marshall University at the American Mathematical Society’s Central Section Conference in St. Louis, Missouri, on October 18–19, 2025. Both were invited speakers in the special session Dynamic Equations on Time Scales: Theory, Methods, and Applications, which Dr. Cuchta co-organized alongside Dr.
Physics helps Huntington Middle students prepare for pumpkin drop
It’s pumpkin drop season in Huntington! Dr. Sean P. McBride, associate professor of physics at Marshall University, visited Huntington Middle School’s 7th grade class to share a fun lesson on the physics behind the annual Pumpkin Drop. Students learned how concepts like force, impact, and momentum can make the difference between a smashed pumpkin and
Chemistry professor publishes research to assist up-cycling of PVC plastic
October 20, 2025 · Chemistry, Research, Science Abstracts
Professor Laura McCunn from the Department of Chemistry has co-authored a new research article in The Journal of Physical Chemistry A alongside six undergraduate students. Their study, titled “Pyrolysis Reactions of (2-Chloroethyl)benzene,” investigates the chemical reactions that can occur during the chemical recycling of PVC plastic. The project highlights the valuable contributions of undergraduate researchers
Biology graduate student records rare African golden cat
College of Science graduate student Mary Zarilla has documented the first recorded occurrence of the African golden cat (Profelis aurata) in the Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve—marking the first sighting of the species in northwestern Uganda. Zarilla captured a daytime image of the endangered cat using a camera trap she deployed in the park in July 2025.
Biology associate professor selected for NASA WV Space Grant
The College of Science congratulates Dr. Holly Cyphert, associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, on receiving funding from the NASA West Virginia Space Grant Consortium to support the HERD STEM-pede at Marshall University. The HERD STEM-pede is a one-day, hands-on science camp designed to introduce fourth- and fifth-grade students to key concepts in
Environmental Science students dive into river research
Environmental Science students are gaining hands-on field experience through ongoing research along the Ohio River. This week, the team sampled six additional sites in the lower Greenup Pool, bringing their total to 13 randomized sites—from the Big Sandy River downstream. The group collected data on benthic fish communities, substrate composition, mussel counts, and invertebrates captured
Biology students present research at Ohio Valley Entomological Association
The College of Science congratulates Dr. Pamela Puppo and her graduate students, Noah Adkins and Erica Edinger, from the Department of Biological Sciences for representing Marshall University at the 2025 Ohio Valley Entomological Association Annual Meeting in Burlington, Kentucky. Adkins and Edinger each gave research presentations highlighting their ongoing work in Dr. Puppo’s lab, earning
Physics faculty receives NASA support for second annual High School Science Day
The College of Science at Marshall University is pleased to announce that the NASA West Virginia Space Grant Consortium has awarded funding for the second annual College of Science High School Science Day (HSSD)—a NASA Day event proudly sponsored by the Consortium. Led by Dr. Sean P. McBride, associate professor in the Department of Mathematics
Physics faculty receives NASA funding for Family Science Fun Day
he College of Science at Marshall University is excited to announce that the NASA West Virginia Space Grant Consortium has awarded funding for the first annual Family Science Fun Day, scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2026. Organized by Dr. Sachiko McBride, assistant professor in the Department of Mathematics and Physics, this one-day community event will