PLYMOUTH, N.H.-What do crayfish, 19th century midwives, yellow birch trees and soil contaminants have in common?
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| Dr. Cynthia Vascak addresses crowd at PSU Scientific Research Symposium |
They’re all areas of research at Plymouth State University that were highlighted April 29 in an inaugural scientific research symposium at the Gene and Joan Savage Welcome Center at the PSU Ice Arena. The research projects are all funded, in part, by a National Institute for Health’s IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) which is designed to promote the collaboration and sharing of resources among investigators at colleges and universities. PSU College of Arts and Sciences Dean Dr. Cynthia Vascak said the event honors PSU’s burgeoning culture of dynamic research activities.
“Our PSU motto is, Ut Prosim, that I may serve, said Vascak. “The 29 research studies presented here provide us with a glimpse into our past, our present and our future. As we continue our journey into the 21st century, we face increasingly complex and interrelated challenges…and they are escalating, not diminishing, and they demand responses from us, as researchers.”
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| PSU students and faculty discuss research findings |
Kate MacEwen, a junior Biology major, hopes to become a nurse. She is studying the circadian rhythms of horseshoe crabs and what influences their physiological functions.
“It makes me feel like I’ve done something of some importance,” said MacEwen. “This research is helping me to achieve my goals in life, and I think it’s a great opportunity.”
PSU Vice Provost Daniel Moore said the event was created to showcase student research in a wide variety of areas.
“This highlights the broad range of research we do on campus,” Moore said. “I really love the fact that students can engage other students, faculty and members of the community in explaining their research.”
“I think this is a great idea,” said Jordan Christ, who is studying winter climate change in yellow birch trees as he pursues a master’s in biology.
“I am really interested to see the other projects and I hope people are as interested in my work as I am in theirs.”
“Through your research endeavors and accomplishments, you present us a rich tapestry of dedication, perseverance and highly disciplined and rigorous study,” noted Vascak. “This symposium, and the work you are doing with faculty, continues to grow and evolve as we face the problems of the 21st century.”
For more information about this release, contact Bruce Lyndes, PSU Media Relations Mgr., (603) 535-2775 or blyndes@plymouth.edu
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