雷切尔·伍德

Nine 沃拉沃拉大学 undergraduate biology students presented their research findings last November at the Murdock College Science Research (MCSR) Conference in Vancouver, 洗.

“Calling Doctor Cucumber: association of sea cucumbers with a reduction in tropical coral diseases,” a poster presentation by Leah Dann and 卡莉Leggitt, 高级生物专业, summarized their research conducted in the Philippines, which examined sea cucumbers and coral reef health.

“It was so much fun to attend the conference and was so exciting to talk about research that I worked hard on and am passionate about,丹恩说。.

The students were assisted in their research and accompanied at the conference by 吉姆是个好, professor of biology; Kirt Onthank, assistant professor of biology; and Janice McKenzie, associate professor of biology.

Nestler says that one of the most enjoyable things about attending the conference was “seeing all of the incredibly interesting research that undergraduate students from a variety of colleges and universities are involved in.”

克里斯托弗·林赛, senior biology major, presented a poster titled “AprA effects on 盘基网柄菌 伪足.” His research determined that the chemorepellant protein AprA dispersed 盘基网柄菌 colonies in low food conditions. Previous research by Lindsey specifically looked at pseudopod and filopod formation—key “fake feet” used by 盘基网柄菌 cells to migrate away from AprA.

“The enthusiasm of presenters at the conference was quite contagious,” says Lindsey. “Attending the conference gave me the ability to meet some passionate people and talk science with them.”

丽迪雅科莱, 大四生物化学专业, gave an oral presentation on the effect ocean acidification could have on octopus physiology. “We found that at a lower pH the octopuses experienced an increase in their critical oxygen pressure, so would not be able to handle lower oxygen levels as well,Kore说。.

She says the conference showed her how valuable research is and how so much of what we know comes from people who have devoted their lives to conducting research.