Saint Mary's hosts regional science convention

Members of SMU Gamma Epsilon include, from left: Katie Stolz, Collin Niehaus, Kristen Thelen, Amy Spitzmueller, Dr. Debra Martin, Lisa Obasi, Kristen Gustafson, Amanda Ferstead and Anna Smaron.

On April 26, Saint Mary’s hosted the 81st Minnesota Academy of Science annual meeting and the 26th Winchell Undergraduate Research Symposium in conjunction with the NC3 District Annual meeting of Beta Beta Beta, the National Biological Honor Society.

One hundred twenty-four students from 21 colleges and universities in Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin presented their research in the fields of cellular and molecular biology, chemistry, earth science, ecology and environmental science, economics, engineering, math and computer science, physics, neuroscience, organismal and physiological sciences and social sciences.

The keynote speaker was Kevin Kenow, research wildlife biologist from the Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center.  His presentation was on Minnesota loons. Dr. Debra Martin was chair of the planning committee; Dr. Moni Berg-Binder was judge coordinator; and Drs. Brett Bodsgard and Robyn Wangberg were planning committee members. A special “thank you” to all who served as judges that day and also the IT and athletic departments for their support.