2023

Regan Day

Faculty Support: Brian Lai (Political Science)
Political Science, Marketing, Business Analytics & Information Systems
Regan's research investigates the process of peace negotiations in civil wars from 1918-2010. Her research attempts to understand when violence is most likely to occur in these attempts and what additional factors influence the success of these attempts. Regan began working in the lab her freshman year and has moved up to a leadership position, as well as building a website for the laboratory. She interned in Communications and Public Relations for the World Food Prize Foundation in the summer of 2021 and worked as a marketing intern for the Iowa Secretary of State's Office in the summer of 2021 to encourage young Iowans to vote.

She is highly involved on campus across multiple departments. She has served as a peer mentor and social media intern in the Tippie College of Business. Currently, she works as a peer mentor and marketing strategist for the Political Science Department. Finally, Regan serves as an ambassador for the Office of Undergraduate Research. Inspired by her research, she hopes to pursue a career at the intersection of politics and communication.

Laura Flores

Faculty Support: Melissa Bates (Health and Human Physiology)
Human Physiology B.S.
Certificate in Public Health

Laura has been involved in research since her freshman year, with an interest in contributing to public health equity through her focus on underrepresented populations. Her research on the underlying causes of cardiovascular alterations across the lifespan of the Down Syndrome (Ds) population has included investigating the sex differences in the incidence of cardiovascular disease in Ds populations and studying the cardiac function in mice with the Ts65Dn model. She presented this research at the Experimental Biology conference in 2022. 

Laura is currently working towards completing her honors thesis in this area. Her previous awards include the Rhodes Dunlap Award for Excellence in the First Year and the Research Supply Grant. She has been involved in many experiences outside of her research, including working as a learning assistant and supplemental instruction leader for chemistry, and volunteering with Healthy Life Stars to teach elementary students about physical activity and nutrition.  

Connor Linzer

Faculty Support: Ryan Boudreau (Internal Medicine)
Human Physiology B.S.
Minor in International Studies
Connor works in the Boudreau lab investigating both cancer and cardiovascular disease. He characterized the location of the protein Sorbs2 in smooth muscle and uncovered a novel role of the protein in muscle cell transition to a proliferative state. Furthermore, he is investigating microproteins Mitoregulin and NC672 and their role in cancer cell response to drug treatment. This work has incorporated his knowledge from his human physiology classes and increased his passion for medicine. He has presented this research at an OUR Research Festival, as well as the American Physiology Summit and American Heart Association. 

Connor hopes to continue on to medical school. He has served as a patient transport volunteer for the Veteran's Affairs Hospital. Additionally, he is the president of the Personal Genome Learning Center student organization and a peer mentor for the University Honors Program. In his spare time, he enjoys playing intramural sports such as volleyball and basketball. 

Ashley Rhodes

Faculty Support: James Byrne (Biomedical Engineering and Radiation Oncology)
Biomedical Engineering
Minor in Human Physiology
Ashley has worked to develop a method of reducing tumor hypoxia to improve treatment outcomes. She has developed oxygen-filled carbohydrate-based materials which can be implanted into tumors to aid in treatment. The work is being tested in a mouse model, with promising results. She has been heavily involved in this project, including in the development of a patent and is a co-author on a publication concerning this research. 

She is an active member of the Tau Beta Pi Honors Fraternity, the Theta Tau professional engineering fraternity, and the Society of Women in Engineering. Additionally, she has received awards such as the Iowa Space Grant Consortium Undergraduate Research Grant and the Bob and Molly Whitmore Engineering Scholarship. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a graduate degree in either research, medicine, or law.

Megan McGovern

Faculty Support: James Byrne (Biomedical Engineering and Radiation Oncology)
Biomedical Sciences
Minor in Chemistry
Megan has been involved in multiple research laboratories at the university. In the Stanhewicz laboratory, she studied the properties of nitric oxide and its effects on the microvasculature of patients. She then transferred to the Byrne lab as a part of the Biomedical Scholars Undergraduate Research Program, where she performed cell viability assays to test preclinical cancer drugs in hypoxic tumor cells. Currently, she is working on increasing human cell resistance to radiation by injecting a damage suppressor mRNA protein found in tardigrades. Her work has been presented at several conferences, and she is a co-author on multiple publications.

Megan volunteers as a radiology CT unit volunteer at UIHC, where she helps with patient transport and preparation of equipment. She serves as the volunteer chair of the Women in Stem Ambassadors and a peer mentor for the Iowa Sciences Academy. Based on her interest in medicine and research, she hopes to enter an MD/PhD program after graduation. She also loves spending time outdoors and weightlifting!

2022

Daniel Fu

Pedro Marra

Lydia Guo

Ben Hinz

Andrew Behrens

2020

Benjamin Kirk

Jade Miller

Marissa Mueller

Guowei Qi

Olivia Westemeier

2019

Mackenzie Cross

Faculty Support: Dr. Russell Ciochon (Anthropology, UI CLAS)
B.A. Anthropology, Interdisciplinary Sciences (Zoology)
Mack's research interests lie in energetics and evolution in primates, with a particular focus on the brain and sensory system.  Her work has spanned multiple labs.  Currently, Mack works with Dr. Russell Ciochon in biological anthropology, identifying monkey skulls and designing teaching aides; she also works as a student technician in an autopsy room, where she assists foresic pathologists in conducting autopsies.  She spent the summer of 2018 working as a Research Assistant with SMARTA at the Duke Lemur Center, studying the movement and energetics of sifakas.  Other projects have also involved identifying faunal assemblage and performing excavation photogrammetry under the supervision of Dr. James Enloe at Woodpecker Cave, as well as studying cocaine and heroine addiction in rats with Dr. Ryan LaLumiere.  Through presenting on her research experiences, Mack has honed her skills as a presenter; her presentation at OUR's 2018 3 Minute Research Story Competition earned first-place.

Mack is currently working on her honors thesis in Anthropology, exploring cost-effective and accurate methods to gather stomach pH from primates.  She hopes that comparative analysis of stomach pH will give evidence to how early humans obtained meat sources - scavenging or hunting.  Mack plans to pursue a PhD in biological anthropology, where she can combine her knowledge of anatomical data with primate behavior and genetics to study the primate brain and sensory evolution.  

Taha Gesalla

Faculty Support: Dr. Daniel Bonthius (Pediatrics & Neurology, UIHC), Dr. Sarah Waddle (English and Honors, DMACC), and Dr. Harold M Goldston, Jr. (DMACC)
B.S. Biomedical Science, Microbiology; Pre-Medicine Track
Minor in Biology, Arabic
Taha has one of the longest research resume's in EURA history, which serves as a boon to his CV as he applies to MD/PhD programs this year.  Taha came to the University of Iowa having already earned an Associate of Arts and an Associate of Sciences degree from Des Moines Area Community College.  At DMACC, Taha researched the Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation as well as Sickle Cell Anemia. The summer before coming to the University of Iowa, he participated in an REU at Iowa State University, coding, collecting, and analyzing data for a project studying Type I Diabetes. The following summer, Taha participated in the Carver College of Medicine's SUMR Fellowship, researching the development of fetal alcohol syndrome and the genetics behind neuronal brain cell loss.

Currently, Taha works in his home lab studying neurospsychology with Dr. Daniel Tranel.  His current project focuses on male/female differences in decision-making processes.  Taha has well over ten presentations to his name.  He fills his (little) spare time working and participating in a large number of student groups and professional organziations, including his service as the President and Physician Coordinator for UI MAPS, an ambassador for SHPEP, and an active member of the UI Muslim Student Association.

Rikki Laser

Faculty Support: Mark Blumberg (Psychological and Brain Sciences, UI CLAS)
B.S. Neuroscience
Rikki joined Dr. Mark Blumberg’s lab within her first month of arriving on campus and has become an integral part of the lab over the last three years. Rikki's work within the Blumberg lab involves several projects. In her first two years, she studied the role of myoclonic twitching in the development of primary somatosensory cortex and also in sensorimotor deficits found with autism and primary dystonia. Her current project involves studying the forelimb movements of developing mice during facial grooming. She hopes that studying abnormalities in motor behaviors will one day help form the basis for autism assessments for human children as young as one year old.

Rikki is currently applying to graduate programs in Neuroscience. She spends as much time as possible in her lab, but when she is not in the lab, she advocates for and supports undergraduate researchers through her involvement as an OUR Ambassador, an Iowa Biosciences Academy Scholar, and a Latham Science Engagement Fellow. She is the Founder and was the President of the Iowa Neuroscience Club, serves as a Biology student ambassador, has worked as a WiSE mentor, and a mentor for high school students in the Belin Blank SSTP.

Margaret Mungai

Faculty Support: Dr. E. Dale Abel (Internal Medicine, UIHC), Dr. Antentor Othrell Hinton, Jr. (Internal Medicine, UIHC)
B.S. Neurobiology; Pre-Medicine Track
Minor in Spanish, Business Administration
Margaret has already developed a highly active research career.  Her work with Dr. E. Dale Abel (Distinguished Mentor Award Winner 2017) and Dr. Antentor Hinton (Distinguished Mentor Award Winner 2018), has already yielded one publication, over five presentations, and six abstracts. Together, they study the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in insulin resistance in Type 2 Diabetes. Her goal is to understand the impact of Optic Atrophy-1 on Mitochondria-Endoplasmic Reticulum contact formation in skeletal muscle.  Margaret is fueled by an innate fascination with the mechanisms that lead to cardiovascular diseases.  For the summer of 2019, Margaret received a Minority International Health Research Internship for the summer, allowing her to further develop her research skills at Yerevan State Medical University in Armenia.  

Margaret plans to continue to medical school as a physician scientist. Until then, she fills her time outside of class in lab and volunteering with the Free Medical Clinic, serving as the President for Medicus, an active member of the Minority Association of Premedical Students, and the public relations of Women in STEM Ambassadors.

Sam Ponnada

Faculty Support: Dr. Phillip Kaaret (Physics & Astronomy, UI CLAS)
B.S. Physics, Astronomy, B.A. Mathematics
Minor in Computer Science
Sam's interest in astrophysics has led him to tackle the big questions in our universe—specifically cosmology and galaxy formation. His research trajectory has allowed him to work on several different projects during his tenure.  At the UI, Sam has worked with Dr. Philip Kaaret on the NASA HaloSat project and also on using Chandra observations to examine the formation of high-mass X-ray binaries in galaxies. He has also worked with Dr. Hai Fu to compare observations and simulations of galaxy pair fractions. His first publication at the University was accepted in October 2019. During Fall 2018, Sam studied abroad in Edinburgh, where he was able to simultaneously work with Dr. Sadegh Khochfar at the Royal Observatory of Edinburgh on the parameters surrounding Milky Way type galaxy formation.  Sam returned to Dr. Khochfar’s lab for the summer of 2019 to continue his research. 

Sam is currently applying for PhD programs around the world in cosmological and galaxy formation theory. When he is not busy with research in (or out of) the lab, Sam uses his time as an undergraduate to advocates for undergraduate research involvement as both an OUR Ambassador and as a Public Outreach Coordinator of the UI chapter of the Society of Physics Students.

2018

Jesse Cochran

Jesse is a junior from Newton, Iowa, working on Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Biology majors. He began working in Dr. Dale Abel’s lab as a sophomore in September of 2016 studying the role of cardiac mitochondria. In addition, Jesse also spent a summer in Amnon Kohen’s laboratory. Jesse is a dedicated and hardworking researcher and OUR Ambassador. His skill in research and communication has garnered high praise from judges at our research festivals as well as his mentors Drs. Abel and Zhang.

Evan Lamb

Evan is a junior from Robins, Iowa, who is working on majors in Human Physiology and Microbiology, with a minor in Chemistry and a Certificate in Clinical and Translational Sciences.  Evan began studying bacterial chemotaxis in Dr. Linda McCarter’s laboratory as a freshman in August 2015. Evan’s impressive CV includes Fellowships from OUR, the Latham Science and Engagement Initiative, and the UI Institute for Clinical and Translational Sciences. He was a campus nominee for the Goldwater Fellowship and is currently active in the Iowa Biosciences Academy and serves as President of the Microbiology Undergraduate Student Association. 

Mikaela Mallin

Mikaela is a junior from Waterloo, Iowa, who is earning a BA in Dance, as well as a BS in Biomedical Sciences, with a minor in Chemistry and a Certificate in Clinical and Translational Sciences. Mikaela has been a vital member of three research projects—one studying gene regulation in melanoma with Dr. Robert Cornell, one studying dance history with Dr. Rebecca Kowal, and one developing choreography with Dr. Jennifer Kayle. Mikaela has also found the time to be an active OUR Ambassador, serve as a campus nominee in the Goldwater competition, study abroad in India, and be a shining face behind the cupcake bar at Molly’s Cupcakes.

Ojas Pradhan

Ojas is a junior from West Des Moines, Iowa working towards a BSE in Chemical Engineering and a BA in Computer Science with minors in Chemistry and Mathematics. He has worked with Dr. Jennifer Fiegel since December 2015, testing and developing aerosolized antibiotic drug delivery methods. Ojas has since taken the lead on this project, and Dr. Fiegel notes that he already acts as a leader and mentor for other undergraduates in the lab. Ojas serves as president of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers chapter, a senator in UI student government, and was the founder and President of the UI’s FIRST Alumni club. He was also recently named a 2018 Goldwater Scholar.

 

2017

Laura Fischer

Laura Fischer is a third-year Honors Student majoring in Biochemistry and Chemistry with minors in Mathematics and Biology. She began working in Prof. Marc Wold’s lab during the spring semester of her freshman year, and has continued research in his lab studying protein pathways in Huntington’s disease. In addition, Laura spent last summer doing research on protein interactions at the University of Michigan. Laura has been actively involved in OUR as a Fellow and presenter, and is also active in the University’s WISE community, the Dean’s Student Advisory Committee, and the Boy Scouts of America’s Co-Ed organization “Venture Crew 2000.”

Lance Heady

Lance Heady is a junior Honors Student majoring in Biochemistry and Neurobiology with minors in Psychology and Chemistry and completing a Certificate in Clinical and Translational Science. He has spent the last three years in Dr. Andrew Pieper’s lab researching neuroprotective molecules in Huntington’s disease. Lance has been active in OUR as an Ambassador and a Fellow, as well as serving for two-years as the RA of the STEM Scholars Living Learning Community. Lance is also an accomplished competitive ballroom dancer, a Latham Fellow, volunteers at the UIHC and Mercy, and earned an Honorable-Mention for the Goldwater Scholarship.

Anya Kim

Anya Kim is a junior Honors student majoring in Neurobiology and Spanish pursuing a Certificate in Clinical and Translational Research.  She began research in Dr. Michael Dailey’s lab in 2014 and continues her work there on microglial cells in stroke-like conditions.  Anya has been active in OUR as a Fellow and an Ambassador.  Anya is a Presidential Scholar, a Latham Fellow, the Co-President of the Neuroscience Journal Club, a UI Women’s Ultimate Frisbee Player, an Honors Peer Advisor, volunteers with the UIHC, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Johnson County, the Shot@Life Campaign, and served as the Executive Director of the ImmUNITY Campaign.

Astrid Montuclard

Astrid Montuclard is a junior Honors Student majoring in Asian Languages and Literature (Chinese) on a pre-med track. Astrid is a French citizen from Tahiti who came to the UI to run track and cross country. Her focus shifted quickly after getting involved in research to implementing programs to improve UI students’ eating habits and low-income families’ diets and physical activity habits in the Des Moines area with Prof Helena LaRoche. When in Iowa City, she has served as an OUR Fellow, a member of Dr. Laroche’s Obesity Prevention Team, founded the Mental Health Advocacy Committee, served as Campaign Director for True@TheU Mental Health Awareness Campaign, is president and co-founder of Mindful@Iowa, is a student representative in the Partnership for Alcohol Safety and the Student Health and Wellness Review Committee, and has served as a Senator in the UISG. Astrid is unable to be with us tonight as she is spending the year working as a research assistant at the Department of Public Health in China. 

Angela Schab

Angela Schab is a junior Honors Student majoring in Cell and Developmental Biology with a minor in Physical Activity and Nutrition Science and a Certificate in Clinical and Translational Science. Angela began her research career as a summer intern at the American Cancer Society in Chicago. As a freshman, Angela worked under Dr. Julien Sebag. In 2015, Angela joined Dr. Dawn Quelle’s lab, where she currently continues her research on the role of oncogene RABL6A in neuroendocrine tumors.  Angela is active as an OUR Ambassador and Fellow, a WISE Ambassador, serves as a member NANETS and CHAARGE, and spends time volunteering at Mercy Hospital.

 

2016

Danny Linggonegoro

Major: Human Physiology
Danny's research investigates preeclampsia, which is a life-threatening hypertensive disease that affects 5-7% of pregnancies. The ultimate goal of his work is to elucidate the role of vasopressin in preeclampsia and identify the specific receptor that must be blocked to prevent and treat this condition. Danny has presented his research at various national conferences. Recently he gave an oral presentation at the AHA Council on Hypertension in Orlando, FL. In his statement of support, Dr. Grobe wrote "Danny is a truly exceptional, outstanding student and human being. He is an inspiration to everyone around him." 

Tamar Kavlashvili

Major: Biology
Tamar investigates hormone receptor signaling in endometrial and other gynecological cancers. Her research looks at epigenetic alterations in cancer and aims to restore hormone receptor expression in advanced malignancies.  Tamar has presented her work at various national conferences and research festivals such as Cell Symposia: Transcriptional Regulation in Development and Disease. In her letter of support, Dr. Yang wrote" Tamar is one of the best undergraduate students who has worked in our lab. She is hard-working, intelligent and deeply cares about her experiments and research projects."

Maya Amjadi

Majors: Biology and Spanish 

Maya is investigating microparticles, called ectosomes that bleb from white bloods cells once they engulf staph bacteria. Her project focuses on an innate immune system response to a specific antibiotic-resistant strain of staph called MRSA, which infects otherwise healthy individuals. Maya has presented her work at various national conferences such as Autumn Immunology Conference (AIC) and Society for Leukocyte Biology meeting where she gave an oral presentation. In his letter of support, Dr. Nauseef wrote "Maya embodies the attributes necessary to thrive in an academic setting and to contribute to improving the world. She is driven by intellectual curiosity and committed to academic excellence."

Nicholas McCarty

Major: Biochemistry
Niko is working on elucidating the role of microRNAs in the regulation of glucose transporters within heart. The ultimate goal of his current project is to pinpoint microRNA sequences which are capable of regulating glucose transporters, proteins that facilitate uptake of glucose. Niko has presented his research at prestigious national conferences and local festivals. In addition, he was awarded 2016 Goldwater Scholarship in recognition of his research findings and academic excellence. In his letter of support, Dr. Abel wrote "Nicholas clearly exhibits a strong interest in understanding the scientific underpinnings of his project. It is clear that his experience in the lab to date has been extremely enlightening and, unsurprisingly, raised even more questions that have further piqued his curiosity and desire to learn more."

Rae Corrigan

Major: Biomedical Engineering
Rae is working on evaluating the folding variations from genetic mutations in inflammatory cytokines associated with cancer symptoms. She utilizes computerized modeling of protein folding derived from genotypes to better understand underlying biological mechanisms explaining the association between patient-specific genetic variations and symptom experience in advanced cancer patients. In addition, Rae has presented her research at local and national research conferences and festivals. This summer she presented her work at the ISONG 2016 International Conference in Ireland. In his letter of support Dr. Stephanie Gilberton-White wrote"In addition to her intelligence, she possesses a strong work ethic which makes her stand out amongst the many gifted students I've worked with."

2015

Chloe Daniel

Majors: Anthropology, Psychology    
Minor: Museum Studies
Chloe is working on independent research projects for her Honors theses in both of these fields. Her anthropology work is focuses on determining handedness from simple stone tools of novice toolmakers, while her psychology work focuses on syntactic and semantic processing on the sub-regions of Broca’s area. In addition, Chloe works as a research assistant in three laboratories on campus: the North American Archaeology Laboratory, and the Biological Anthropology Laboratory, and in the CHILDS Laboratory in the Department of Psychology. In his letter of support Dr. Robert Franciscus wrote, “Chloe continues to impress me with her perseverance, optimistic attitude, and passion for learning. As an undergraduate she has already started building an impressive resume and is an exceptional young scholar.”

Brett Schneider

Major: Psychology (Neuroscience focus) 
Brett has worked with Dr. Daniel Tranel, Director of the Neuroscience Program since the beginning of his sophomore year, focusing on the impact of music on memory and the left temporal lobe of the brain. Brett says of his time of the lab, “I have thoroughly enjoyed the responsibility, maturity, and accountability involved in conducting research. My experience has been invaluable and I can point to many specific and significant moments that have reaffirmed my commitment to neuroscience research.” Dr. Tranel says of Brett, “Brett has proven himself an outstanding and integral part of our lab and displays exceptional promise both as a student and a scientist. Brett is an exceptional candidate for the Excellence in Undergraduate Research Award and I have no doubt that he will go on to a successful career in graduate school and beyond.”

Asli Tahan

Major: Psychology  
Certificate: Clinical and Translational Sciences
Asli has worked in the Psychology department with Dr. Michelle Voss since last spring on cognitive assessment, focusing on memory and says that her involvement in research has opened doors to the exploration of scientific inquiry, knowledge, and scholarly investigation. Dr. Voss says of Asli, “since Asli has been with the lab, she continues to impress myself and our staff and students with not only her professionalism and interpersonal skills, but also her desire to learn, organization, problem solving, and time management. Asli has all the qualities of a student with high potential to contribute to scientific research during their undergraduate career and beyond.”

Kasra Zarei

Majors: Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering    
Minor: Computer Science
Kasra has been conducting research on genetic glaucoma models and other computational and medical imaging-based projects with Dr. Michael Abramoff for the past two years. Kasra is also a recipient of the 2015 Goldwater Scholarship, the premier undergraduate award for students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Dr. Abramoff says of Kasra, “I hired Kasra as an intern right out of high school, before he had even started classes in Engineering. He is exceptionally gifted and passionate about everything that he does. Kasra epitomizes everything positive about being a successful engineer and medical scientist.”

 

2014

Colin Peterson

Sociology and Philosophy, Writing Certificate
Working with Dr. Michael Lovaglia, Colin has been involved in a variety of inter-disciplinary social science research over the past three years. Colin says, “While specialization is a necessity for research, we must push ourselves to be incessantly curious about the insights offered by other methods and backgrounds…The most important thing I've learned is that research is messy; it is not clear-cut and never easy, but the result of a daily commitment to collaboration and a willingness to make mistakes and try again...These opportunities and experiences will carry into graduate school, where I'll get to do more of my favorite thing—research.”

Grant Young

Biochemistry, Chemistry
Grant has been working with Dr. Lori Wallrath over the past year and a half on the pathological basis of rare types of muscular dystrophy caused by specific genetic mutations. In addition to OUR Fellowships, Grant was awarded an Undergraduate Fellowship from the American Heart Association that supported his research during the Summer of 2013. Dr. Wallrath says of Grant, “Within three days [of Grant starting in my lab], I knew he was going to be a star.  Mr. Young is an incredibly bright and promising developing scientist. He already has an amazing start to his scientific career and shows a strong desire to continue this trajectory. I cannot think of a more deserving student for the Excellence in Undergraduate Research Award.”

2013

Kelsey Warner

Speech and Hearing Sciences and Psychology
Kelsey is a Speech and Hearing Sciences, Psychology double major from Bettendorf, Iowa. Kelsey has investigated the role of the prefrontal cortex in the human process of doubt with her faculty mentor, Dr. Daniel Tranel, since her freshman year at UI. Dr. Tranel says, "Kelsey is an inspiration to undergraduates who are committed to lifelong pursuit of education. She has proven that it is possible to excel at the highest level in both undergraduate academics and cutting-edge research."

Michelle Sullivan

Evolutionary Biology, Dance
Michelle is an Evolutionary Biology major with a minor in Dance from Urbandale, Iowa. Her research addresses a central question in evolutionary biology: How does sexual reproduction continue to prevail in the face of asexual competitors? Michelle’s faculty mentor, Maurine Neiman, says "I have been very impressed with Michelle’s intelligence, insight, positive attitude, hard work, curiosity, powers of observation, and self-sufficiency. I am confident that her honors thesis will constitute an interesting, novel project that she can truly call her own."

Ben Goerdt

Electrical and Computer Engineering
Ben is an Electrical & Computer Engineering major from Iowa City, Iowa. His work with the Center for Computer Aided Design and the Virtual Solider Research Program has fueled his passion for engineering and computing. His faculty mentor Tim Marler says, "It has been a pleasure to see Ben grow from a programmer, to a problem-solver, to an independent leader. In general, with his competence, versatility, and unquestionable dependability, Ben stands out as one of the best all-around undergraduate research assistants I've worked with."

2012

Emily Gross

  • Health and Human Physiology Major

Kyle Oskvig

  • Philosophy Major

Jonathan Bachman 

  • Chemical Engineering Major

Anthony Sudarmawan

  • Political Science, International Studies Major

2011

Karthik Ramachandran

  • Chemical Engineering Major

Colorado Reed

  • Physics Major

2010

Mallory Perkins

Communication Studies Major
Mallory is from Knoxville, Illinois. Working with her faculty mentor, Keli Ryan Steuber, Mallory is currently embarking on a year-long project to learn more about how disabilities can affect romantic relationships and college culture. Mallory’s mentor commented, “I grow more impressed with Mallory’s skills set and potential each day, but I am even more struck by the genuine empathy she exudes towards social issues related to her research context.” Mallory plans to continue her research this summer in Italy and will also complete her honors thesis in the fall.

Lindsay Knake

Biomedical Engineering Major
Lindsay is from Bellevue, Iowa. Lindsey is working on her honors research project at the Virtual Solider Research Project of the Center for Computer Aided Design laboratory. With his mentors, Tim Marler and Jasbir Arora, she focused on how eye motion affects the field of view for obstacle avoidance. Her mentors said, “Lindsey is one of the few people in the lab who can address all aspects of a problem, from hypothesis formulation and model development, to research code development, to software interface development, to written and spoken communication.” 

Kristin Kester 

Chemistry Major
Hailing from Jesup, Iowa, Kristin explores the organic semiconductors in flexible electronic displays like televisions, cell phones, and overhead displays in airplanes and vehicles. Kristin has been described by her faculty mentor, Leonard MacGillivray, as truly deserving of this award highlighting her genuine enthusiasm, mature nature, and strong leadership potential. Kristin plans to pursue graduate school for a Ph.D. in Chemistry and was recently chosen to share her research at the annual Research in the Capitol event.

2009

Caitlin Moore

  • Psychology Major

Ross Johnson

  • Electrical Engineering

Maria Drout

  • Physics Major

Kristen Meylo

  • Spanish, French Major

2008

Natalie Adams 

Natalie Adams is a junior Music Major in Horn performance from New Liberty, Iowa. Working with her faculty mentor, Jeff Agrell they discovered parts for a flute, clarinet, horn and bassoon, to a musical composition written and published in 1799. In addition to translating the original publisher’s remarks from French, she also edited the work and kept detailed notes on her decisions in removing errors in the piece. She also created a more modern version of each individual instrument, and worked to create a complete score for the piece, Trios Quatuors Concertante Opus 20 written by well known composer, Francios- Rene Gerbauer of the Paris Conservatory of Music.  Her faculty mentor commented, “Finding an unpublished work by such a composter is a real find. She should have no trouble finding a publisher for the work when completed and she will have the added plus of giving the first performance, with her ensemble, of the work in over two hundred years.” Natalie shared her project at the Research in the Capitol event this year and is a recipient of the Iowa Center for Research by Undergraduate Scholar Assistant Award.

Alexandra Keenan

Alexandra Keenan is a Junior, Biomedical Engineering, Biochemistry and International Studies, triple major. Hailing from Urbandale, Iowa, Alexandra works on the Identification and Characterization of Vaccine Candidate Proteins for Visceral Leishmaniasis, a disease that is difficult to diagnose and prevent and most prevalent in remote areas of developing nations that do not have easily accessible health care facilities. Her passion for international health care is also evident by her work in India last summer. In conjunction with Raj Rajagopal’s trip to India, she worked with the Cervical Cancer Screening and Treatment Strategies in Tamil Nadu, a city in Southeast India. Her work there is only the beginning as she plans to continue her work there this summer through an Iowa Research Experience by Undergraduates. In addition, she was able to share her research experience in India by presenting the information to the Iowa legislature at the annual Research in the Capitol event.  She has been described by her faculty mentor, Mary Wilson, as a very unique student, highlighting her superb academic record, unparalleled skill in the laboratory, dedicated work ethic and outstanding maturity. She has received numerous prestigious awards including the Goldwater Scholarship, the University of Iowa Presidential Scholar award and funding by the Office of Undergraduate Research for her excellent research projects. 

Danielle Theriault

Danielle Theriault is a junior psychology major from Orland Park, Illinois. For the last two years, her research has focused on Huntington’s disease, a genetically dominate, progressive neurological condition that leads to involuntary movements, psychiatric disturbances and cognitive impairments. She is specifically examining the clinical utility of assessing cognitive functioning within the Neuropsychology laboratory. Interested in pursing a graduate degree in Clinical Psychology, this experience has given her opportunities to learn about assessment measures in the research and actual patient contact through work in the clinic and attendance at support groups. Her faculty mentor, Kevin Duff, highlighted her desire to learn and passion for the topic. From the beginning her mentor said, “She asked relevant questions, presented with enthusiasm and improved procedures in the lab. She continually proved herself with reliability, accuracy, and dependability.” Danielle has been on the Dean’s list for 5 semesters representing her outstanding classroom achievement and has received funding from the Office of Undergraduate Research.

Stacy Sommerfeld

Stacy Sommerfeld is a chemical engineering major from Burlington, Wisconsin. Serving as a research assistant in the pharmaceutics laboratory with her faculty mentor, Jennifer Fiegel, she has focused on designing aerosols that fly well into the lungs and contain a large quantity of the active drug. This is a project that could ultimately have an impact on a third of the world population. Professor Fiegel said, "Given her research progress to date, I expect that she will submit a first author paper to a peer-reviewed journal by the time she graduates.” She also said, “Stacy has a lively curiosity that has prompted her to explore many research avenues during her undergraduate education…. Her curiosity also leads to questions that are important and thought-provoking...and…she is genuinely interested in understanding the phenomena behind her research, {and} in gaining a complete picture of the topic we are discussing.” Stacy has presented her research at the Regional American Chemical Society conference in Kansas City, Missouri as well as the Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates Session in Amherst, Massachusetts. She has received recognition from the Ray Collins Engineering Communications Scholarship and funding from the Office of Undergraduate Research.

2007

Lydia Crowe 

  • Spanish Major

Michael Schaefer 

  • Civil and Environmental Engineering Major

Adam Althaus

  • Biological Science Major

Benjamin Solow 

  • Economics, Political Science Major

2006

Kevin Keintz

  • Literature, Science, and the Arts Major

Michael Petrie 

  • Biomedical Engineering Major

John Morrison

  • Biomedical Engineering Major

Thomas Niblock

  • Economics, Religious Studies Major