Fall Research Symposium spotlights student research at Mississippi College

Student researchers showcased their research posters and discussed their findings during the Fall 2024 Mississippi College Research Symposium.

Graduate and undergraduate students from biology, chemistry, computer science, math, physics and physician assistant studies presented their original research from the last year at the Fall 2024 Mississippi College Research Symposium on Dec. 4 in the Math, Chemistry and Computer Science (MCC) building on the Clinton campus.

Sponsored by the MC Office of Research and hosted by the MC School of Science and Mathematics, the event allows student researchers to showcase their research posters and discuss their findings with faculty, colleagues, judges and visitors.

“Research is a ‘behind-the-scenes’ activity that occurs in our departments,” said Joseph Kazery, MC assistant professor of biological sciences. “It is exciting and, at times, nerve-racking for students to also show off their skills and knowledge to their friends and peers, encouraging other students to get involved in research.

“These students are gaining skills from these experiences in presenting, explaining and answering questions about their study. Presenting scientific research is a fantastic way of connecting academic learning and scientific application.”

He said the symposium provides an opportunity for budding researchers to hone their communication skills while discussing their research projects with attendees.

Awards were given to the top presenters. They included:

Biological Sciences

Anna Grace Brister, senior biology neuroscience major from Clinton: “Grapheme-Color Synesthesia is Associated with Enhanced Working Memory in Graphemes, but not Colors, that is Supported by Enhanced Activity in the Supramarginal Gyrus and Decreased Activity in the Primary Visual Cortex.”

Biological Sciences

Brister: “Grapheme-Color Synesthesia is Associated with Enhanced Working Memory to Graphemes, but not Colors, that is Supported by Enhanced Activity in the Supramarginal Gyrus and Decreased Activity in the Primary Visual Cortex.”

Biological Sciences

Jaylen Vance, senior chemistry major from Meridian: “Impact of Kratom Extracts on Mouse Behavior Reveals Safety Concerns.”

Biological Sciences

Shelby Beshears, junior biology medical sciences major from Senatobia: “Growth of Drosophila melanogaster Gut Microbes on Selective Media.”

Medical Dental Alumni Association Award in Biological Sciences

Elizabeth Braswell, senior Master of Science in Medicine Physician Assistant from Grenada: “Treatment Options for Patent Ductus Arteriosus.”

Physical Science

Alana Latorre, senior biology medical sciences major from Vicksburg: “Preparation of Conjugated Polyphenylethynylarene macrocycles.”

Physical Science

Avery C. Foret, senior biology medical sciences major from Purvis: “Conventional Strain Energies of Thiasilirane and the Thiasiletanes.”

Physical Science

Gracie Bassett, biology medical sciences and chemistry medical sciences double-major from Jackson: “Enthalpies of Formation of Chloro, Cyano, and Methyl Derivatives of Heterocyclic Aromatics by Homodesmotic Reactions.”

Medical Dental Alumni Association Award in Physical Science

Wilson Hooker, senior biology medical sciences major from Olive Branch: “Consumption Safety Analysis of Poultry Products in Clinton Mississippi.”

Best in Show (judged by students)

W. Ethan Burch, Master of Science in Medicine Physician Assistant from Clinton: “Ketamine vs. ECT for Treatment-Resistant Depression.”

Best in Show (judged by students)

Ward Adams, senior biology medical science and chemistry medical science double-major from Meridian: “Elemental Analysis of Tomatoes Grown Traditionally Versus Hydroponically.”