SCIENCE EDUCATION ALLIANCE’S PHAGE HUNTERS ADVANCING GENOMICS AND EVOLUTIONARY SCIENCE (SEA-PHAGES), allows science students to immerse themselves in research as a part of a long-term (>5 year), collaborative, research partnership between Northern State University and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), which started in spring 2018. The program involves research surrounding bacteriophage hunting designed to provide undergraduate students (particularly 1st and 2nd year) real-world, publishable, research opportunities. NSU’s competitive acceptance (only school in the state) into the HHMI undoubtedly allows new and far-reaching collaborative interactions from universities and industries on a global scale. It has already led to two previous peer-reviewed publications and with the support of HHMI, it is anticipated to provide peer-reviewed publications for undergraduate researcher each year in the program. The capability enhancement partnering with HHMI elevates NSU to offer and deliver impactful and unique research/educational experiences to our all NSU students; particularly those in the STEAM disciplines. GRACE KRAMER, a biochemistry major, and KENNEDY DAVIS, a dual-degree biochemistry and German major, presented their research at the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) conference in Seattle, WA. Grace’s poster won the top prize of $500 amongst >250 posters. Her research title was “Preventing Post-Coital Urinary Tract Infections with Lactobacillus Impregnated Hydrocolloid.” She plans to develop her research into a business with help from faculty in the business school as well as Ms. Joni Ekstrum at South Dakota Biotech Association. Kennedy’s research title was “Selected Cytochrome P450 Transcript Expression Analyses in Candida albicans in Response to Natural Products, Silymarin and Turmeric” (and then attending medical school). She has been accepted at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County to purse a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics. Science Education Alliance’s Phage Hunters Advancing Genomics and Evolutionary Science STUDENT Excellence Grace Kramer with 1st place award from ASBMB conference in Seattle, WA. Kennedy Davis’ poster at ASBMB conference in Seattle, WA. Kennedy Davis (left), Grace Kramer (middle), and Dr. Jon Mitchell (right) at ASBMB conference. GRACE KRAMER, a biochemistry major, and ALEX ARNDT, a criminal justice major, participated in Northern State University and Aberdeen Development Cooperation’s Idea Pitch Competition. Grace took first place with her “eq-UTI” idea, A probiotic infused hydrocolloid material for the use of urinary tract infection prevention. Alex took third and won people’s choice with her “Buddy System Everyone” idea, which is service app with its main function being for the user to FaceTime, call, or text with a hotline member when trying to reach their destination safely, go out at night or just wait for their ride to show up. This app is to benefit the safety of its users by offering numerous functions that promote awareness and security. From left to right: Travis Schaunaman, Joni Ekstrum, Grace Kramer, Mike Bockorny, and Kelly Weaver. From left to right: Travis Schaunaman, Joni Ekstrum, Alex Arndt, Mike Bockorny, and Kelly Weaver.
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