Honors Newsletter 4 Northern State University Northern State University student Megan Fastenau presented her research at the Legislative Poster Session on Feb. 7 in Pierre. Fastenau, a sophomore biochemistry major from Aberdeen, attended the session along with Drs. Susan Citrak and Jon Mitchell, Northern faculty members. Fastenau’s project, “Bacteriophage Isolation against Actinomycete Gordonia rubripertincta and Bioinformatic Characterization of the Bacteriophages MossRose and Eliott,” aims to isolate and purify novel bacteriophages and then annotate its genome. The findings are expected to help further understand bacteriophages and their host specificities. Fastenau said her experience in Pierre was amazing. "I showcased my research on bacteriophages to various legislators and toured the capitol building. This opportunity wouldn’t have been possible without Dr. Citrak, Dr. Mitchell, and the support of NSU," she said. "I worked with Dr. Mitchell to isolate the genomic DNA of a bacteriophage from a soil sample. Along with isolating the bacteriophage, I will annotate the sequenced genome. NSU has an incredible science building with advanced technology to make research possible for undergraduate students like myself. With that said, I hope to come back to Pierre again with more information discovered on bacteriophages!” NSU student attends Legislative Poster Session in Pierre New Honors Coordinator Position Created—Meet Konnie Anderson For the first time, the NSU Honors Program has a permanent part-time Program Coordinator. Konnie Anderson was hired to help establish and maintain communication with admissions, students, prospective students and the Foundation. Some of Anderson’s duties include: handling purchasing and travel documents; event planning; marketing; writing, editing and distributing a semi-annual newsletter; checking Honors theses formatting; and collaborating with Honors students to help develop and achieve program and club goals. She also assists with major Honors Programs, including the NSU Common Read. Anderson came to NSU from Minnesota. She has a B.A. in Spanish Education and an M.S. in Educational Leadership. She is a 29-year veteran teacher that still wanted to be involved in education in some capacity. She and her husband, Lance, farm near Bristol and have three children. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing cards, reading, traveling and spending time at the lake.
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