Students participate in NSF-funded research program
Sept. 6, 2001
KALAMAZOO -- Eleven students (listed below) came to at Western Michigan University this summer to conduct scientific research through a program funded by the National Science Foundation.
The Research Experience for Undergraduates program, held June 3 to Aug. 9 at WMU, provided students with experience conducting research in the physical sciences and working one-on-one with faculty mentors. This is the third year WMU has held the REU program, which is funded by a $152,000 grant from the National Science Foundation.
Research conducted by the students included experiments that may lead to new cancer and diabetes treatments, as well as work to determine the effect of genetically altered corn pollen on insects and assess the impact of PCBs on certain species of fish.
Among this year's participants were five students from historically black colleges and universities, who also were part of a special WMU program to encourage minority students' interest in careers in the sciences.
Ukamaka C. Atveyi of Battle Creek, Mich., a junior majoring in biochemistry at Western Michigan University, conducted research on potential new treatments for diabetes by determining proteins and enzymes involved in the body's absorption of insulin and the effects of compounds which mimic insulin. Her faculty mentor was Dr. Susan Stapleton, WMU associate professor of chemistry. Atveyi is the daughter of Christopher and Grace Atveyi.
Scott A. Bergman of Kentwood, Mich., a senior majoring in biochemistry at Grand Valley State University, conducted research on the effects of PCBs on bluegill in an effort to provide an ecological risk assessment for contaminated waterways. His faculty mentor was Dr. Jay Means, chairperson of the WMU Department of Chemistry. He is the son of Sam J. and Debi J. Bergman.
Albert Lee Goines of McComb, Miss., a junior majoring in biology at Tougaloo College, conducted research on potential new treatments for diabetes by determining proteins and enzymes involved in the body's absorption of insulin and exploring the effects of compounds which mimic insulin. His faculty mentor was Dr. Susan Stapleton, WMU associate professor of chemistry. Goines was one of five students participating in a special WMU program to encourage students from historically black colleges and universities to pursue careers in the sciences by giving them hands-on research experience. He is the son of Albert L. Goines Sr. and Marilyn Goines.
Anne (Betsy) Goodrich of Mount Pleasant, Mich., a senior majoring in biology and environmental studies at Western Michigan University, conducted research on whether the pollen of genetically engineered corn is toxic to monarch butterflies. Her faculty mentor was Dr. Stephen Malcolm, WMU associate professor of biological sciences. She is the daughter of James R. and Deb A. Goodrich.
Erika Nichole Hinds of Detroit, a senior majoring in biology and Spanish at Oakwood College in Hunstville, Ala., conducted research on nonneuronal brain cells and immune response capability. Her faculty mentor was Dr. Christine Byrd, WMU assistant professor of biological sciences. Hinds was one of five students participating in a special WMU program to encourage students from historically black colleges and universities to pursue careers in the sciences by giving them hands-on research experience. She is the daughter of Derrick Hinds and Dorrette Patricia Tomlin.
Maranda Catherine Millard of Battle Creek, Mich., a junior majoring in biology at DePaul University, conducted research on bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. Her faculty mentor was Dr. Silvia Rossbach, WMU associate professor of biological sciences. Millard is the daughter of Rick S. and Linda S. Millard.
David L. Ruff II of Fresno, Calif., a senior majoring in biochemistry at Oakwood College in Huntsville, Ala., conducted research on whether the pollen of genetically engineered corn is toxic to monarch butterflies. His faculty mentor was Dr. Stephen Malcolm, WMU associate professor of biological sciences. Ruff was one of five students participating in a special WMU program to encourage students from historically black colleges and universities to pursue careers in the sciences by giving them hands-on research experience. He is the son of David and Eileen H. Ruff.
Tara A. Smith of Jackson, Miss., a senior majoring in biology at Tougaloo College, conducted research on the impact of a certain protein in making cancer cells grow. Her faculty mentor was Dr. Bruce C. Bejcek, WMU assistant professor of biological sciences. Smith was one of five students participating in a special WMU program to encourage students from historically black colleges and universities to pursue careers in the sciences by giving them hands-on research experience. She is the daughter of Charles and Gail A. Smith.
Sean A. Thompson of Lake City, Fla., a senior majoring in biology at Oakwood College in Huntsville, Ala., conducted research on the protecting eyes against retinal diseases. His faculty mentor was Dr. Cindy Linn, WMU associate professor of biological sciences. Thompson was one of five students participating in a special WMU program to encourage students from historically black colleges and universities to pursue careers in the sciences by giving them hands-on research experience. He is the son of Jacqueline L. Thompson.
Elizabeth Marie Weiss-DeBoer of Lawton, Mich., a sophomore majoring in biochemistry at Western Michigan University, conducted research on the AKT protein in cancer cells. Her faculty mentor was Dr. David Reinhold, WMU assistant professor of chemistry. Weiss-DeBoer is the daughter of Richard W. and Linda R. DeBoer.
Christopher M. Welch of Campobello, S.C., a sophomore majoring in biology and chemistry at Clemson University, conducted research on the impact of PCBs on carp in an effort to provide an ecological risk assessment for contaminated waterways. His faculty mentor is Dr. Charles Ide, director of WMU's Environmental Institute. Welch is the son of David M. and Shelia C. Welch.
Media contact: Marie Lee, 616 387-8400, marie.lee@wmich.edu