WSU Undergraduate Science Research Poster Competition Winners Named

PULLMAN, Wash. — Winners of the third Washington State University College of Sciences Undergraduate Research Poster Competition were announced last week. Fifty science majors displayed posters explaining their research on topics in the biological and physical sciences, and mathematics and interdisciplinary areas.

In the biological sciences category, first prize went to Sheila Doyle, a Spokane native who has a major in zoology. Second prize was won by Jacob Laughery a senior general biology major. Third prizes were awarded to Alex Dornburg, a junior zoology major from Philadelphia; and Melinda Kingery, a biology major at WSU Vancouver. A novice researcher award was given to Gretchen Dole, a sophomore genetics and cell biology major from Clarkston.

Winners in the physical sciences category were, first prize John Whitaker, a chemistry major from Aberdeen; second prize, Cora Johnson, a geology major from Spokane; third prize went to Arron Steiner, a senior geology major from LaConner, Washington. A novice researcher award went to Corey Fugate, a senior chemistry major from Centralia.

In the interdisciplinary/mathematics category, first prize winner was Benjamin Logsdon, a biochemistry major from Palmer, Alaska. Second prize went to Bracken Armstrong, a biochemistry major from Idaho City, Idaho. A second second prize went to Rebecca Davis, a senior chemistry major from Castlerock, Washington. Third prize was awarded to Yesenia Rodriguez, a mathematics major from Wenatchee.

The awards were presented by Dean of Sciences Michael Griswold. “The College of Sciences Undergraduate Research Poster Competition provides our students with the opportunity to present their research in a format that is used at scientific meetings all over the world,” said Griswold. ”It also gives us the opportunity to highlight the world class research that our faculty and students carry out. We are very proud of their accomplishments.”

The students received $400 for placing first, $300 for second, $200 for third and $100 as a novice researcher.