W students present research at regional COPLAC conference
Five Mississippi University for Women students recently presented undergraduate research at the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges’ 2024 Southeast Regional Undergraduate Research Scholarly, and Creative Activity Conference hosted by the University of Montevallo, April 19-20.
“We’ve participated in COPLAC for the past three years, but this was our first year to do so in person, and I’m so glad we did. It was great to see our students interact with students at other schools. I’m proud of how they represented The W,” said Hillary Richardson, Associate Professor and Coordinator of Undergraduate Research.
Marshall McAteer, a biology major from Winfield, Alabama, presented his research on “Comprehensive Detection of Endogenous CFTR Expression in Epithelial Cell Lines: Biochemical and Molecular Approaches,” mentored by Dr. Ghanshyam Heda. McAteer’s research focused on detecting endogenous CFTR levels, which is crucial for understanding and diagnosing cystic fibrosis. McAteer successfully demonstrated the detection of CFTR expression.
McAteer is a biology major and plans to apply to medical school after graduation.
Senior Hailey Jeanette McCool presented “Stealing Thunder’s Presence in Emerging Adult Relationships: The Decision to Stay or Leave,” mentored by Dr. Cecilia “Cecy” Brooks. McCool’s study sheds light on the phenomenon of “stealing thunder” within romantic relationships, offering insights into decision-making processes among young adults.
McCool is from Sturgis, majoring in family science and minoring in creative writing, with plans to pursue a master’s degree in counseling.
Ethan Wilkins showcased his research titled “Hispanic Heritage Month: An Opportunity for Informal STEM (and Humanities) Education and Ethnoscience,” under the mentorship of Thomas Dodson. Wilkins’ interdisciplinary work explores how a Hispanic Heritage Month cultural event can integrate and explore history, art, language, culinary arts and science.
Wilkins is from Vernon, Alabama. He is a biology major with a chemistry minor as a pre-med student and plans to go to medical school after graduation in 2026.
Maggie Taylor, a biology major from Columbus, presented her research “Upregulation of the Predominant Cystic Fibrosis Causing Mutation DF508-CFTR by Triazole Compounds in Epithelial Cells,” mentored by Dr. Ghanshyam Heda. Taylor’s study investigates the potential effects of triazole compounds on CFTR expression and function, offering promising avenues for cystic fibrosis treatment.
Taylor has post-graduation plans to apply to medical school.
Ayooluwa Ilesanmi, originally from Ilesa, Nigeria, shared her research “Understanding Doxorubicin-Induced Nuclear Localization of SCUBE3 in Triple Negative Breast Cancer,” under the guidance of Dr. Benjamin Onyeagucha. Ilesanmi’s study delves into the mechanisms underlying the nuclear localization of SCUBE3, shedding light on potential targets for cancer therapy.
Ilesanmi is majoring in chemistry and plans to pursue a doctorate in chemistry with a focus on drug discovery for cancer.