12:52 p.m., May 25, 2010----University of Delaware undergraduate researchers made a strong showing at the eighth annual Colonial Academic Alliance (CAA) Conference at Virginia Commonwealth University on April 16-17.

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Five UD McNair Scholars and six UD Undergraduate Research Program Summer Scholars were among the record number of 110 students, from all 12 institutions in the CAA, who shared their scholarly efforts through oral and poster presentations. The students also had the opportunity to interact with their respective university provosts at the event.

The students presented on research topics in biology, chemistry, physics, business, engineering, math, psychology, social sciences, fine arts, and the humanities.

“Our research scholars did a great job with their presentations, and we were very proud of their efforts,” said Lynnette Overby, faculty director of UD's Office of Undergraduate Research and Experiential Learning. The office encompasses the Undergraduate Research Program, McNair Scholars, Office of Service Learning, and ArtsBridge Program.

“The annual CAA conference offers an opportunity for our students to engage in the broader exchange of intellectual ideas while also developing collegiality and friendships,” noted Maria Palacas, program director of UD's McNair Scholars. “Additionally, our students were happy to interact with Provost Tom Apple and share news of their research and graduate school acceptances.”

The following UD McNair Scholars presented at the conference:

Vanessa Banegas: “A Case Study of Upward Bound/Upward Bound Math and Science: Impact on Latino Perceptions of Higher Education” (poster). Faculty mentor: Avron Abraham, associate professor, Department of Health, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences, and director of the Academic Enrichment Center and University Studies Program.

Kristofer Dewberry: “Functional Analysis of the Phosphoprotein 38 (pp38) Gene Family of Marek's Disease Virus” (poster). Faculty mentor: Mark Parcell, associate professor, Department of Animal and Food Sciences.

Michael Holder: “Normotensive Salt-Resistant Indviduals and the Nighttime Dip in Blood Pressure” (poster). Holder is both a McNair and HHMI/NUCLEUS Scholar. Faculty mentor: William Farquhar, associate professor, Department of Health, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences.

Jesse Rodriguez: “Sulfite oxidation in Chlorobium tepidum: Testing the Role of the Qmo Complex” (poster). Faculty mentor: Thomas Hanson, associate professor, School of Marine Science and Policy.

Melissa Skolnick:"Best of Both Worlds: The Changing Experiences of Biracial Individuals and Identity Development" (oral presentation). Faculty mentor: Bahira Trask, professor, Department of Human Development and Family Studies.

The following UD Undergraduate Research Program Scholars presented:

Amanda Brizendine and Molly Yborra: “Chaucer's Troilus and Criseyde: A Manuscript Study” (oral presentation). Faculty mentor: James Dean, professor, Department of English.

Eric Daino: “The Double Bass: A Technical Study of Timbre” (poster). Faculty mentor: Brian Stone, assistant professor, Department of Music.

Allison Myer: “From Aleichem to Allen: the Jewish Comedian in Popular Culture” (oral presentation). Faculty mentor: Elaine Safer, professor, Department of English.

Douglas Shapiro: “Smell no Evil: Where Are the Toxic Assets?” (poster). Faculty mentor: Jeffrey Miller, professor, Department of Economics.

Lauren Zaplitny: “Victim Impact Videotapes: Emotion as a Substitute for Reason in the Modern Courtroom” (oral presentation). Faculty mentor: Ken Haas, professor, Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice.

The McNair Scholars Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, is an intensive, research and service-based graduate school preparation program for talented students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds and those from groups traditionally underrepresented in graduate education. Through research, service, and workshops centered on personal and professional excellence, the McNair Program prepares students for successful pursuit of doctoral degrees and, ultimately, the diversification of the academy.

UD's Undergraduate Research Summer Scholars Program enables selected undergraduates, generally sophomores and juniors, to conduct in-depth research or creative work with University faculty. Students work on their projects full-time for 10 weeks in the summer and continue to complete three credits' worth of research in the following academic year, all under the supervision of a faculty member. The research done during the academic year may be part of the senior thesis for the Degree with Distinction or Honors Degree with Distinction. Each scholar receives a stipend of $3,000 and a summer housing allowance of $500.

The Colonial Academic Alliance was founded in 2002 by the provosts of the institutions of the Colonial Athletic Association. Member institutions include the University of Delaware, Drexel University, George Mason University, Georgia State University, Hofstra University, James Madison University, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Northeastern University, Old Dominion University, Towson University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and the College of William and Mary.

Article by Tracey Bryant