Gustavus Blogs

Author: vthurk

  • Morgan Mellum 23’ and Lillie Ortloff 22’ Present at MPCC Scholars Showcase

    —

    by

    vthurk

    Quality and breadth of undergraduate research at Gustavus was represented by Morgan Mellum 23’ and Lillie Ortloff 22’ at the recent Minnesota Private College Council  (MPCC) Scholars Showcase. The MPCC Scholars Showcase focuses on a connection to public good and included 17 institutions this year.    These students have a wide range of ambitious academic…

  • From Common Milkweed to Publication, Gustavus Students Celebrate one Year of Collaborative Research

    —

    by

    vthurk

    Students Jolie Grimes 24’, Emelia Hinrichs 24’, Ellen Hofstede 23’, and Jake Ross 24’ have been conducting research supervised by Dr. Michele Kooman. Their research participants received seeds harvested from their local area and then seeds from another part of the country to plant and observe for themselves. The research group then used participant interviews…

  • Morgan Mellum ’23 Builds 3D Insect Model for Fulbright Canada Fellowship

    —

    by

    vthurk

    This Summer, Morgan Mellum ’23 created a detailed three dimensional online model of an insect that was preserved in amber. Mellum is working virtually alongside professors from a Canadian University. This research connection was discovered through Gustavus promotion of Fulbright opportunities.   Mellum is a triple major in Geology, Environmental Studies, and French. Each of…

  • Summer Preview, Part 2: Gusties Earn Creative Research Experiences

    —

    by

    vthurk

    This summer, over 50 Gusties will be undertaking summer research projects. Their collaborations with faculty span the sciences, arts, and humanities. Here’s a snapshot of 4 students who will be conducting research on-campus.   Tyler DelMain ‘22, Music Education   Through his music research, Tyler DelMain ‘22 will identify what is leading the disparity in…

  • Students use Avatars to Navigate Digital Research Presentation

    —

    by

    vthurk

    Mackinzee Miest ‘22, Sophie Pletcher ‘21, and Isabel Banks ‘21 presented their psychological science research at Gather Space Digital Symposium as a part of the Minnesota Undergraduate Psychology Conference hosted by the University of St. Thomas.    During the virtual conference, these researchers presented their project to attendees who could stop in at any time.…

  • Summer Preview, Part 1: Gusties Earn Research Experiences Off-Campus

    —

    by

    vthurk

    This summer, over 50 Gusties will be undertaking summer research projects. Their collaborations with faculty span the sciences, arts, and humanities. Here’s a snapshot of 3 students who will be conducting research off-campus.   Jessica Schwartz ‘23, Chemistry Jessica Schwartz ‘23 will be participating in the University of Wisconsin Madison’s Medical-Scientist Training Program (MSTP). Schwartz…

  • Students Adapt and Thrive during J-Term Research with Dr. Scott Bur

    —

    by

    vthurk

    Over January Term, Dr. Scott Bur and 15 research students worked to design and synthesize a molecule which would inhibit Plasmodium falciparum (the parasite responsible for malaria). The results could lead to a new avenue for treatment of the disease.   Bur’s research has been an ongoing project since 2017. Bur alters the project focus…

  • Devin Makey ‘20 Finds Career Path through Research

    —

    by

    vthurk

    Alumnus Devin Makey’s ‘20 passion for research began in the chemistry lab at Gustavus. As a first year student, Makey had initially planned to go into the medical field. But after shadowing doctors and doing volunteer work he realized his interest was in the science behind human health. Makey is currently pursuing a PhD in…

  • Theatre and Dance Performances go Digital

    —

    by

    vthurk

    The Theatre and Dance department used investigative research practices to transition this semester’s performances to a digitally streamed format. These performances were streamed in the first week of December and will be shown again before Christmas.    Shared Space: In Flux    Directing a virtual dance concert presented challenges and opportunities for students Hannah Saunders ‘22…

  • Water Quality Research Connects Gustavus Team and Local Community 

    —

    by

    vthurk

    A desire to work on an environmental project that had a direct connection to the community inspired D. Melanie Kistnasamy ‘22 to join a research team monitoring the water quality of the Seven Mile Creek Watershed. This project piqued Kitnasamy’s interest because it included research and communicating findings to the public. She reflected, “I always…