South Carolina Academy of Science Recognizes USC Aiken Undergraduate Scientists
April 15, 2008
The South Carolina Academy of Science (SCAS) recently honored college students from around the state, including three USC Aiken students, with awards for outstanding undergraduate research.
Students representing 12 South Carolina universities and colleges made 54 undergraduate student research presentations at the Academy’s Annual Meeting, held Thursday, March 20 at Clemson University. Three USC Aiken students won awards sponsored by the Academy and the Clemson, Charleston, and Charlotte Chapters of Sigma Xi recognizing outstanding undergraduate research.
Amanda Gerolstein and Theresa Ramos were co-winners for outstanding undergraduate research in topical session Chemistry and Biochemistry C. Dr. Bill Jackson was the research mentor for both students.
Heather Mentrup won the award for Outstanding Undergraduate Research for her presentation in the Poster Session. Dr. Michele Harmon served as her faculty research mentor.
Gerolstein, a senior biology major from Millersville, Md, received the award for outstanding undergraduate research in topical session Chemistry and Biochemistry C for her research in the “Expression of an anti-HIV Tat ribozyme in a tissue culture model.”
Ramos, a senior biology major from North Augusta, also received the award for outstanding undergraduate research in topical session Chemistry and Biochemistry C for her research on the topic “ Optimizing titer of a retroviral vector expressing an anti-HIV-1 tat hammerhead ribozyme.”
Mentrup, a senior biology major from North Augusta, received the poster session award for her research in “ Toxicity of dieldrin to Daphnia magna acclimated to water and sediment from a potentially-contaminated constructed wetland.”
The students will receive their awards at the Clemson Sigma Xi Chapter Annual Awards Banquet later this spring.
