Converse Holds Annual Summer Research Symposium
Converse University held its annual Summer Research Symposium in Montgomery Student Center on August 7, 2025. This event showcases students participating in the Science, Technology, Arts and Research Scholars (STARS), IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE), and Research Experience for Teachers in Biological Sciences (BIORETs) programs at Converse University.
Topic: The Effects of an A2a Antagonist on Self-Control in Rattus Norvegicus
Participants: Genesis Medley ’28 (Nisbet Honors), Haley Jackson ’26, Lorena Blanco Roque (BIORETS – High Point Academy).
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Richard Keen
Topic: Using Yeast Homologous Recombination to Generate C. elegans RNAi Clones
Participants: Lexie Krivicich ’26, Sharon Antony (STARS – Riverside High School), Mary Franklin Gilman (STARS – Spartanburg Day School).
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Edward F. Griffin
Topic: Synthesis of Red Fluorescent Protein-Polymer Bioconjugates for Possible Application in Cancer Diagnosis
Participants: Jennifer Garcia-Cruz ’28 (Nisbet Honors), Michelle Perez-Mendez ’26, Maya Cothran (BIORETS -Carver Middle School), Ruth Spijker ‘26 (Nisbet Honors).
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Hannah N. Barnhill
Topic: Effect of High Ambient Temperature on Appetite Regulation in Rats (Rattus norvegicus)
Participants: Paisley Stepp ’26, Ellie Lim ’27 (Nisbet Honors), Jazmine Castillo ‘26, Marisol Gutierrez-Rodriguez, Harika Etha Naidu (BIORETS) – Sanders Middle School).
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Mark Bohler
Topic: The Effect of Alzheimer’s Risk Factor, APOE, on Learning and Memory in C. elegans
Participants: Ava Andrews ’27 (bio), Karson Galloway ’27, Monica Hughey (BIORETS – Carver Middle School).
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Edward F. Griffin
Converse students have the opportunity to participate in faculty-mentored undergraduate research and creative independent projects. Working independently or side-by-side with faculty mentors, Converse students have won awards at state, regional, and national conferences.