EC Wisconsin News

Four Lakeland University students and three faculty members took part in the Summer Research Program Poster Symposium at Marquette University. The group conducted their research as part of the Lakeland Undergraduate Research Experience (LURE), a summer initiative where students and faculty collaborate on scientific projects. Since 2005, LURE participants have regularly presented at this annual event.

Gretchen Augustine, a junior biology major from Kiel, Wisconsin, partnered with faculty member Paul Pickhardt and collaborators from Oak Ridge National Labs. Their research focused on trifluoroacetate (TFA), a persistent chemical belonging to the PFAS family, examining its movement through food webs and its impact on growth and reproduction in aquatic organisms. Augustine's experiments built on previous LURE work by testing TFA effects at concentrations more reflective of environmental conditions. She is considering pursuing graduate-level research after finishing her degree at Lakeland.

Serena Brunner, a senior double majoring in biology and chemistry/biochemistry from Glenbeulah, Wisconsin, and Mary Johnson, also a senior with the same majors from Sheboygan, Wisconsin, worked with faculty member Greg Smith and his collaborator at Marquette. Their project explored how cells manage stress by selectively expressing genes relevant to stress responses while suppressing others.

Johnson is evaluating physician assistant programs for her future plans. Brunner is exploring various science careers; she received positive feedback from a Marquette faculty member who offered her an opportunity to join their research lab if she decides to pursue a Ph.D.

Meghan MacPhee, a junior biology major from Marquette, Michigan, advised by Andrew Karls, studied the prevalence of Lyme disease bacteria in deer ticks. Results showed that over 70% of sampled ticks carried the bacteria. MacPhee is considering a medical career and will continue collaborating with Karls on another project focused on cellular biology.

Information about the LURE program can be found on its website.