Biology students, professors present research at national conference

Three undergraduate students and two professors from the biology department at Westminster College presented their research at the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology (SICB) Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Ariz., from Jan. 3-7.

Lindsey Wheaton, a junior biology major from New Castle, Pa., presented results of a study examining the effects of the plasticizer bisphenol F on cardiovascular system development in zebrafish. This research was performed with Dr. Marosh Furimsky, an associate professor of biology, and supported by the Dietz-Sullivan Summer Research Fund at Westminster College.

Mark Eminhizer, a senior biology major from Bellefonte, Pa., presented his research characterizing gill pigmentation in Atlantic sturgeon. James Gilbert, a senior biology major and honors student from McDonald, Pa., presented a study describing the structure of the pyloric cecum in Atlantic sturgeon. Both studies were performed with Dr. John Robertson, associate professor of biology, in collaboration with the Bears Bluff National Fish Hatchery in South Carolina.

Students were able to attend the meeting through the support of the Drinko Center for Undergraduate Research and the Spencer-Davis Fund at Westminster College, as well as the Charlotte Mangum Support Award from the SICB.

SICB fosters research, education, public awareness and understanding of living organisms from molecules and cells to ecology and evolution. This meeting attracted over 1000 delegates from across the USA and the World, presenting a wide range of research topics. With all COVID safety precautions firmly in place, the conference was an invaluable opportunity for learning and networking for all who attended.

For more information about Westminster’s Biology program, visit www.westminster.edu/biology.

Pictured from left are students James Gilbert, Lindsey Wheaton and Mark Eminhizer.

More Stories