Wagner College was well represented at the 45th annual fall conference of the Metropolitan Association of College and University Biologists on Saturday, Oct. 27 at Adelphi University. Included among the 14 Wagner participants were seven undergraduates — four freshmen, three seniors. The seniors made presentations of their own research:
- Joanna Emilio — “Analyzing the effect of Di-n-pentyl phthalate on the development and viability of Drosophila melanogaster” — Dr. Heather Cook, Wagner College research adviser
- Corey Gaylets — “Modification of a yeast strain toward the creation of a light-activated elongation factor” — research completed during a summer internship at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine under supervision of Dr. Brendan Cormack; Dr. Christopher Corbo, Wagner College research adviser
- Felicia Rubertone — “Analyzing the effect of BPA on viability and development of Drosophila melanogaster” — Dr. Heather Cook, Wagner College research adviser
Corey Gaylets won a special award for best student presentation from a four-year institution.
“The kind of research these students are accomplishing is not only award-worthy,” said Wagner College biology professor Donald Stearns, “it is taking our students to exciting places and enhancing the reputation of Wagner College as an institution of higher education. Congratulations to all.”