Students Explore 91ֱ��’s Range of Research in This Year’s Lab Crawl</h1> <article> <h1>Students Explore 91ֱ��’s Range of Research in This Year’s Lab Crawl</h1> <p>ygay — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 15:33:23 +0000</p> <span>Students Explore 91ֱ��’s Range of Research in This Year’s Lab Crawl</span> <span><span>ygay</span></span> <span><time datetime="2021-11-17T10:33:23-05:00" title="Wednesday, November 17, 2021 - 10:33">Wed, 11/17/2021 - 10:33</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p> </p> <p>Since its inception in 2013, 91ֱ��’s <a href="/clear" target="_blank">Center for Learning, Education and Research in the Sciences</a> (CLEAR) has organized <a href="/clear/labcrawl" target="_blank">Lab Crawl</a> as a way to introduce students to research at 91ֱ�� College. The last time the event was held was in 2019, just before the pandemic, which made this year’s crawl a new experience for both first- and second-year students. </p> <p>“Many students new to 91ֱ�� or new to research are unfamiliar with the range of research happening on campus. Some may not feel that they belong in research. Lab Crawl directly addresses these concerns through a fun and low-stakes event,” explains Director of CLEAR Sabriya Rosemond. “Learning about labs they may not have considered before can also open up new possibilities for students as they make decisions about their academic career.” </p> <p>Similar to previous years, students were given the opportunity to visit and learn from peer Lab Crawl volunteers in several research fields, including anthropology, physics, astronomy, neuroscience, biochemistry and chemistry, and geology. </p> <p>Peer-to-peer learning plays a vital role in the crawl’s success. Around 95 volunteers assisted with set-up and welcomed students into labs this year.</p> <p>According to HHMI STEM Fellow Marcus Hill ’19, the peer-to-peer interactions during Lab Crawl echo the passion, enthusiasm, and excitement students have when they are learning in those spaces. </p> <p>“Research is more than just analyzing data and presenting at conferences, it’s about the relationships you build with the faculty and fellow research students,” Hill says. “Lab Crawl provides an opportunity for [students] who haven’t had the experience to hear directly from those who play key roles in labs. [It’s a learning experience] that you can’t get from reading a poster or watching a video.” </p> <p>A Lab Crawl tradition is the “participation passports” students are given and the stickers they receive to fill them. Stickers are provided at each lab they visit, and passports can be exchanged for pizza and a chance to win a T-shirt. </p> <p>This year, by the end of the two-hour event, 85 students had turned in their participation passports, with many more making quick stops at lab demonstrations and tables as their time allotted, says CLEAR Administrative Assistant Pat Sturges. Some labs reported having more than 50 visitors.</p> <p>By all accounts, [Lab Crawl] was a success, says Rosemond, whose staff have heard from several faculty members that students had already expressed interest in working in their labs. </p> <p>“In my own visit to some labs, I noticed that the conversations were not just limited to the research, but how students can participate in research, their experiences in a given department, or even suggestions of fun or exciting courses and opportunities,” says Rosemond. “These interactions are mutually beneficial. While attendees get to learn about the research, the student volunteers have the opportunity to practice communicating about their work to a broad audience which is an important skill for all researchers.” </p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">Campus News</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2021-11-17T12:00:00Z">Wed, 11/17/2021 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Yvonne Gay</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Lab Crawl was well attended this semester with many students making stops at demonstrations held in one or more of 22 labs across campus.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2764">Science Center</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2594">CLEAR</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2358">Undergraduate Research</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=4861">Neuroscience</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25251">Biology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25306">Chemistry</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25246">Biochemistry</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25366">Geosciences</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25411">Physics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=24656">Anthropology</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/neuroscience" hreflang="und">Neuroscience</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/biology" hreflang="und">Biology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/chemistry-biochemistry" hreflang="und">Chemistry and Biochemistry</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/anthropology" hreflang="und">Anthropology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/physics-and-astronomy" hreflang="und">Physics and Astronomy</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/geosciences" hreflang="und">Geosciences</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Lab Crawl participants visit a lab and speak with student guides.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Jonathan Clark '25</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-flex-content field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden vertical-spacing--basic field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div id="obj-28826" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-photo-gallery paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="section--photo-gallery o-flex--photo-gallery"> <p class="header-tag">Photo Gallery</p> <div class="o-flex--photo-gallery__grid"> <div class="o-flex--photo-gallery--overlay"> <div class="o-flex--photo-gallery--overlay__content"> <h2> Lab Crawl </h2> <button class="btn js-modal" data-modal-prefix-class="fullscreen" data-modal-content-id="28826" data-modal-background-click="disabled"> View photo gallery </button> </div> </div> <div class="o-flex--photo-gallery__grid__img-wrapper"> </div> <div class="o-flex--photo-gallery__grid__img-wrapper"> </div> <div class="o-flex--photo-gallery__grid__img-wrapper"> </div> <div class="o-flex--photo-gallery__grid__img-wrapper"> </div> </div> </div> <div id="28826" class="photo-gallery-wrapper"> <div class="photo-gallery"> <div class="photo-gallery__slides"> <div class="photo-gallery__slide__wrapper"> <figure class="photo-gallery__slide"> <div class="photo-gallery__slide__image"> </div> <figcaption> <span class="figure__credit">Photo credit: Jonathan Clark '25</span> </figcaption> </figure> </div> <div class="photo-gallery__slide__wrapper"> <figure class="photo-gallery__slide"> <div class="photo-gallery__slide__image"> </div> <figcaption> <span class="figure__caption">Students look at a specimen shown on a computer monitor.</span> <span class="figure__credit">Photo credit: Jonathan Clark '25</span> </figcaption> </figure> </div> <div class="photo-gallery__slide__wrapper"> <figure class="photo-gallery__slide"> <div class="photo-gallery__slide__image"> </div> <figcaption> <span class="figure__caption">A Lab Crawl volunteer shows a laser set-up in a laser lab.</span> <span class="figure__credit">Photo credit: Jonathan Clark '25</span> </figcaption> </figure> </div> <div class="photo-gallery__slide__wrapper"> <figure class="photo-gallery__slide"> <div class="photo-gallery__slide__image"> </div> <figcaption> <span class="figure__caption">Students stop by a neuroscience lab.</span> <span class="figure__credit">Photo credit: Jonathan Clark '25</span> </figcaption> </figure> </div> <div class="photo-gallery__slide__wrapper"> <figure class="photo-gallery__slide"> <div class="photo-gallery__slide__image"> </div> <figcaption> <span class="figure__credit">Photo credit: Jonathan Clark '25</span> </figcaption> </figure> </div> <div class="photo-gallery__slide__wrapper"> <figure class="photo-gallery__slide"> <div class="photo-gallery__slide__image"> </div> <figcaption> <span class="figure__credit">Photo credit: Jonathan Clark '25</span> </figcaption> </figure> </div> <div class="photo-gallery__slide__wrapper"> <figure class="photo-gallery__slide"> <div class="photo-gallery__slide__image"> </div> <figcaption> <span class="figure__credit">Photo credit: Jonathan Clark '25</span> </figcaption> </figure> </div> <div class="photo-gallery__slide__wrapper"> <figure class="photo-gallery__slide"> <div class="photo-gallery__slide__image"> </div> <figcaption> <span class="figure__caption">Students exchange participation passports for pizza in the Science Center Commons.</span> <span class="figure__credit">Photo credit: Jonathan Clark '25</span> </figcaption> </figure> </div> </div> <div class="photo-gallery__navbar"> <figure class="photo-gallery__navbar__item"> </figure> <figure class="photo-gallery__navbar__item"> </figure> <figure class="photo-gallery__navbar__item"> </figure> <figure class="photo-gallery__navbar__item"> </figure> <figure class="photo-gallery__navbar__item"> </figure> <figure class="photo-gallery__navbar__item"> </figure> <figure class="photo-gallery__navbar__item"> </figure> <figure class="photo-gallery__navbar__item"> </figure> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article> <h1>This Week in Photos: Alzheimer's Research</h1> <p>ygay — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 19:37:06 +0000</p> <span>This Week in Photos: Alzheimer's Research</span> <span><span>ygay</span></span> <span><time datetime="2021-08-05T15:37:06-04:00" title="Thursday, August 5, 2021 - 15:37">Thu, 08/05/2021 - 15:37</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>A picture of a student transferring an opaque substance into a gel box in a neuroscience lab serves as inspiration for this week’s photo series.</p> <p>Alzheimer’s disease research is being performed in <a href="/monica-mariani" target="_blank">Visiting Assistant Professor Monica Mariani</a>’s neuroscience lab. The goal is to gain a better understanding of the immune response to Alzheimer's in order to discover novel avenues of treatment to improve the disease’s pathology. On this particular day, neuroscience major Elly Ragone ’23 and neuroscience and engineering double-major Shawn Ho ’24 are performing PCR and DNA electrophoresis. </p> <p>After filling the wells of a gel box with DNA and gel red the rig is hooked up to a voltage system. The group watches for nearly thirty minutes as DNA particles pass through an electric field. Moments later, the rig is removed from its power source and the group takes a short walk down the hall to use a gel documentation system in <a href="/tracie-paine" target="_blank">Associate Professor of Neuroscience Tracie Paine</a>’s laboratory. Today’s experiment is deemed a success after it is determined which DNA samples had the genes for Alzheimer's disease and which did not. As research progresses, the the group determines if cannabidiol oil (CBD) can suppress immune cell inflammation in the brain and reduce Alzheimer's plaques.</p> <hr> <div class="obj-center"> <figure class="captioned-image"> <figcaption>Shawn Ho ’25 with Visiting Assistant Professor Monica Mariani. Photo credit: Yvonne Gay</figcaption> </figure> </div> <div class="obj-center"> <figure class="captioned-image"> <figcaption>Elly Ragone ’24 uses a pipette to fill the wells of a gel box. Photo credit: Yvonne Gay</figcaption> </figure> </div> <div class="obj-center"> <figure class="captioned-image"> <figcaption>Ho watches as DNA passes through an electric field. Photo credit: Yvonne Gay</figcaption> </figure> </div> <div class="obj-center"> <figure class="captioned-image"> <figcaption>Mariani removes agarose gel with DNA and gel red from the gel box holder and places it on a petri dish. Photo credit: Yvonne Gay</figcaption> </figure> </div> <div class="obj-center"> <figure class="captioned-image"> <figcaption>The experiment is placed in a gel documentation system. Photo credit: Yvonne Gay</figcaption> </figure> </div> <div class="obj-center"> <figure class="captioned-image"> <figcaption>The group reacts to the experiment’s success. Photo credit: Yvonne Gay</figcaption> </figure> </div> <p> </p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">Campus News</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2021-08-05T12:00:00Z">Thu, 08/05/2021 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Yvonne Gay</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2764">Science Center</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2546">Photo Feature</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2358">Undergraduate Research</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=4861">Neuroscience</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=24611">Engineering, 3-2</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/monica-mariani" hreflang="und">Monica Olszens</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/tracie-paine" hreflang="und">Tracie Paine</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/neuroscience" hreflang="und">Neuroscience</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/engineering" hreflang="und">Engineering, 3-2</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Students at work in Monica Mariani’s neuroscience lab.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Yvonne Gay</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Undergraduate Research Symposium Showcases Student Research Virtually</h1> <p>hhempste — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 19:34:54 +0000</p> <span>Undergraduate Research Symposium Showcases Student Research Virtually</span> <span><span>hhempste</span></span> <span><time datetime="2020-04-24T15:34:54-04:00" title="Friday, April 24, 2020 - 15:34">Fri, 04/24/2020 - 15:34</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Despite restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 91ֱ�� College Undergraduate Research Symposium will continue—in an online format—to showcase collaborative work between 91ֱ�� students and faculty. </p> <p>Typically held as a one-day, in-person event, the Undergraduate Research Symposium is an annual conference that highlights 91ֱ�� students’ research, along with the academic and artistic work of each year's graduating class.</p> <p>This year’s online symposium spans six days. The new format makes all research broadly available through recorded video and poster presentations that may be viewed online by anyone. Research is accessible between April 27 and May 2 through the <a href="/undergraduate-research/symposia/virtual-presentations">Office of Undergraduate Research website</a> and can be viewed at any time. Authors, titles, abstracts, and Q&A information is also available on the page. </p> <p>Many student presenters will also hold live Q&A sessions on <a href="https://blackboard.oberlin.edu/">Blackboard</a>, which can be accessed by those in the 91ֱ�� community.</p> <p><a href="/leslie-kwakye">Leslie Kawakye</a>, associate professor of neuroscience and director of the Office of Undergraduate Research, says that it is vital to provide students a platform to share their projects. “By presenting their research, students can engage in the final step of the research process: sharing their newly created knowledge with the world. It's important to honor and acknowledge their hard work, their dedication, and the new knowledge that they are producing.”</p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-right"> <figcaption>Eder Aguilar will present research that analyzes experiences of Latinx students at 91ֱ��.<br> Photo credit: Courtesy of Eder Aguilar</figcaption> </figure> <p>For senior comparative American studies major Eder Aguilar, research with Professor of Comparative American Studies <a href="/gina-perez">Gina Pérez</a> on Lantinx students has taken place over two years. His presentation of “Am I Latinx Enough?” Latinx Ethnic Identity, Belonging, and Expression of Latinidad at 91ֱ�� College” analyzes experiences of Latinx students at 91ֱ�� “through a focus of their ethnic identity formation, their feelings of belonging, and their expression of their Latindad.” </p> <p>“This research has been two years in the making,” says Aguilar. “Though these circumstances have been incredibly strenuous, I am proud of the work I have done and I am incredibly grateful for the students who participated in my research.”</p> <p>Third-year economics major Sun Moon, whose research with Assistant Professor of Economics <a href="/martin-saavedra">Martin Saavedra</a> explores the impacts Japanese internment during World War II had on life spans, says the research experience has been valuable. </p> <p>“I didn’t realize how much I would learn from engaging in the research process. I’ve discovered so many different ways and methods to explore our research question. It was rewarding to apply the knowledge I gained in the classroom.”</p> <p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/oberlin/sets/72157714013515596/">In this gallery</a> <span aria-hidden="true" class="fa fa-external-link"></span> , view some of the 2020 presenters working on research at 91ֱ�� (prior to the transition to remote classes) and at home.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">Campus News</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2020-04-24T12:00:00Z">Fri, 04/24/2020 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Hillary Hempstead</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The Office of Undergraduate Research invites everyone to an online symposium between April 27 and May 2, featuring research from 91ֱ�� of Music students.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2358">Undergraduate Research</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2410">Students</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2363">Academics & Research</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=4861">Neuroscience</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25311">Comparative American Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25341">Economics</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/leslie-kwakye" hreflang="und">Leslie Kwakye ’06</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/gina-perez" hreflang="und">Gina Pérez</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/neuroscience" hreflang="und">Neuroscience</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/comparative-american-studies" hreflang="und">Comparative American Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/economics" hreflang="und">Economics</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Charlotte Babarinsa '20 uses electroencephalography (EEG) in a study to understand the neural mechanisms that lead to decreased crossmodal temporal acuity. Study authors Babarinsa, Zoey Keeley, Kathryn Hirabayashi, Samantha Papadakis, Zoii Barnes-Scott, and Russell Jaffe will present their research in the 2020 Undergraduate Research Symposium.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Mike Crupi</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>91ֱ�� in Photos: The Art of Science</h1> <p>ygay — Tue, 07 Apr 2020 19:27:07 +0000</p> <span>91ֱ�� in Photos: The Art of Science</span> <span><span>ygay</span></span> <span><time datetime="2020-04-07T15:27:07-04:00" title="Tuesday, April 7, 2020 - 15:27">Tue, 04/07/2020 - 15:27</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><figure class="captioned-image"> <figcaption>“<a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5535661ae4b0e95dcbc681d6/t/5a94772b0d9297a4369ff7e2/1519679294984/Issue15_web.pdf" target="_blank">The Fragile Helix</a>: Damage, Repair, Disease, Cell, Death” Illustration by Aria Berryman ‘21</figcaption> </figure> <figure class="captioned-image"> <figcaption><a href="http://www.synapsemagazine.org/#past-issues" target="_blank">Current issue</a> of the <em>Synapse</em>. Illustration by Athina Apazidiz ’21</figcaption> </figure> <div class="obj-center"> <figure class="captioned-image"> <figcaption>“<a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5535661ae4b0e95dcbc681d6/t/5dc02cddc03fe73ed5f594dc/1572875500566/ISSUE_21_UPDATED-compressed.pdf" target="_blank">Fires in the Night Sky</a>: All About Aurorae” Illustration by Yue Yu ’20</figcaption> </figure> </div> <div class="obj-center"> <figure class="captioned-image"> <figcaption>“<a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5535661ae4b0e95dcbc681d6/t/5dc02cddc03fe73ed5f594dc/1572875500566/ISSUE_21_UPDATED-compressed.pdf" target="_blank">Beyond Brain and Body</a>: New Perspectives on Performance Anxiety” Illustration by Zoë Miller ’22</figcaption> </figure> </div> <div class="obj-center"> <figure class="captioned-image"> <figcaption>“<a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5535661ae4b0e95dcbc681d6/t/5d71a77fc5e6b70001802af1/1567729556452/ISSUE_20_Final_Master-compressed.pdf" target="_blank">Foldscope</a>” Illustration by Aria Berryman ’21</figcaption> </figure> </div> <div class="obj-center"> <figure class="captioned-image"> <figcaption>“<a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5535661ae4b0e95dcbc681d6/t/5e5ffac12c6ea61dbac665b3/1584647985096/Issue22_.pdf" target="_blank">What’s Actually Going on with the Bees</a>?: I See the Slogan and Can’t Help But Wonder… What’s Actually Going On with the Bees and Why Do They Need Our Help?” Painting by Averly Sheltraw ’22</figcaption> </figure> </div> <div class="obj-center"> <figure class="captioned-image"> <figcaption>“<a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5535661ae4b0e95dcbc681d6/t/5bbe78ffeef1a1b59a7f2235/1539209492413/Issue+17+Master+6%28Linked%29.pdf" target="_blank">The Anthropocene</a>: How Modern Geologists are Creating a Paradigm Shift in Our Concept of Time” Illustration by Steven Mentzer ‘20</figcaption> </figure> </div> <p style="text-align: center;"><a class="view-more" href="http://www.synapsemagazine.org/#past-issues" target="_blank">Visit the <em>Synapes </em>for articles and illustrations</a></p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">Campus News</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2020-04-07T12:00:00Z">Tue, 04/07/2020 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Yvonne Gay</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Since its re-emergence in 2015, 91ֱ��’s student-run, general interest science publication—<a href="http://www.synapsemagazine.org/#past-issues" target="_blank">the <em>Synapse</em></a> <span aria-hidden="true" class="fa fa-external-link"></span> has intrigued readers with subject matter such as the first human head transplant to how algorithms can create realistic faces from scratch. And leading those articles are impactful illustrations that become stories all their own. In this photo series, we look at this publication’s art of science.</p> <hr></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2355">Student Organizations</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=4861">Neuroscience</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25306">Chemistry</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25251">Biology</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/neuroscience" hreflang="und">Neuroscience</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/chemistry-biochemistry" hreflang="und">Chemistry and Biochemistry</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/biology" hreflang="und">Biology</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">“The Liquid to Life: The Potential Behind the Presence of Water in Our Solar System”</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Illustration by Aria Berryman ’21</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Undergraduate Researchers in Neuroscience Publish on Habit Formation</h1> <p>hhempste — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 22:45:17 +0000</p> <span>Undergraduate Researchers in Neuroscience Publish on Habit Formation</span> <span><span>hhempste</span></span> <span><time datetime="2020-01-15T17:45:17-05:00" title="Wednesday, January 15, 2020 - 17:45">Wed, 01/15/2020 - 17:45</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Habits can be explained as inflexible and automatic behaviors. Assistant Professor of Neuroscience <a href="/christopher-howard" target="_blank">Christopher Howard’s</a> lab investigated how the brain encodes habits and shared its findings in “<a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0224715" target="_blank">Lesion of striatal patches disrupts habitual behaviors and increases behavioral variability</a>” which was published in <em>PLOS ONE</em>. The article was written by Howard and students Jacob A. Nadel ’19, seniors Sean S. Pawelko and Della Copes-Finke, and sophomore Maya Neidhart.</p> <p>“Habits are efficient,” says Howard. “They allow an organism to think about other things while responding to the world. However, not much is known about how the brain does this.”</p> <p>What the group in Howard’s lab did know was that a deep brain region called the striatum is needed for normal habit formation.</p> <p>“Within the striatum are unique neurons called “patches” which were discovered 50 years ago and the function of which is unknown,” says Howard. We lesioned these neurons, essentially disrupting their activity, in a transgenic mouse model and tested them for habit formation.”</p> <p>The group found that mice with lesioned patches have impaired habitual behaviors and that their behavior becomes more unpredictable from day to day. They believe this suggests patches play a role in stabilizing behavioral patterns over time.</p> <p>The publication’s lead author, Jacob A. Nadel ’19, completed significant work on the project, developing and designing experiments in close collaboration with Howard.</p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-right"> <figcaption>Jacob A. Nadel ’19.<br> Photo credit: Courtsey Jacob Nadel</figcaption> </figure> <p>“I performed dozens of surgeries, ran mice on behavioral tasks nearly every day for months, and analyzed most of the data,” says Nadel. “I also coordinated with other students to ensure someone was running the experiment daily, and then took the lead on writing the manuscript and preparing figures.”</p> <p>Nadel currently works as a postbac fellow in the Intramural Research Training Award program at the National Institute of Health (NIH), and he says that this research in Howard’s lab had a major impact on his post-91ֱ�� career trajectory.</p> <p>“One of the major advantages of 91ֱ�� is there aren’t graduate students and postdocs. This means that undergraduate researchers are free to lead their own projects, gaining experience in operating independently and thinking critically about experimental design while working under faculty members. These skills undoubtedly helped my secure my path at the NIH.”</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">Campus News</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2020-01-15T12:00:00Z">Wed, 01/15/2020 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Hillary Hempstead</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>A manuscript from Assistant Professor of Neuroscience Christopher Howard’s lab was published in the journal <em>PLOS ONE</em>. </p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2358">Undergraduate Research</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2410">Students</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2367">Science & Math</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=4861">Neuroscience</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/neuroscience" hreflang="und">Neuroscience</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Pictured left to right: Maya Neidhart, Della Copes-Finke, Professor Christopher Howard, and Sean S. Pawelko, working in Howard's lab.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Mike Crupi</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Faculty Members Receive Promotions</h1> <p>hhempste — Wed, 15 May 2019 18:22:03 +0000</p> <span>Faculty Members Receive Promotions</span> <span><span>hhempste</span></span> <span><time datetime="2019-05-15T14:22:03-04:00" title="Wednesday, May 15, 2019 - 14:22">Wed, 05/15/2019 - 14:22</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><ul class="news-grid"> <li> <p>In celebration of the promotions, we asked each about their most memorable experience at 91ֱ�� and what they enjoy about being a professor. The following are grouped by rank and listed alphabetically.</p> <p> </p> <h2 class="vertical_line">Promoted to Associate Professor</h2> <div class="grid-container"> <div> <p><strong>Matthew Bahar, associate professor of history</strong></p> <p>“Lately, I’ve reflected a lot on my arrival at 91ֱ�� in fall 2012. One encounter that semester is still etched in my mind. While walking in front of Rice Hall on the first day of class, I was approached from across the street by a student who introduced himself, welcomed me to campus, and commented on my job interview talk from the previous February. The brief exchange surprised me and helped ease my first-day jitters. We still keep in touch and enjoy recalling the end of his 91ֱ�� career and the beginning of mine. He proved to be only the first of many cordial, earnest, and curious students I’ve encountered here.”</p> </div> <figure class="captioned-image"> <figcaption>Photo credit: Jennifer Manna</figcaption> </figure> </div> <hr></li> <li> <div class="grid-container"> <div> <p><strong>Aaron Goldman, associate professor of biology</strong></p> <p>“My research and teaching interests lie in between several traditional disciplines. At 91ֱ��, I’ve found a vibrant community of students and professors with the same enthusiasm for working across disciplinary boundaries. It’s a real privilege to work here.”</p> </div> <figure class="captioned-image"> <figcaption>Photo credit: Tanya Rosen-Jones ’97</figcaption> </figure> </div> <hr></li> <li> <div class="grid-container"> <div> <p><strong>Gunnar Kwakye, associate professor of neuroscience</strong></p> <p>“I’ve always been interested in teaching, conducting research with a diverse group of individuals, and giving back to the community. However, I never considered being a professor until retired Professor of Neuroscience Lynne Bianchi recruited me as a visiting assistant professor. I was very impressed with the overall quality, dedication, and enthusiasm of 91ֱ�� students, as well as the support and mentorship from faculty and staff. Thus, I decided to pursue a career as a professor at 91ֱ�� College. My overarching goals as a professor are to recruit, mentor, teach, conduct research, and inspire a diverse group of students who are the future leaders of the world.”</p> </div> <figure class="captioned-image"> <figcaption>Photo credit: Tanya Rosen-Jones ’97</figcaption> </figure> </div> <hr></li> <li> <div class="grid-container"> <div> <p><strong>Leslie Kwakye, associate professor of neuroscience</strong></p> <p>“The most enjoyable thing about being a professor is mentoring students in research. I love my research and doing my research, but I like it the most because I get to mentor students. I get to see them excited about research and develop their own scientific thinking and knowledge base —then go out and succeed in their own right.”</p> </div> <figure class="captioned-image"> <figcaption>Photo credit: Tanya Rosen-Jones ’97</figcaption> </figure> </div> <hr></li> <li> <div class="grid-container"> <div> <p><strong>Paul Thibodeau, associate professor of psychology</strong></p> <p>“What I enjoy most about being a professor is having the opportunity to work with students. I love teaching and mentoring students in research. It’s incredibly rewarding to help students learn new skills and grow.”</p> </div> <figure class="captioned-image"> <figcaption>Photo credit: Tanya Rosen-Jones ’97</figcaption> </figure> </div> <hr></li> <li> <div class="grid-container"> <div> <p><strong>Lola Thompson, associate professor of mathematics</strong></p> <p>“I took a yearlong sabbatical during my fourth year at 91ֱ��, splitting my time between the Max Planck Institute for Mathematics in Germany and the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute in Berkeley. I was nowhere near 91ֱ��, yet I kept running into 91ֱ�� students and faculty everywhere! I would see 91ֱ�� students in the audiences of my talks at conferences, where they would wait around to give me hugs and fill me in on what I was missing during my year away. While I was living in Germany, I had several colleagues reach out to me when they found themselves in nearby countries—I wound up exploring Vienna, Paris, and Berlin with other 91ֱ�� faculty members. When I started my position in Berkeley, I immediately received emails from various Bay Area 91ֱ�� alums, who wanted to meet up for coffee or offer me tours of the Googleplex. It was incredible to feel this strong sense of community, even when I was so far away from campus.”</p> </div> <figure class="captioned-image"> <figcaption>Photo credit: Tanya Rosen-Jones ’97</figcaption> </figure> </div> <hr style="height: 3px; color: #666;"></li> <li> <h2 class="vertical_line">Promoted to Professor</h2> <div class="grid-container"> <div> <p><strong>Margaret Kamitsuka, professor of religion</strong></p> <p>“An aspect of teaching at 91ֱ�� that has been gratifying for me is hearing from former students who reconnect and share how their religion department or gender studies courses helped launch their academic and career directions. Because teachers at 91ֱ�� are supported in their efforts to mentor students as a whole person, these kinds of teacher-student connections are fostered and prove to be meaningful in the future.”</p> </div> <figure class="captioned-image"> <figcaption>Photo credit: Jennifer Manna</figcaption> </figure> </div> <hr></li> <li> <div class="grid-container"> <div> <p><strong>Tom Newlin, professor of Russian</strong></p> <p>“One of the really wonderful things about being a professor is that every year you have the chance to meet and get to know lots of interesting new people—your students!”</p> </div> <figure class="captioned-image"> <figcaption>Photo credit: Tanya Rosen-Jones ’97</figcaption> </figure> </div> <hr></li> <li> <div class="grid-container"> <div> <p><strong>Maureen Peters, professor of biology</strong></p> <p>“It’s hard to define the mix of memorable moments that characterize life as an 91ֱ�� professor, but the ones that stand out in my mind usually involve gatherings of current students and alumni. These times make me realize how special it is to be a part of a community of curious, thoughtful, and caring people that extends through time and space. It’s wonderful to see how easily Obies meaningfully connect with one another, to witness their zest for life, and to hear about their journeys into professional careers and adulthood. Alumni often reflect on how their 91ֱ�� educations have impacted their lives and express their gratitude for their time at 91ֱ��. These events make me proud to be a part of such a formative period for them.”</p> </div> <figure class="captioned-image"> <figcaption>Photo credit: Tanya Rosen-Jones ’97</figcaption> </figure> </div> <hr></li> <li> <div class="grid-container"> <div> <p><strong>Baron Pineda, professor of anthropology</strong></p> <p>“Although I enjoy being in 91ֱ��, my most memorable work with students has been in London, working with students and doing my own research in the context of the Danenberg-in-London Program. I have done this twice (2010 and 2015), and it allowed me to combine and intensify things that I really enjoy: working closely with students, having great academic resources at my disposal, going to plays and concerts, and traveling.”</p> </div> <figure class="captioned-image"> <figcaption>Photo credit: Jennifer Manna</figcaption> </figure> </div> <hr></li> <li> <div class="grid-container"> <div> <p><strong>Drew Wilburn, professor of classics</strong></p> <p>“I’ve been teaching Magic and Mystery in the Ancient World since I arrived at 91ֱ��, and I love introducing students to the religious and mystical practices of the Greeks and Romans. One of the most memorable—and enjoyable—moments of my career at 91ֱ�� built on this, and it expanded my own areas of interest. As one of the faculty on the Danenberg 91ֱ��-in-London Program in spring 2017, I was able to offer the History of Medicine, cotaught with Maureen Peters, and Magic, Witchcraft and Religion from Stonehenge to Harry Potter. I worked closely with the 24 students in the program, and we visited an immense amount of sites and museums related to medicine and magic. With the assistance of alum Tracy Chevalier, we had a sneak preview of <em>Harry Potter and the History of Magic</em> at the British Library. Later, I was able to share my knowledge with alumni by leading a tour of the exhibition when it traveled to New York City this past January. The Danenberg 91ֱ��-in-London program is a unique 91ֱ�� opportunity, and I was thrilled to take part in it with our fantastic students.”</p> </div> <figure class="captioned-image"> <figcaption>Photo credit: Jennifer Manna</figcaption> </figure> </div> <hr></li> </ul> <style type="text/css">.grid-container figcaption { color: inherit; position: static; left: 0; bottom: 0; background: none; padding: 0; } ul.news-grid { list-style-type: none; padding: 0; } .grid-container { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 150px; grid-column-gap: 25px; } @media only screen and (max-width: 768px) { .grid-container { grid-template-columns: 100%; grid-row-gap: 20px; } .grid-container img { object-fit: cover; object-position: 50% 0; width: 250px; height: 250px; } } .vertical_line { border-left: 4px solid #A6CE39; padding-left: 10px; } </style> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">Campus News</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2019-05-15T12:00:00Z">Wed, 05/15/2019 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Communications Staff</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Eleven faculty members have been promoted to the rank of professor or associate professor with continuous tenure for the academic year beginning July 1, 2019. </p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2414">Faculty</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25381">History</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25251">Biology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=4861">Neuroscience</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25261">Classical Civilization</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25421">Religion</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=24656">Anthropology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25426">Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25401">Mathematics</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/baron-pineda" hreflang="und">Baron Pineda</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/maureen-peters" hreflang="und">Maureen Peters</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/gunnar-kwakye" hreflang="und">Gunnar Kwakye</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/leslie-kwakye" hreflang="und">Leslie Kwakye ’06</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/aaron-goldman" hreflang="und">Aaron Goldman</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/matthew-bahar" hreflang="und">Matthew Bahar</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/history" hreflang="und">History</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/biology" hreflang="und">Biology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/neuroscience" hreflang="und">Neuroscience</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/psychology" hreflang="und">Psychology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/mathematics" hreflang="und">Mathematics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/religion" hreflang="und">Religion</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/anthropology" hreflang="und">Anthropology</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Dale Preston ’83</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Students and Faculty Share Skills in Neuroscience Conference</h1> <p>Anonymous — Mon, 07 Nov 2016 18:20:35 +0000</p> <span>Students and Faculty Share Skills in Neuroscience Conference</span> <span><span>Anonymous (not verified)</span></span> <span><time datetime="2016-11-07T13:20:35-05:00" title="Monday, November 7, 2016 - 13:20">Mon, 11/07/2016 - 13:20</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Every summer, a number of 91ֱ�� students gain valuable research experience working in professors' labs. This summer, those students working in neuroscience labs on campus had the chance to see the workings of labs at other schools, thanks to the Great Lakes Colleges Association Summer Teaching, Learning and Professional Development Seminars for Neuroscience Faculty and their Research Students.</p> <p>Organized by Associate Professor of Psychology <a href="http://www.wooster.edu/bios/ajstavnezer/">Amy Jo Stavnezer</a> of College of Wooster and Assistant Professor of Psychology <a href="http://psychology.owu.edu/">Jennifer Yates</a> of Ohio Wesleyan University (OWU), the seminars saw neuroscience faculty members and their students from 91ֱ��, OWU, Wooster, Earlham, and Kenyon taking turns hosting the other groups, while demonstrating lab techniques and discussing work as a professional scientist. Assistant Professor of Neuroscience Tracie Paine and Assistant Professor of Neuroscience Siobhan Robinson, as well as the students working in their labs, both participated in the seminar, demonstrating techniques that they use in their research. The program concluded with a symposium in which students gave formal presentations of their work.</p> <p>The students involved say it was a valuable experience. Julia Adelman, who works in Professor Robinson's lab, said the seminars gave her perspective on the field of neuroscience by exploring techniques that are not used in her lab. "These specific things are what we do all the time," she says, "so it was very nice to see the other areas of neuroscience." Adelman says that her favorite seminar took place at OWU, where Professor Yates demonstrated techniques used to study spinal cord injuries.</p> <p>Nathan Swedlow, who works in Paine's lab, says the presentations were a valuable part of the experience. "It's a rare opportunity when you can talk to a large group of people about very specific elements of neuroscience," he says.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">Campus News</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2014-08-08T12:00:00Z">Fri, 08/08/2014 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Office of Communications</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2590">Summer Projects</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2358">Undergraduate Research</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=4861">Neuroscience</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/neuroscience" hreflang="und">Neuroscience</a></div> </div> </article> </main></body></html>