Record number of WNC students doing research projects

Western Nevada College students are gravitating toward summer research projects in record numbers.

For the second year in succession a record number of students participated in the IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) program.

They studied microorganisms, plants, a potentially endangered species and gene products found in cancer cells. Best of all, their research work took them outdoors — to Wild Oat Mountain and the body of water it overlooks: Topaz Lake.

“The INBRE summer research and INBRE pilot grant allow undergraduate students an authentic research experience,” said WNC Professor of Biology and Chemistry Dr. Elizabeth Tattersall, one of six faculty members who guided 19 students through various research projects. “This year, there were more student applications than ever before, and not all students who applied were admitted to one of the projects.”

Students summarized their research work on posters and presented them to faculty, staff and family and friends on July 15, in the Aspen Building. Reaching their conclusions and finalizing their results required the students to work in the field — something they really enjoyed.

“Being out in the field and using the information that we learned in the classroom in real-life situations. All of the biology classes that I have taken came in handy out in the field and trying to document all of this new information,” said Maile Pierson, who participated in two of the six research projects this summer.

Research presentations included Antibiotic Resistant Microbes in Wild Oat Mountain Soil and Topaz Lake; The Induction of Novel mRNA Cyclooxygenase-1 Intron-1 Retention (COX-1b) Splice Variants in PMA-Differentiated THP-1 Cells; Micrococcal and Bacillary Microbes Abundant in Topaz Lake Water; Bacilli Common in Wild Oat Mountain Soil; a Baseline Study of Pinyon Jay Habitat at Wild Oat Mountain, Topaz Lake; and a Plant Survey of Wild Oat Mountain.

WNC student researchers were Trent Whitney, Alexander Contreras, Maxwell Thornley, William Pickard, Nathaniel Arnold, James. Cosman, Vivian Felix, Keaolohinani Kukonu, Joshua Luis, Owen Palmer, Brisa Ugalde, Wesley Bass, Shannon Gillham, Caroline Schofield, Esmay Harger, Ashley Ambriz, Nandu Praveen, Maile Pierson and Vincent Dao. In addition to Dr. Tattersall, they were led by biology and chemistry instructors including Dr. Smriti Bhattarai, Rachelle Bassen, Dr. Gary Evett, Dr. Christian Copley-Salem and Robin Eppard.

Dr. Tattersall said there are many advantages for students participating in research work.

“Students who engage in undergraduate research generally show more engagement in their education, and are more likely to attend graduate school. They are paid for their research efforts,” she said.

For more information about research opportunities at WNC, contact Dr. Tattersall at elizabeth.tattersall@wnc.edu.

“For future biology-focused students or just any student who wants to get any type of background with field work, I highly recommend this program,” said Dao, who graduated from WNC this spring and will continue his biology education at the University of Nevada, Reno, this fall.

Let WNC Help You Advance Your Professional Career

Flexible learning options at WNC provide individuals the opportunity to advance their careers without sacrificing their jobs or family time.

WNC offers online associate degrees in accounting, criminal justice, graphic design, computer information technology (CIT), education and more. Western also offers accelerated training, where you can complete industry-recognized credentials in as little as eight weeks. Invest in certification and training in advanced manufacturing, automotive mechanics, business, CIT, construction, machine tool technology, education and welding.

Earn a bachelor’s degree in organization and project management totally online and become a leader in your organization.

Why wait to advance your career? WNC’s Fall semester begins on Aug. 26. New students can learn more about WNC’s admission process at wnc.edu/starthere. To see a list of available fall semester classes, visit wnc.edu/class-schedule.

For more information, call 775-445-3277.

CREST Presents Motivational Speaker Laura Rizo on Aug. 6

Overcoming adversity and life’s challenges have shaped, in part, of who Laura Rizo is today.

Rizo will share experiences of overcoming poverty, mental illness and identity to help attendees meet their challenges with tenacity during the College Education for Students in Transition (CREST) program’s annual motivational speaking event at 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6, at WNC.

If you are interested in attending the event, which is set for newly renovated Marlette Hall, RSVP Susan Trist, WNC Disability Supports Services director, by emailing susan.trist@wnc.edu by Aug. 2. Space is limited for this free event.

Like last year’s speaker, Zach Gowen, Rizo represents CoolSpeak. She is a former teacher and school counselor and is currently a doctoral candidate at National University.

Tickets Nearly Sold Out for Reach for the Stars Gala on Aug. 10

A limited number of tickets remain for WNC Foundation’s seventh annual Reach for the Stars Gala fundraiser on Saturday, Aug. 10, in Joe Dini Library.

Tickets are priced at $200 per person, $380 per couple or $1,500 per table of eight; every contribution serves the workforce of the future

Immerse yourself in a world where elegance intertwines with the wonders of tomorrow in the themed evening of “Giving Back to the Future.” Enjoy appetizers, cocktails, a full dinner, live and silent auction and exciting entertainment all before dancing the night away!

Tickets and sponsorships are available at wnc.edu/reach.