UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Biology and Ecology Student Research Showcase, hosted by the Biology Graduate Student Association and Ecology Graduate Student Organization on Nov. 1, featured poster and podium presentations from nearly 30 graduate and undergraduate students.

“The Biology and Ecology Student Research Showcase is a fantastic opportunity for graduate and undergraduate biologists and ecologists to come together and share their research and practice communicating their science, all while building their networks,” said Beth McGraw, professor and department head of biology.

Edward Amoah, a graduate student in ecology, presented “Leveraging automated monitoring of solitary bee foraging and nesting behavior to inform population models” and received the first-place prize for best graduate podium presentation.

Brianna Sutara, a fourth-year undergraduate student in biology and psychology, won the award for best undergraduate podium presentation, speaking about her research with Harold Lee, assistant professor of biobehavioral health, on the influence of genetics and diabetes on cardiovascular disease risk in older adults in the United States.

In addition to talks, the event also featured graduate and undergraduate posters. The poster winners are as follows: 

• First-place graduate poster: Suk Lan Ser
• Second-place graduate poster: Amanda Zak and Nina Gropp (tie)
• First-place undergraduate poster: Cameron G. Koch and Liam Keppler (tie)
• Second-place undergraduate poster: Marina Naumova