Annual poster event highlights diversity of research
Summer research students at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) produced an incredible amount of high-quality science in a very short time frame, says Dr. Lynn Weber, the college’s associate dean of research.
By WCVM Today“Considering this was all done over one summer, this is really amazing work,” she says. The WCVM’s undergraduate summer research program supports veterinary and biomedical students who complete research projects with WCVM faculty mentors during the summer break.
These students showcased their work during the WCVM’s annual Undergraduate Research Poster Day competition on Sept. 7.
“This was an excellent poster day, with excellent science from our students. In addition to our own Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) students, we also had a number of students from outside the college, which really added to the diversity and range of research presented,” says Weber.
This year’s topics ranged from advanced computer modelling techniques to parasite surveillance in Arctic animals. There were 25 participants in this year’s event.
Students’ research posters were evaluated by a team of WCVM faculty, staff and graduate students. The judges awarded three prizes, with $500 awarded for first place, $300 for second and $200 for third.
- First place: Agnes Nguyen (supervisor: Dr. Janet Hill). Poster title: “Accurate quantification of total microbial load in microbiome samples using cpn60 quantitative real-time PCR.”
- Second place (tie): Evanna Lai (Chiew) (supervisor: Dr. Suraj Unniappan). Poster title: “Irisin: a survey in domestic animals.”
- Second place (tie): Nolan Kennedy (supervisor: Dr. Gregg Adams). Poster title: “Disinfection and cryopreservation of bison semen with BoviPure density gradient.”
- Third place: Alex Hylkema (supervisors: Drs. Behzad Toosi and Gillian Muir). Poster title: “Acute intermittent hypoxia, neuronal plasticity and motor recovery in a mouse model of spinal cord injury.”