Category: research

Alumnus Devin Makey’s ‘20 passion for research began in the chemistry lab at Gustavus. As a first year student, Makey had initially planned to go into the medical field. But after shadowing doctors and doing volunteer work he realized his interest was in the science behind human health. Makey is currently pursuing a PhD in…

A desire to work on an environmental project that had a direct connection to the community inspired D. Melanie Kistnasamy ‘22 to join a research team monitoring the water quality of the Seven Mile Creek Watershed. This project piqued Kitnasamy’s interest because it included research and communicating findings to the public. She reflected, “I always…

On October 23 and 24, the Society of Physics Students and Womxn in Physics club hosted about 50 students and guests for film screenings of the documentary “Picture a Scientist”. The film explores the difficult experiences of womxn in STEM fields. Faculty at Gustavus participated in panel sessions following the film viewings.    The film…

Political science and statistics student, Ben Menke ‘22 researched the effects of voter turnout in United States elections, advised by professor Chris Gilbert. Reflecting on his project, Menke emphasized the importance of shaping the future of our government no matter your political standing:. “Everyone should use their voice in government because the right to vote…

The online 2020 Fall Research Symposium gave 21 student researchers the opportunity to present their research from a variety of academic disciplines. Panelists were able to interact with their peers and faculty members, answering questions and sharing the methodology and results of their Gustavus research experience.    One panel, chaired by Emma Rossow’23, involved three…

Lauren Buss ‘22 researched music conducting for Dr. James Patrick Miller’s upcoming book, Teaching Basic Conducting. Buss and Dr. Miller collaborated to write a new method of teaching conducting to undergraduate and graduate students. “She went far beyond what the expectations were for her summer research… She also was really creative in taking different approaches,…

For senior nursing major Rachel Huber, her interest in patient and family communication led her to Aarhus, Denmark in January 2019. While abroad, she studied how Danish oncology nurses communicate with their patients about the end of life. Huber’s experience in Denmark prepared her for an internship at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in January 2020.…

Visiting the Rhône Glacier in Switzerland was just the beginning of a unique research project for psychology and art major Emily Dzieweczynski ’19 and Associate Professor of Art, Betsy Byers. Sharing the same interest in climate change, Dzieweczynski and Byers collaborated on a creative endeavor to inspire compassion and empathy for the planet. Together, they…