ResearchPage 3

Summer Preview, Part 1: Gusties Earn Research Experiences Off-Campus

This summer, over 50 Gusties will be undertaking summer research projects. Their collaborations with faculty span the sciences, arts, and humanities. Here’s a snapshot of 3 students who will be conducting research off-campus.   Jessica Schwartz ‘23, Chemistry Jessica Schwartz ‘23 will be participating in the University of Wisconsin Madison’s Medical-Scientist Training Program (MSTP). Schwartz […]

Students Adapt and Thrive during J-Term Research with Dr. Scott Bur

Over January Term, Dr. Scott Bur and 15 research students worked to design and synthesize a molecule which would inhibit Plasmodium falciparum (the parasite responsible for malaria). The results could lead to a new avenue for treatment of the disease.   Bur’s research has been an ongoing project since 2017. Bur alters the project focus […]

Devin Makey ‘20 Finds Career Path through 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 […]

Theatre and Dance Performances go Digital

The Theatre and Dance department used investigative research practices to transition this semester’s performances to a digitally streamed format. These performances were streamed in the first week of December and will be shown again before Christmas.    Shared Space: In Flux    Directing a virtual dance concert presented challenges and opportunities for students Hannah Saunders ‘22 […]

Water Quality Research Connects Gustavus Team and Local Community 

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 […]

Research on Cell Resistance to Drugs by Luke Dragseth ‘23 and Katya McDonald ‘22

  Luke Dragseth ‘23 and Katya McDonald ‘22 researched cell resistance to drugs with Dr. Laura Burrack (Biology). Each student had an individual project that contributed to Dr. Burrack’s lab which studies cancer cells and their resistance to treatment.    Dragseth’s research focused on ways in which deletion of proteins involved in protecting the genome […]

Film and Panel discussion on Womxn in Science

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 […]

The Effects of Voter Turnout in U.S. Elections Researched by Ben Menke ‘22

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 […]

Fall Research Symposium Online is Huge Success

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 […]

Buss ‘22 Conducts Music Research for Conducting Ensembles

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, […]