Trine holds first STEM research, design symposium

Trine University presented its first STEM Research and Design Symposium on Dec. 8 in the Jim and Joan Bock Center for Innovation and Biomedical Engineering.

The symposium featured 23 student projects from the Bock Department of Biomedical Engineering, the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Exercise Science. A total of 53 students participated.

Projects ranged from biomedical engineering Freshman Projects and research to Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) in biomedical engineering and chemistry, as well as exercise science capstone projects.

“The idea to hold a symposium was generated by the Biomedical Engineering Department faculty,” said Maria Gerschutz, Ph.D., chair of the Bock Department of Biomedical Engineering. “The main purpose was to give our students the opportunity to gain experience presenting their work in a professional setting. I was grateful we were able to make it a multidisciplinary event.”

More than 100 attended the event, including students, faculty, staff and visitors from the university’s Women’s Visit Day.

“The symposium was a huge success and well supported by Trine students, faculty and staff,” said Gerschutz. “The experience the students gained is valuable for their future at Trine and in their professional career. I would like to thank everyone who assisted with the event. I am excited for next year’s symposium.”

Awards were presented in the following categories:

Best REU: Jason Small, a senior chemistry major from Alexandria, Indiana, “Nicotine Effect on Alcohol-induced Alterations of the Gbg-Microtubule Dependent Signaling Pathway.”

Best Research Presentation: Rebecca Flora, a senior biomedical engineering major from Greenfield, Indiana, and Alexandra Kartje, a junior biomedical engineering major from Valparaiso, Indiana, “The Physical Effects of the Osgood-Schlatter Infrapatellar Band on the Patellar Tendon.”

Honorable Mention: Robin Furnish, a senior biomedical engineering major from Vevay, Indiana, “Characterizing Cellular and Vascular Phenotypes of Novel Pediatric Brain Tumor Models.”

People’s Choice Award for a Technical Project: Allison McCrady, a junior biomedical engineering major from Lancaster, Ohio, and Erika Kasen, a junior biomedical engineering major from Hudsonville, Michigan, “Achilles Tendon Maximum Strain and Thickness Is Subject Dependent.”

People’s Choice Award for Freshman Project: Hunter Lagrone, a freshman biomedical engineering major from Dallas, Texas, Marissa Shaver, a freshman biomedical engineering major from Fostoria, Ohio, and Austin Shepard, a sophomore biomedical engineering major from Angola, Indiana, “Zimmer Biomet Comprehensive Reverse Shoulder Replacement.”

People’s Choice awards were determined by attendees, while other awards were selected by a panel of judges.

Photos: Top, Rebecca Flora, left, and Alexandra Kartje were honored for Best Research Presentation at Trine University's first STEM Research and Design Symposium. Second, Jason Small received the Best REU award. Third, Erika Kasen, left, and Allison McCrady received the People's Choice Award for a Technical Project. Bottom, Robin Furnish received Honorable Mention.