Research opens so many doors of opportunity for curious students on Central College’s campus. This summer 13 students received funding to conduct research on campus with faculty in biology, chemistry, genetics, kinesiology and musical theatre.
Russ Benedict, professor of biology, conducted research with:
- Kayla Lindquist, Class of 2025, environmental and sustainability studies major, with funding from the Moore Family Faculty Development Program.
- Coleman Manuel, Class of 2025, biology and Spanish major, with funding from the Arthur J. Bosch Endowment for Student Research and the John Wesselink Endowment.
- Ashli Harn, Class of 2026, undeclared major, with funding by Prairies For Agriculture and a Dean’s Award.
- Madison Whalen, Class of 2026, undeclared major, with funding by Prairies For Agriculture.
Ron Rybkowski, technical director of theatre and lecturer, worked with Emily Shields, Class of 2025, musical theatre major, funded through the Moore Family Foundation Grant and a Dean’s Award.
Jim Shriver, professor of chemistry, worked with Duncan Delzell, Class of 2025, biochemistry major, with funding from the Moore Family Foundation Grant and a Dean’s Award.
Sara Shuger Fox, associate professor of kinesiology, worked with:
- Rachel Daniels, Class of 2023, kinesiology major, on a longevity study funded by the Franks-Mahmood Fund for Undergraduate Research and Moore Family Faculty Development Program Teaching grant.
- Nathan Kuhlman, Class of 2024, biology major, on multiple sclerosis and diet network meta-analysis funded by the Arthur J. Bosch Endowment for Student Research and the John Wesselink Endowment.
- Bailey Anderson, Class of 2025, kinesiology major, on public health research funded by the Arthur J. Bosch Endowment for Student Research.
“I have been studying human longevity, specifically within the Blue Zones of Nicoya, Costa Rica, and Ikaria, Greece,” Anderson says. “My goal is to expand my knowledge of epidemiological research and its impact on public health, as I plan to enter graduate school for occupational therapy.”
Katelin Valster, assistant professor of kinesiology, worked with:
- Caylor Clark, Class of 2025, kinesiology major, on a physical education study funded by the Moore Family Foundation Grant and a Dean’s Award.
- Jakie Uthe, Class of 2025, strength and conditioning major, on kinesiology research funded by the Arthur J. Bosch Endowment for Student Research and the John Wesselink Endowment.
Jay Wackerly, associate professor of chemistry, worked with:
- Jaxon Thompson, Class of 2024, chemistry major, investigating the synthesis and supramolecular properties of cambiarenes funded by the National Science Foundation and a Dean’s Award
- Seth Olsen, Class of 2025, chemistry major, investigating the synthesis and supramolecular properties of cambiarenes funded by the National Science Foundation and a Dean’s Award.
“We’re working with supramolecular chemistry with big molecules that have cavities in the middle,” Thompson says. “We’re hoping to develop targeted drug delivery for cancer treatments. Our other research looks at carbon sequestration, which basically means taking carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere into the molecule cavity.”
Photo caption: Left photo: Emily Shields ’25; Center: Bailey Anderson ’25 and Nathan Kulhman ’24; Right: Seth Olsen ’25, Duncan Delzell ’25 and Jaxon Thompson ’24.
