FAIRMONT — Fairmont State University students, Peydan McVickers and Kiersten Lowdermilk, have been selected to participate in the 18th Annual Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol. Student participants will virtually present their abstract submissions to members of the West Virginia State Legislature and Executive Branch on Friday, March 5.
Peydan McVickers, senior forensic science major with a chemistry minor from Farmington, WV, has submitted an abstract highlighting the development and composting of cellulose-based bioplastic derived from hemp fibers. While Kiersten Lowdermilk, sophomore nursing major with a forensic science minor from Clarksburg, WV, will present findings around using dermestid beetles to enhance forensic science curriculum.
“These students have been working on their projects all year,” said Kristy Henson, Faculty Advisor and Assistant Professor of Forensic Science. “I am so proud that they will be able to share their hard work and exceptional findings with our state legislators.”
Participants were selected based on the quality of the proposal, readability of the abstract, geographical distribution of the participants, diversity of the disciplines represented and of the participating students’ backgrounds.
“This kind of research, this kind of critical and creative thinking, these are the hallmarks of a quality, comprehensive liberal arts education,” said Mirta M. Martin, Fairmont State University President. “We are thrilled that Fairmont State students have been chosen to present their research to our legislators and executive members of our state government, and I am confident that these undergraduates, Peydan and Kiersten, will represent our Falcon Family well.”
Undergraduates from both public and private higher education institutions from across the state submitted abstracts representing several disciplines including African Studies, Astronomy, Biochemistry, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Communications, Economics, Engineering, Forensic Science, Geology, History, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, Physical Activity and Sports Sciences, among several others.
Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol is sponsored by West Virginia State University, West Virginia University, Marshall University and the University of Charleston.
