Jamie Crait
Program Director, WRSP
SIB, Rm 3017C
1000 E University Ave
Laramie, WY 82071
Email: craitj@uwyo.edu
__________________________
Tabatha Spencer
Ex. Business Manager, UW Science Initiative
SIB Rm 3017A
1000 E University Ave
Laramie, WY 82071
Phone: 307-766-4447
Email: tspence5@uwyo.edu
A 2018-2019 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Rock Springs, WY, Hanna graduated in 2020 with degrees in Physiology and the UW Honors Program. Her undergraduate work on genomic sequencing of brown algae, Ascophyllum nodosum was done with Dr. Nicholas Blouin (Molecular Biology).
A 2020-2021 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Whitewood, SD, Megan graduated from UW in Fall 2020 with a degree in Environmental Systems Science. Her undergraduate work with Dr. Karen Vaughan and Chelsea Duball (Ecosystem Science & Management) was focused on studying the reduction rates of FeS in hydric soils. Megan is currently looking for temporary summer positions while seeking out grad school positions for Fall 2021.
A 2017-2018 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Cheyenne, WY, Emily graduated from UW in 2018 with a degree in Biology. Her undergraduate work with Dr. Naomi Ward of the UW Botany Department was entitled "Exploring sterol function in the bacterium Gemmata obscriglobus."
A 2020-2021 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Jackson, WY, Kyler graduated from UW in Fall 2021 with a degree in Criminal Justice. Kyler's undergraduate work with Dr. Kimberly Schweitzer (Criminal Justice & Sociology) focused on the possible discrimination of members of the LGBTQ+ community when it comes to jury decision-making. Kyler's research analyzed the effects of homophobia within the courtroom in respect to trials by jury.
A 2020-2023 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Laramie, WY, Joshua graduated from UW in 2023 with a degree in Computer Science. Joshua’s undergraduate research was done with Dr. Lars Kotthoff (Computer Science) to investigate new optimization methods for standard sorting algorithms.
A 2021-2022 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Laramie, WY, Riley is currently working towards degrees in Wildlife Management and Environmental & Natural Resources. During Fall 2021, Riley spent a semester in Fairbanks, Alaska, to learn about arctic ecology.
A 2018-2019 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Worland, WY, Nathan graduated in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology. His undergraduate work focused on a project involving identifying appropriate taxa as baselines for stable isotope ecology in aquatic systems was done with Dr. Frank Rahel (Zoology and Physiology).
A 2020-2021 Wyoming Research Scholar originally from Fremont, CA, Tyler graduated in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Rangeland Ecology & Watershed Management. Tyler's undergraduate work focused on a project involving the understanding of how vegetation affects hyporheic zones and water balances in rangeland riparian areas. Tyler worked under the guidance of Dr. Fabian Nippgen & Dr. Ginger Paige (Ecosystem Science & Management).
A 2017-2018 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Westminster, MA, Sarah graduated in 2018 with degrees in Wildlife & Fisheries Biology & Management and Environment & Natural Resources. Sarah's undergraduate work with Dr. Corey Tarwater of the UW Zoology and Physiology Department focused on researching the influence of changing rainfall, parental traits, and nest traits on parental care in tropical birds and how that may subsequently alter juvenile survival and recruitment. Sarah's work involved two summers worth of data collection at field sites in Panama.
A 2018-2019 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Harrisburg, NE, Jordan graduated from UW in 2020 with Bachelor of Science degrees in Physiology and Molecular Biology. Her undergraduate research work focused on a project exploring the colony development of budding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) with Dr. Zhaojie Zhang (Zoology & Physiology). Specifically, she studies the possible function of N-Acetylgalactosamine, which is necessary for intercellular communication and is concentrated in sensory nerve structures in humans, in the formation and possible protection of yeast colonies. She employs sophisticated, high-resolution microscopic imaging techniques for this study. Her research could influence our understanding of yeast and how we might use yeast to study the perineuronal net within the human brain.
A 2020-2021 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Boulder, CO and was working towards her Computer Science Degree. While in the WRSP program Michelle was working with Dr. Mike Borowczak (Computer Science) on a project through the UW Cybersecurity Education and Research (CEDAR) center. Her research focused on auditory stimulus as a form of continuous authentication, with the goal of being able to use free speech for identification.
A 2015-2017 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Wray, CO, Jordan graduated from UW in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. Her undergraduate research work on "Synthesis of Nitrogenated Holey Two-Dimensional Structures" was done with Dr. John Hoberg of the UW Chemistry Department. Jordan is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Colorado at Boulder.
A 2015-2016 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Cheyenne, WY, Diana graduated from UW in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Fish Biology and Management. Her undergraduate research work on "song divergence and reproductive isolation in passerine birds" was done with Dr. Matthew Carling of the UW Zoology and Physiology Department. She is currently working in a research internship at the Topeka Zoo.
A 2019-2021 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Gillette, WY. Bradon is currently working towards Bachelor of Science degrees in History and Secondary Education.
A 2020-2022 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Jackson, WY, Wren is currently working on degrees in Environmental & Natural Resources and Microbiology. Wren’s undergraduate research to develop an efficient method of cleaning wastewaters, primarily agricultural effluent, using algae, was done with Rachel Watson (Science Initiative LAMP Director, Division of Kinesiology and Health and Microbiology Program).
Student 2020 Virtual Symposium Research Presentation Found Here
A 2015-2019 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Laramie, WY, Delta graduated from UW in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physiology. Her undergraduate research work on the "incubation of craving" phenomena that are thought to help explain why former substance abusers relapse, and also why those actively dieting can seem to "lose control" and binge even after positive results, was done with Dr. Travis Brown of the UW School of Pharmacy.
A 2019-2020 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Lawrenceburg, KY, Elle is currently working towards Bachelor of Science degrees in Civil & Arch Engineering and Mathematics.
A 2017-2021 Wyoming Research Scholar originally from Buford, WY, Amanda graduated from UW in Spring 2021 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering. Amanda is currently working towards a career as a physician-scientist. She hopes to research and practice in the field of radiation oncology and wishes to begin her professional studies at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
A 2015-2016 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Cheyenne, WY, Rachael graduated from UW in 2016 with Bachelors of Science degrees in Chemistry and Molecular Biology. Her undergraduate research work on " C-H Bond Oxidation by Modification of the Secondary Coordination Sphere of a High-Valent Iron-Oxo Complex " was done with Dr. Elliott Hulley of the UW Chemistry Department. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Chemistry at Cornell University.
A 2021-2023 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Cowley, WY, Kalley graduated from UW in 2023 with degrees in Anthropology & Geology. Kalley’s undergraduate research was done with Lauren Azevedo Schmidt (a P.hD. student in the Currano Lab) to study modern leaves and insect interactions that occur in the present, to compare the modern flora with insect interactions in past flora throughout deep time.
A 2017-2018 Wyoming Research Scholar originally from Cheyenne, WY, Thyme graduated in 2018 with a degree in Zoology. Thyme's undergraduate work with Dr. Jacob Goheen of the UW Department of Zoology & Physiology involved investigating links between hybridization and natural gas development for a mammalian species of conservation concern.
A 2019-2021 Wyoming Research Scholar originally from Casper, WY, Adam graduated in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology. His undergraduate research work with Dr. Kenneth W. Sims (Geology) focused on the study of different isotopes systems, Fe in particular. Currently, Adam is planning to go directly into employment for several years after graduation to gain some work experience. He wishes to return to school after that time to acquire a higher degree after gaining some work experience in the field of Geology.
A 2017-2019 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Newcastle, WY, Madison graduated from UW in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Botany. Her undergraduate research work on the potential effects of bloom density on attracting rare pollinating insects was done with Dr. Lusha Tronstad of the Wyoming Natural Diversity Database (WYNDD).
A 2020-2022 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Rock Springs, WY, Hanna is currently working on a degree in Kinesiology & Health.
Student 2020 Virtual Symposium Research Presentation Found Here
A 2017-2018 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Sundance, WY, Olivia graduated from UW in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Secondary Education--Biology and Earth Sciences. Her undergraduate research was centered around the interactions between parasites and the freshwater snail Pyrgulopsis idahoensis, in Polecat Creek in Grand Teton National Park. More specifically, Olivia is interested in how snail behavior in a temperature gradient may influence their infection rate by trematode parasites. Through this research work with Dr. Amy Krist (Zoology and Physiology), she hopes to better understand how climate change may influence parasitism of snails and thus the greater freshwater ecosystem.
A 2020-2021 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Etna, WY, she graduated from UW in 2021 with a degree in Zoology. Her undergraduate work with Dr. Lusha Tronstad (WYNDD) was focused on researching pollinator population composition in tall forb communities. She is currently taking at least one semester off while she works, but at that time she will try to wrap up her research project a little more, with the end goal of publishing a manuscript. She plans to go on for a master's degree and a Ph.D., after which she hopes to carry out research on the behavior of animals we keep as exotic pets.
A 2021-2022 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Lander, WY, Courtney graduated from UW in 2022 with a degree in Elementary Education & Psychology. Courtney’s undergraduate research was done with Dr. Meredith Minear (Psychology) to study the differences in brain responses when processing mental imagery derived from virtual objects to those created from interactions with physical objects using EEG.
A 2016-2019 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Laramie, WY, Ella graduated from UW in 2019 with Bachelor of Science degrees in Molecular Biology and Microbiology. Her undergraduate research work studying the interactions of soil microbial communities, production of secondary defense compounds in plants, and insect damage, as well as characterization of microbial communities of water lilies and alpine lakes in the Snowy Range, was done with Dr. Cynthia Weinig of the UW Departments of Botany and Molecular Biology.
A 2018-2022 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Lawrence, KS, Emma graduated from UW in 2022 with degrees in Environmental Systems Science and Outdoor Recreation & Tourism Management. Emma’s undergraduate research analyzing peer-reviewed articles about the human-elephant conflict near Coimbatore, India was done with Dr. Ramesh Sivanpillai (WyCISC).
Student 2020 Virtual Symposium Research Presentation Found Here
A 2016-2017 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Liverpool, NY, Logan is currently pursuing Bachelors degrees in Environmental Systems Science and Environment and Natural Resources. Her undergraduate work with Dr. Ramesh Sivanpillai (Botany and WyGISC) included mapping Wyoming water bodies using satellite images."
A 2020-2022 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Laramie, WY, Andromeda is currently working on degrees in Biology and Environment & Natural Resources. Andromeda’s undergraduate research involved determining the ecological and evolutionary impacts of introduced trout populations in Wyoming’s Wind River Range, done with Dr. Catherine Wagner and masters student Lucia Combrink.
Student 2020 Virtual Symposium Research Presentation Found Here
A 2020-2021 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Laramie, WY, Eloise graduated from UW in 2021 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. Her undergraduate work with Dr. John Oakey (Chemical Engineering) was focused on the observation and understanding of how cells develop in vivo.
A 2016-2017 Wyoming Research Scholar originally from Cheyenne, WY, Logan graduated in 2018 with a degree in Microbiology. His undergraduate work with Rachel Watson (Science Initiative LAMP Director, Division of Kinesiology and Health and Microbiology Program), Dr. John Willford (Molecular Biology), and Dr. Jennifer Harmon (Family and Consumer Sciences) was an interdisciplinary project involving determining the fiber properties of bacterial cellulose and surmising application potentials as they relate to the textile industry.
A 2018-2019 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Thornton, CO, Sarah graduated in 2019 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Geology. Her undergraduate work on the climatic and paleoecologic analysis of the Eocene Thermal Maximum 2 was done with Dr. Ellen Currano of the UW Departments of Geology and Botany.
A 2020-2021 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Jackson, WY, Colin graduated from UW in 2021 with a degree in Microbiology. His undergraduate work with Dr. Carmela Rosaria Guadagno & Dr. Mario Bretfeld (within the Ewers lab) was focused on researching how soil microbes recover after a forest fire; specifically, he is looking for an interaction between fire intensity and the development of antibiotic resistance. He is currently working towards a Master of Science Degree in Biology at East Carolina University. The focus of this work will be the microbial ecology of nitrogen cycling in coastal wetlands.
A 2019-2022 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Salt Lake City, UT, Kaatje graduated from UW in 2022 with a degree in Molecular Biology. Kaatje’s undergraduate research focused on the immune system’s response to Toxoplasma gondii infection in mice models, and was done with Dr. Jason Gigley (Molecular Biology).
Student 2020 Virtual Symposium Research Presentation Found Here
A 2017-2018 Wyoming Research Scholar originally from Laramie, WY, Andrew graduated in 2018 with a degree in Geology. His undergraduate work with Dr. Bryan Shuman (Geology and Paleoclimatology) involved studying controls on abrupt forest changes in the Snowy Range Mountains in Wyoming. The investigation used charcoal, pollen, and oxygen isotopic records in two lake sediment cores from the Libby Flats plateau to better understand the relationships between major destructive events, such as fires, and past climatic shifts and to highlight the potential for the coincidence of fires and climate change to alter forests over large areas today and in the near future.
A 2018-2022 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Las Cruces, NM, Sydnie graduated from UW in 2022 with a degree in Biology. Sydnie worked with Dr. Matthew Carling (Zoology & Physiology) to study the health of hybrid birds in the Great Plains area, specifically indigo and lazuli buntings.
Student 2020 Virtual Symposium Research Presentation Found Here
A 2019- 2021 Wyoming Research Scholar originally from Stillwater, MN majored in Zoology & Physiology. Rebecca's research during her time as a scholar focused on a project titled "Response of army ant-following birds to predation risk: an experimental test" under the supervision of Rebecca's mentor Dr. Patrick Kelley (Zoology & Physiology).
A 2016-2017 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Buffalo, WY, Olivia is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology & Health Promotion. Her work with Dr. Guanglong He (School of Pharmacy) utilized mice to understand whether knocking out certain proteins that code for the inflammation reaction in the cardiovascular system cause beneficial or detrimental effects to the mice.
A 2020-2022 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Lander, WY, Silas graduated from UW in 2022 with a degree in Geology. Silas’ undergraduate research, done with Dr. Simone Runyon (Geology & Geophysics) focused on base and precious metals with overall hopes to help benefit the mining industry and continue to take steps to reduce our overall impact on the environment. Silas is currently pursuing a Masters of Science in Geology at the University of Nevada.
Student 2020 Virtual Symposium Research Presentation Found Here
A 2015-2016 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Cody, WY, Ina was given a posthumous degree from UW in 2016. Ina passed away during the spring of 2016. Ina's work on " Evaluating the influence of sun incidence angle on mapping water bodies in Landsat images" was presented at the 2016 UW Undergraduate Research Day by her advisor Ramesh Sivanpillai of the Wyoming Geographic Information Science Center.
A 2019-2020 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Cheyenne, WY, Melanie is working towards a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering. Melanie is interested in applying computer engineering techniques to astronomy. She would like to use her background in computer engineering to understand star formation and what compounds stars are made of.
A 2015-2016 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Rawlins, WY, Jazlynn graduated from UW in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography. Her undergraduate research work on the "Effect of hillslope and forest age on tree water use in the Panama Canal Watershed" was done with Dr. Brent Ewers of the UW Botany Department. Jazlynn was awarded a prestigious NSF Graduate Fellowship and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Columbia University.
A 2016-2017 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Cheyenne, WY, Samantha graduated from UW in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physiology. Her undergraduate research work on "Activation of CARD9: the role of adipocyte liplysis" was done with Dr. Guanglong He of the UW School of Pharmacy.
A 2018-2019 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Wheatland, WY, Avery is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Physiology. Her undergraduate research work included studying the behavior and biology of the Xenopus tadpole. She used a cryostat to see cross-sections of the Xenopus brain. This technique is used to establish gradients and observe protein expression in general.
A 2018-2019 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Newton, PA, Grace graduated from UW in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Systems Science. Her undergraduate research work focused on collecting and filtering snow samples from surrounding snowfields and glaciers for black carbon particulate analysis (Light Absorbing Heat Method). She also looked into the relationship of lichen growth on cacti relative to fog proximity found in the Atacama Desert of South America. She was interested in glacial recession research and her study area was located in the Dinwoody Cirque of the Fitzpatrick Wilderness. She worked closely with Dr. David Williams (Botany) during her research.
A 2020-2021 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Cheyenne, WY, Natasha graduated from UW in 2020 with degrees in Botany & Biology. Her undergraduate work with Dr. Ellen Currano (Botany) and Ph.D. candidate Lauren Azevedo Schmidt was focused on the calibration of the paleobotanical record utilizing modern forests such as Harvard Forest in the Smithsonian environmental research center (SERC). Measuring specific leaf traits, leaf mass per area (LMA), and insect herbivore percent damage to characterize differences within ecosystems and across various biomes.
A 2021-2023 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Laramie, WY, Susannah graduated from UW in 2023 with a degree in Geology. Susannah’s undergraduate research was done with Dr. Bryan Shuman (Geology & Geophysics) on a study of historic ENSO-like patterns that happen on a longer-term scale.
A 2020-2022 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Parker, CO, Sophia graduated from UW in 2022 with degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Music. Sophia’s undergraduate research, done with Dr. Erica Belmont (Mechanical Engineering) and Alexandra Howell (Mechanical Engineering), focused on biomass and biochar especially as regards to quantifying the effects of wildfires.
Student 2020 Virtual Symposium Research Presentation Found Here
A 2019-2021 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Colorado Springs, CO, Zoe graduated from UW in 2021 with a degree in Physiology. Her undergraduate work with Dr. Cynthia Hartung's Attention & Learning Lab (Psychology) was focused on researching the baseline health differences in college students with and without ADHD in relation to obesity, aerobic capacity, handgrip strength, and health habits. She is currently pursuing medical school.
A 2019-2021 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Cedar Park, TX, Theresa graduated from UW in 2020 with degrees in Zoology & Physiology. Her undergraduate work with Dr. Corey Tarwater (Zoology & Physiology) and Rebecca Wilcox was focused on researching Song Sparrow personalities and behavioral syndromes in an isolated island population (Mandarte island) off Vancouver, Canada. She is currently serving as a field technician in summer 2021 for the Carling lab before moving to Auburn, AL where she is interested in exploring veterinary research. Theresa will then be looking to apply to graduate school in a year or two.
A 2019-2022 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Parker, CO, Alexandra graduated from UW in 2022 with degrees in Physics and Astronomy & Astrophysics. Alexandra worked with Dr. Adam Myers and Brad Lake (Physics & Astronomy) with quasar spectra by working on computational projects to understand outliers and their nature. Alexandra is pursuing a Ph.D in Astronomy & Astrophysics at Pennsylvania State University.
A 2019-2021 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Sheridan, WY, Caleb graduated from UW in 2021 with a degree in Chemistry. His undergraduate work with Dr. Michael Taylor (Chemistry) was focused on researching how organic compounds that interact with light can modify proteins.
A 2018-2019 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Gillette, WY, Rosemary graduated from UW in 2019 with Bachelors of Science degrees in Zoology and Botany. Her undergraduate research work on neighborhood effects on frugivory rates of a native Hawaiian plant species, Dianella sandwicensis, was done with Dr. Corey Tarwater of the UW Zoology & Physiology Department.
A 2015-2016 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Bangalore, India, Vivek graduated from UW in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics. His undergraduate research work on the "Growth of EuO/Si and EuO/CaF2 and via Pulsed laser deposition and investigating its magnetic nature" was done with Dr. Jinke Tang of the UW Physics and Astronomy Department. Vivek is currently working on a research internship in physics at the University of Minnesota.
A 2015-2016 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Scotland, SD, Rhiannon graduated from UW in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Fish Biology and Management. Her undergraduate research work on " Assessing a critical assumption and providing context to remotely sensed data for ecological studies " was done with Dr. Kevin Monteith of the Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources. She is currently studying wildlife in Kenya and plans to continue graduate studies at UW.
A 2016-2017 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Greybull, WY, Logan graduated from UW in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics & Astronomy. His undergraduate research work with Dr. Michael Pierce of the UW Physics and Astronomy Department involved a number of projects including analyzing data collected from the 2017 solar eclipse by the "Citizen CATE" experiment.
A 2018-2019 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Rawlins, WY, Bryant graduated from UW in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics. His undergraduate research work in Dr. Aidhy’s Computational Microstructure Group focused on understanding how much energy it takes to form small imperfections, namely irradiation-induced point defects, in uranium nitride (UN). UN is a candidate accident-tolerant nuclear fuel for next-generation nuclear reactors. By modeling these point defects, we can gain a greater understanding of the thermo-mechanical properties of the nuclear fuel and directly contribute to explaining recent experimental observations.
A 2020-2022 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Gilbert, AZ, Corinne is currently working on a degree in Physics & Astronomy.
Student 2020 Virtual Symposium Research Presentation Found Here
A 2015-2016 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Stevensville, MD, Annie graduated from UW in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology. Her undergraduate research work on " Detecting sublethal effects of imidacloprid on bumblebees (Bombus impatiens) " was done with Dr. Michael Dillon of the UW Zoology & Physiology Department. She is currently working as a researcher with Bayer and plans to pursue a Ph.D. in environmental toxicology.
A 2021-2022 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Moose, WY, Skyler is currently working on a degree in Earth Science Education.
A 2020-2021 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Cheyenne, WY, Ayda graduated from UW in 2021 with a degree in Psychology. Her undergraduate work with Dr. Cynthia Weinig and Dr. Reilly Dibner (Botany) was focused on exploring relationships between atmospheric and both terrestrial and aquatic microbiomes in several different areas and climates in Wyoming.
A 2020-2021 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Cheyenne, WY, Hannah graduated from UW in 2021 with degrees in Biology & Zoology. Her undergraduate work with Dr. Amy Krist (Zoology and Physiology) was focused on research exploring how chemical cues of crayfish predators affect phenotypic plasticity in freshwater snails from several populations around Laramie, WY. She is currently planning to work as a research tech for a year or two to gain more research experience. Then she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in marine biology.
A 2020-2022 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Cheyenne, WY, MJ graduated from UW in 2022 with a degree in Astronomy & Astrophysics. MJ’s undergraduate work with Dr. Mike Pierce (Physics & Astronomy) was on the Fiber-fed High Resolution Echelle (FHiRE) Spectograph to be used to study stars and exoplanets in our galaxy. MJ is currently working on a Master of Science Degree in Physics at the University of Wyoming.
Student 2020 Virtual Symposium Research Presentation Found Here
A 2016-2017 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Fort Collins, CO, Lukas graduated from UW in 2018 with Bachelor of Science degrees in Geology and Environment & Natural Resources. His undergraduate research was done with Dr. Ellen Currano of the UW Botany and UW Geology Departments.
A 2015-2016 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Laramie, WY, Matthew completed his WRSP project while working on a second bachelor's degree in Computer Science. His undergraduate research work on " Using unmanned aerial vehicles to examine Epiphytes" was done with Dr. Greg Brown of the UW Botany Department. He is currently pursuing graduate studies in the UW Botany Department.
A 2020-2021 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Ault, CO, Ian graduated from UW in 2021 with a degree in Animal & Veterinary Science. His undergraduate work with Dr. Cody Gifford (Animal Science) was focused on a study that aimed to assess shelf life characteristics that are influenced by microbiological growth and lipid oxidation in ground beef packages over time and to determine if photooxidation from package display under LED, fluorescent lighting or dark storage further influences microbiological and lipid oxidation once packages are opened and displayed in a traditional oxygenated retail display environment.
A 2019-2021 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Green River, WY graduated with a degree in Physics. During her undergrad, she worked alongside Dr. Chip Kobulnicky (Physics & Astrophysics).
A 2019-2020 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Wright, WY, Adrienne graduated from UW in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal & Veterinary Science. Her undergraduate research work in the Wildlife Genomics and Disease Ecology lab through the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory was done with Dr. Holly Ernest. She studied Broad-tailed Hummingbirds (Selasphorus platycercus), which are a critical component of the ecosystem in the Rocky Mountains where they act as important wildflower pollinators. She is specifically interested in the prevalence, diversity, and distribution of hemiparasites (avian malaria) in Wyoming and Colorado hummingbird populations.
A 2015-2017 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Cheyenne, WY, Kenneth graduated from UW in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. His undergraduate research work on "Synthesis and Properties of Carbide Buckpaper" was done with Dr. Brian Leonard of the UW Chemistry Department. Kenneth is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
A 2018-2019 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, Paul has used his food science experience to open a restaurant in Laramie, WY.
A 2017-2018 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Huntsville, AL, Aylin graduated from UW in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Astronomy and Astrophysics. Her undergraduate research included working with Dr. Michael Pierce on the construction of FHiRE, a high-velocity-precision spectrograph that will be installed and operated at WIRO. FHiRE will accompany NASA's TESS mission, an all-sky exoplanet transit survey, with precise ground-based follow-up observations.
A 2019-2021 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Gillette, WY, Nesha graduated from UW with majors in Wildlife & Fisheries Biology & Management, and Environment & Natural Resources. During her time as a research scholar, Nesha worked with Dr. Kevin Monteith (Zoology & Physiology). Her research involved laboratory analysis of fetal eye diameter measurements and associated birth dates of bighorn sheep lambs. Her overall goal was to determine if birth dates can be better predicted based upon the measurable progression in fetus growth.
A 2019-2023 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Pagosa Springs, CO, Isabella graduated from UW in 2023 with a degree in Speech-Language & Hearing Sciences. Isabella’s undergraduate research was done with Dr. Mark Guiberson (Communication Disorders) to research clinical screening approaches and consistent early intervention for Latino and Native American preschool-age children, as well as looking at language barriers within communication disorders.
A 2018-2019 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Palmer, AK, Alexa graduated from UW in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. Her undergraduate research included working on neural correlates of personality and spatial navigation abilities. She worked under the supervision of Dr. Meredith Minear in her Cognitive Neuroplasticity and EEG Lab.
A 2015-2016 Wyoming Research Scholar originally from Fort Collins, CO, Marisa graduated from UW in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physiology. Marisa's WRSP research involved examining "Developmental plasticity of behavioral phenotypes in Ankyrin 3 mutants" with Dr. Qian-Quan Sun of the UW Zoology & Physiology Department.
A 2020-2022 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Crofton, MD, Molly graduated from UW in 2023 with a degree in Energy Resource Management & Development. Molly’s undergraduate research, done with Dr. Daniel Laughlin (Botany) focused on investigating the changes in critical ecosystem functions such as nutrient cycling and water use, following the optimization of species assemblages for drought tolerance and invasion resistance.
Student 2020 Virtual Symposium Research Presentation Found Here
A 2017-2018 Wyoming Research Scholar originally from Sheridan, WY, Tyler graduated from UW in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. Tyler's undergraduate research included working with Dr. Michael Taylor (Chemistry).
A 2019 -2023 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Laramie, WY, Kit graduated from UW in 2023 with degrees in Microbiology and Molecular Biology. Kit’s undergraduate research was done with Dr. Jason Gigley (Molecular Biology) to investigate how iron is acquired by the obligate intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii during infection.
A 2022 -2023 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Nyssa, OR, Ryen graduated from UW in 2023 with a degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology and Management. Ryen’s undergraduate research was done with Dr. Patrick Kelley to research what role dorsal markings play in jumping spider camouflage.
A 2016-2017 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Cody, WY, Brittany graduated from UW in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife & Fisheries Biology & Management. Her undergraduate research work exploring the evolutionary history of Tanganyika's Nile perch species was done with Dr. Catherine Wagner of the UW Botany Department.
A 2017-2018 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Laramie, WY, Isabel graduated from UW in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular Biology. Her undergraduate research work with Dr. Grant Bowman (Molecular Biology) focused on studying the specific binding capabilities of the bacterial protein PopZ, using DivL protein to gauge specific binding whether through a certain structure or sequence.
A 2016-2021 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Laramie, WY, Kianna graduated from UW in 2021 with degrees in Physics & Astronomy. Her undergraduate work with Dr. Michael Brotherton (Physics & Astronomy) on the MAHA Project.
A 2018-2019 Wyoming Research scholar and a Wyoming resident for the last decade, Reid is a second bachelor's student and is working with Dr. Katie Wagner (Botany) investigating the potential role of hybridization in the cichlids of Lake Kivu from the East African Rift Lakes.
A 2020 -2023 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Littleton, CO, Max graduated from UW in 2023 with degrees in Microbiology and Molecular Biology. Max’s undergraduate research was done with Dr. Thomas Boothby (Molecular Biology) to investigate the molecular mechanisms and structure of the Dsup protein, found in tardigrades.
A 2020-2023 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Gering, NE, Brock graduated from UW in 2023 with degrees in Physics and Astronomy & Astrophysics. Brocks’s undergraduate research was done with Dr. Chip Kobulnicky (Physics & Astrophysics) to characterize and analyze multiple systems of transitioning exoplanets.
A 2017-2019 Wyoming Research scholar originally from East Wenatchee, WA, Zachary graduated from UW in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology. His undergraduate research work exploring how bumblebees fly at high elevations, where decreased air density makes flying more difficult, was done with Dr. Michael Dillon of the UW Zoology & Physiology Department.
A 2016-2019 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Laramie, WY, Ryan graduated from UW in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Astronomy & Astrophysics. Her undergraduate research work researching star clusters in nearby galaxies and testing the accuracy of software that runs SED fitting was done with Dr. Daniel Dale of the UW Physics & Astronomy Department.
A 2019 -2023 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Cheyenne, WY, Emily graduated from UW in 2023 with a degree in Animal & Veterinary Science. Emily’s undergraduate research was done with Dr. Karen Mruk (Pharmacy) to research zebrafish spinal injury and regeneration.
A 2016-2018 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Dillon, MT, Ashleigh graduated from UW in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife & Fisheries Biology & Management. Her undergraduate research work involved testing for correlations between immune function and cartenoid levels with Dr. Matt Carling of the UW Zoology and Physiology Department.
A 2020-2022 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Oklahoma City, OK, Hannah graduated from UW in 2022 with a degree in Physiology. Hannah’s undergraduate research, done with Dr. Trey Todd (Neuroscience), investigated a potential intersection between the circadian system and the novel glymphatic clearance system, and how structural deficits in either system are exacerbated by Alzheimer’s Disease pathology.
Student 2020 Virtual Symposium Research Presentation Found Here
A 2017-2021 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Casper, WY, Tatiana graduated from UW in 2021 with degrees in Physiology & Spanish. Her undergraduate work with Dr. Guanglong He (School of Pharmacy) was focused on studying the effects of e-cigarettes on the cardiovascular system of mice at the molecular, tissue, and system level. She is currently planning to continue her education and will attend the Spanish Master's program at the University of Wyoming while continuing to work in Dr. He's research lab. During this time she also hopes to apply to medical school.
A 2018-2019 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Powell, WY, Sarah graduated from UW in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. Her undergraduate research work to explore rare-earth element doped quantum dots with enhanced optical and magnetic properties was done with Dr. Brian Leonard (Chemistry).
A 2019-2020 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Casper, WY, Nicholas is currently working towards a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. Nicholas is interested in research related to thrust.
A 2015-2016 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Flers, France, Thomas graduated from UW in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Astronomy & Astrophysics. His undergraduate research work on " Data Reduction and Star Clusters in Galaxy NGC 2655" was done with Dr. Adam Myers of the UW Physics and Astronomy Department. Thomas is currently pursuing a graduate degree at the University of Pennsylvania.
A 2019-2021 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Story, WY, Ben graduated from UW in 2021 with degrees in Microbiology & Molecular Biology. His undergraduate work with Dr. Carmela Rosaria Guadagno (Ewers Lab) was focused on looking at how Brassica reacts to drought stress at the transcriptomic level. Specifically, the expression of genes associated with photosystem two. He is currently hoping to continue work with the Ewers Lab at the University of Wyoming and will be pursuing a master's in botany.
A 2018-2022 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Sheridan, WY, Aeriana Roth is working on a degree in Molecular Biology. Aerianna’s undergraduate research to test cell viability in GelMA was done with Dr. John Oakey (Chemical Engineering).
Student 2020 Virtual Symposium Research Presentation Found Here
A 2020-2021 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Asheville, NC, Ethan graduated from UW in 2021 with a degree in Zoology. His undergraduate work with Dr. Michael Dillon (Zoology & Physiology) was focused on research on tropical environments that aims to determine the hosts of Stylogaster flies and to determine the strategies these flies employ when selecting a host and how that may change based on biotic and abiotic factors.
A 2017-2019 Wyoming Research Scholar originally from Greybull, WY, Anna is currently a junior at UW pursuing a degree in Environmental Systems Science. Anna's WRSP research monitoring vegetation phenology using MODIS time-series satellite data was done with Dr. Ramesh Sivanpillai of WyGISC and the UW Botany Department.
A 2015-2016 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Janesville, WI, Rachael graduated from UW in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physiology. Her undergraduate research work on "C-H Bond Oxidation by Modification of the Secondary Coordination Sphere of a High-Valent Iron-Oxo Complex " was done with Dr. Donal Skinner of the UW Zoology and Physiology Department. She is currently attending the University of Wisconsin - Madison School of Veterinary Science.
A 2019-2020 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Geneva, NE, Wyatt graduated from UW in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Geology & Geohydrology. His undergraduate research focused on using sUAV-based Remote Sensing to assess the effect of beaver activity on sediment transport and water quality in the Laramie Range. Wyatt worked closely with Dr. Fabian Nippgen (Ecosystem Science and Management) during this time.
A 2016-2017 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Meeteetse, WY, Darbi is a current UW senior majoring in Management.
A 2019-2021 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Torrington, WY, Kaci is currently working on a degree in Pre-Pharmacy.
A 2019-2021 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Parker, CO Andrea was working towards a degree in Physiology. While in the program Andrea worked with Dr. John Oakey (Chemical Engineering).
A 2019-2021 Wyoming Research Scholar originally from Cincinnati, OH studied Petroleum Engineering under the supervision of mentor Tawfik Elshehabi.
A 2017-2018 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Plainview, MN, Danielle graduated from UW in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Astronomy and Astrophysics. Her undergraduate research focused on 'changing-look' quasars and how they change over time. This work was done with Dr. Adam Myers of the UW Physics and Astronomy Department.
A 2021 -2023 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Reno, NV, Erin graduated from UW in 2023 with a degree in Microbiology. Erin’s undergraduate research was done with Dr. Jennifer Malmberg (Vetrinary Sciences) to focus on better understanding the bacterial pathogen Mycoplasma bovis which is associated with respiratory disease, arthritis, and other diseases in cattle.
A 2021 -2023 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Douglas, WY, Zoë graduated from UW in 2023 with a degree in Zoology. Zoë’s undergraduate research was done with Dr. Lusha Tronstad (Wyoming Natural Diversity Database) and Madison Crawford to research the habitats of the monarch and regal fritillary butterfly populations in eastern Wyoming.
A 2018-2019 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Fort Collins, CO, Alex graduated from UW in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics. His undergraduate research with Dr. William Rice (Physics & Astronomy), focused on looking for photoluminescence in InSb quantum dots as an indication of multi-exciton generation.
A 2016-2017 Wyoming Research scholar originally from North Folk, CA, Veronica graduated from UW in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. Her undergraduate research analyzing nitrogenated crystalline organic frameworks was done with Dr. John Hoberg of the UW Chemistry Department.
A 2018-2019 Wyoming Research Scholar originally from Waukonda, IL, Daniel is currently a senior at UW pursuing degrees in Biology and Environmental & Natural Resources. Daniel's WRSP research was done with Dr. Qian-Quan Sun of the UW Zoology & Physiology Department.
A 2019 -2023 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Cheyenne, WY, Austin graduated from UW in 2023 with a degree in Computer Science. Austin’s undergraduate research was done with Dr. Lars Kotthoff (Computer Science) to help a research group improve automated machine learning.
A 2015-2017 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Rock Springs, WY, Aaron graduated from UW in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. His undergraduate research work on "Acetylene Reactions in Solid Molecular Hydrogen and Helium Recovery" was done with Dr. David Anderson of the UW Chemistry Department.
A 2020 -2023 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Alamosa, CO, Rachel graduated from UW in 2023 with a degree in Zoology. Rachel’s undergraduate research was done with Dr. Michael Dillon (Zoology & Physiology), whose primary focus is on bumblebees.
A 2019 -2023 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Cheyenne, WY, Hunter graduated from UW in 2023 with a degree in Molecular Biology. Hunter’s undergraduate research was done with Dr. Yun Li (Zoology & Physiology) to determin how neural activity in the prefrontal cortex carries information that guides behavior.
A 2019-2020 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Sheridan, WY, Delainy is currently working towards a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology & Physiology. Her undergraduate research with Rachel Watson (Science Initiative LAMP Director, Division of Kinesiology and Health and Microbiology Program) and the Shanghai Nordic Ski Team athletes at UW focused on involving components of both physiology and psychology.
A 2018-2019 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Thornton, CO, Josephine graduated from UW in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Her undergraduate research work with Dr. Corey Tarwater (Zoology & Physiology) and Dan Albrecht-Mallinger focused on researching the display calls of red-capped manakins at lek sites in Panamá in an effort to understand identity, variation, and recognition. This will result in a deeper knowledge of population assessment, recruitment, climate change, and bioacoustics.
A 2018-2021 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Casper, WY, Rachel graduated from UW in 2021 with degrees in Chemistry & Physics. Her undergraduate work with Dr. Elliott Hulley (Chemistry) was focused on researching organometallic complexes used in studying the generation of protons from carbon-hydrogen bonds (heterolytic C-H activation). She is currently continuing her studies at the University of Washington and is beginning her graduate studies beginning in the fall. She plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Inorganic/Materials Chemistry, and there are several fantastic professors at the University of Washington who would be fantastic to work with.
A 2016-2019 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Douglas, WY, Heather graduated from UW in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Her undergraduate research work investigating the synergism between exercise and TRPV1 activation to enhance metabolic activity was done with Dr. Baskaran Thyagarajan of the UW School of Pharmacy.
A 2019-2021 Wyoming Research Scholar originally from Worland, WY and majored in Mechanical Engineering; Energy Systems Engineering. During Narisse's time as a research scholar, Narisse worked with mentor Dr. Erica Belmont (Mechanical Engineering) on using various types of biomass samples to create biochar and bio-oils to test the feasibility of a particular biomass for regular use as alternative fuels.
A 2015-2016 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Fort Collins, CO, Kasey graduated
from UW in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. Her undergraduate
research included work with Dr. Elliott Hulley in the UW Chemistry Department and Dr. Peter Thorsness in the UW Molecular Biology
Department.
A 2015-2016 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Marietta, GA, Jordan graduated from UW in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Astronomy & Astrophysics. His undergraduate research work "Characterizing Young Stellar Populations in a Sample of Nearby Dwarf Galaxies" was done with Dr. Daniel Dale of the UW Physics and Astronomy Department. Jordan is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Physics at UW.
A 2021-2022 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Greeley, CO, Adalyn graduated from UW in 2022 with degrees in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology Management and Environmental & Natural Resources. Adalyn’s undergraduate research, done with Lauren Azevedo Schmidt (Ecology) and advisor Dr. Ellen Currano (Botany), studies the relationship of leaf mass per area and insect herbivory across two temperate forest ecosystems in order to quantify the effects of the environment on plant-insect interactions.
A 2021 -2023 Wyoming Research scholar originally from St. Louis, MO, Gracen graduated from UW in 2023 with degrees in Geology and Geography. Gracen’s undergraduate research was done with John Kaszuba (Geology & Geophysics), studying variations among stratigraphic relationships along the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary.
A 2017-2019 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Douglas, WY, Joshua graduated from UW in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry. His undergraduate research involved using measurements at individual nanoparticles to screen electrocatalysts for the oxidation of hydrazine. Probing the catalysis at individual nanoparticles will make it possible to determine how the geometry of individual nanoparticles affects their electrocatalytic properties. His research was done with Dr. Caleb Hill in the UW Department of Chemistry.
A 2020-2021 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Mount Vernon, IN, Sarah graduated from UW in 2021 with a degree in Zoology. Her undergraduate work with Dr. Michael Dillon (Zoology & Physiology) was focused on the study of aquatic invertebrate populations and how they are key indicators for a healthy water ecosystem.
A 2019-2020 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Sheridan, WY, Tanner graduated from UW in 2020 with degrees in Wildlife & Fisheries Biology and Management. His undergraduate work with Dr. Matthew Kauffman (Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Unit) was focused on researching Wyoming's Red Desert to Hoback mule deer migration, which takes place every spring and fall. He is currently seeking employment as a wildlife biologist, perhaps starting as a technician but ultimately a career biologist with a state, private, or federal agency. Tanner is also highly considering graduate school after a year or two of work experience is acquired.
A 2017-2019 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Centennial, WY, Jacob graduated from UW in 2019 with Bachelor of Science Degrees in Chemistry, Mathematics, and Statistics. His undergraduate research involved investigating questions toward novel insights in discrete tomographic theories and algorithms. Discrete tomography is a field of mathematics that studies the reconstruction of images from limited information about them; it has applications in fields such as medical imaging and scientific microscopy. His research was done with Dr. Bryan Shader in the Departments of Mathematics and Statistics at UW.
A 2016-2017 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Laramie, WY, Elizabeth is a current UW Senior majoring in Rangeland Ecology and Watershed Management. Her undergraduate research involved piloting and studying the feasibility of using unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) to collect close-up images of plant canopies with Dr. Greg Brown of the UW Botany Department and Dr. Ramesh Sivanpillai of the UW Botany and WyGISC Departments.
A 2017-2018 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Powell, WY, Sarah graduated from
UW in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a Bachelor of Arts Degree
in Spanish. Her undergraduate research involved investigating the effects of spraying
mosquitos on macroinvertebrates in Spring Creek, Laramie, WY with Dr. Lusha Tronstad of the UW Zoology and Physiology Department and the WYNDD program.
A 2015-2016 Wyoming Research Scholar originally from Laramie, WY, Richard graduated from UW in 2017 with Bachelor of Science degrees in Computer Science and Computer Engineering. Richard's WRSP research on "Improving our understanding of how brains work by better visualizing computational brain models" was done with Dr. Jeff Clune of the UW Computer Science Department. Richard is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Computer Science at Stanford University.
A 2015-2017 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Buffalo, WY, Rex graduated from UW in 2018 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Physics. Rex's WRSP research focused on "Transit Photometry of Exoplanets using a Roboticized Telescope" and was done with Dr. Hannah Jang Condell of the UW Physics and Astronomy Department.
A 2022 -2023 Wyoming Research scholar originally from Laramie, WY, Angela graduated from UW in 2023 with a degrees in Zoology and Environmental Systems Science. Angela’s undergraduate research was done with Dr. Sarah Collins (Zoology & Physiology), looking at how insect food webs and community structure differ between beaver ponds and streams in Happy Jack.
Jamie Crait
Program Director, WRSP
SIB, Rm 3017C
1000 E University Ave
Laramie, WY 82071
Email: craitj@uwyo.edu
__________________________
Tabatha Spencer
Ex. Business Manager, UW Science Initiative
SIB Rm 3017A
1000 E University Ave
Laramie, WY 82071
Phone: 307-766-4447
Email: tspence5@uwyo.edu