Two Hampden-Sydney students, Brant Boucher ’17 and Jason Halmo ’17, recently presented their ongoing research work at the Virginia House of Delegates in conjunction with the Student Research Showcase at the Capitol event put on each January by the Virginia Academy of Science.  The event is designed to highlight undergraduate student research in the STEM fields to the state legislature and allow legislators to interact with students from across the Commonwealth who are actively working on projects.  Brant and Jason represented 2 of 19 total projects that were presented at the event.  The projects represented all varieties of undergraduate institutions in Virginia, including public and private schools as well as 2-year and 4-year institutions.

Brant presented his work done with Dr. Hargadon on the characterization of methods to combat melanoma.

Brant presenting his research poster

Jason’s presentation focused on work being done in conjunction between the Biology and Chemistry departments on the characterization of yeasts used in the production of different types of meads.

Jason listening to questions on his project

Jason and Brant accompanied Biology professor Dr. Mike Wolyniak to the event.  Dr. Wolyniak is the Science Education chair for the Academy and helped to coordinate the event.

Group picture of all student participants

Brant and Jason valiantly transport the easels and poster backings to Dr. Wolyniak’s car in a driving rainstorm