Science Students Present Original Research During National STEM Day

Science students presented their original research findings to fellow students, faculty, STEM professionals, and visiting high school students during National STEM Day on November 8. 

Disciplines represented during STEM Day were: Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Sciences, Mathematics, Medical Billing and Coding, and Physics. 

Some of their research topics included: creating a lip balm that protects again bacteria; spotlighting spiders in Schenectady County; changes in the genome induced by ecological factors; antimicrobial effects of lavender oil on bacteria; Vale Park Pond – microbes and mutations; and genetic factors that could result in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

A panel of experts in STEM careers answered questions from Science students and students visiting from local high schools.

The panel included alumni Amilcar Campbell and Evan Breau. Amilcar graduated with his degree in Biological Technician in 2022 and is pursuing his Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry Degree at the University at Albany. He plans to go on for his Ph.D. in Biochemistry/Biotechnology. Evan graduated in 2017 with his degree in Nutrition. He transferred to the University at Albany where he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in Chemical Biology. He is now a Research Scientist at Curia Global, Inc., (formerly Albany Molecular Research Inc.), a leading global contract research, development, and manufacturing organization in Albany, N.Y.

STEM Day is organized by the Division of Math, Science, Technology and Health, and the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP).