Presentations span scope of academia
NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University recognized outstanding achievements in research during the university’s 32nd annual Research Day April 25, an event that showcased student and faculty research projects that span the scope of academia. Throughout the day, students and faculty presented projects in 15-minute concurrent oral sessions, a poster sessions and art poster sessions, both in person and via virtual presentations. The day culminated with an awards ceremony and recognition of previous recipients.
Glendalyn Boothe of Clayton and Shelby Riedel of Broussard were winners of the Phi Kappa Phi Student Research Awards.
Boothe’s topic is “Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease and Screening of Potential Inhibitors with Pharmacophore Modeling.”
Riedel’s topic is “Fighting Influenza – Pharmacophore Modeling of Neuraminidase Inhibitors.”
Faculty were also recognized for outstanding research with presentations of the Dr. Jean D’Amato Thomas Lifetime Achievement Award, the Dr. Mildred Hart Bailey Faculty Research Award and the Dr. Marietta LeBreton Louisiana Studies Award.
Dr. Massimo Bezoari, professor of chemistry in the Louisiana Scholars’ College, was named recipient of the Dr. Jean D’Amato Thomas Lifetime Achievement Award. This award is designed to honor senior faculty members whose careers have included a significant commitment to research and service to their disciplines. Nominees must have made significant contributions to their fields of study; remained dedicated to a consistent research agenda spanning their careers, including publications, presentations, research grants or other related activities; and demonstrated a sustained record of service to the discipline.
Dr. Shane Rasmussen, associate professor of English and director of the Louisiana Folklife Center, was named recipient of the Dr. Marietta LeBreton Louisiana Studies Award. This award recognizes faculty members whose research careers have been dedicated to Louisiana topics. Nominees may have conducted research in any discipline.
Dr. Sarah McFarland, professor of English, was named recipient of the Mildred Hart Bailey Research Award. This award is given for outstanding research or distinguished artistic performance and/or creative work substantially completed during the past three years. Northwestern faculty and adjunct faculty carrying a twelve semester-hour course load are eligible for nomination.
Isabella Jones of Saline was for the second year in a row named winner of the Student Design Award. Jones is a senior majoring in graphic communications and biology.
Dr. Betsy Cochran is faculty coordinator of NSU Research Day. The full program of events and more information is available at researchday.nsula.edu.
