Two ISU undergraduate students, Brock Pope and Nathan Sage, who conducted research projects in the labs of two GDCB faculty and a GDCB scientist along with mentors from outside the department, displayed their research posters and presented their work in the rotunda of the State Capitol building in Des Moines on April 4. This seventh annual event known as the “Research in the Capitol” highlights the importance of research to the undergraduate learning experience. Brock and Nathan were among 60 undergraduate students from Iowa’s three Regent universities, including ISU, invited to participate in this event.

Brock, a genetics undergraduate student presented his research poster titled, “Understanding Gene Expression Networks in Mouse Retinal Ganglion Cells (RGCs).” His research project was mentored by Jeff Trimarchi, assistant professor of genetics, development and cell biology. Nathan, an agronomy undergraduate student, displayed his research poster titled, “ViriChip: a Sensitive Solid Phase Immunoassay for the Specific Capture and Identification of Viruses by Atomic Force Microscopy.” His research project was mentored by Eric Henderson, professor of genetics, development and cell biology; James C. Johnson, chief science officer, Aspera Corp.; Asrun Kristmundsdottir, program coordinator, Office of Sponsored Programs Administration; and Curtis Mosher, associate scientist, genetics, development and cell biology.

Participation in this event is open to all undergraduate students at ISU and is coordinated by the University Honors Program. See News Service release.