Six biology students from University of the Ozarks recently attended the South Central Regional Tri-Beta Convention in Cedar Hill, Texas.
The students who attended included (pictured, from left) Faith Duran, Emily Spillers, Josue Maldonado Paredes, Joseph Chrisman, Victoria Lopez and Jayden Glover.
Five of the U of O students presented research projects at the convention, with Lopez earning a second place in her poster session and Glover taking third place in her poster session.
Lopez’s poster was titled, “Macrophage Inflammasomes Trap Shigella flexneri,” and examined macrophage innate immune signaling against intracellular pathogens.
Glover’s presentation was titled, “The Antimicrobial Effects of Essential Oils From Brewer Spent Grains and Spent Hops.” The study characterized the essential oil profile then determined toxicity and antimicrobial capacity of essential oils extracted from brewer spent grain.
“Having students attend the annual Tri-Beta conference allows Ozarks’ biology students to show off their independent research projects, see the wide range of research topics available in the biological sciences and practice their professional communication skills,” said Dr. Derek Warren, assistant professor of biology. “It also allows them to connect with students and faculty from other undergraduate universities.”
Tri-Beta is an honor society for students, particularly undergraduates, dedicated to improving the understanding and appreciation of biological study and extending boundaries of human knowledge through scientific research. Since its founding in 1922, more than 200,000 persons have been accepted into lifetime membership, and more than 626 chapters have been established throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.