Released: Aug. 4, 1999
Centre summer research topics range from genetics to parenting
DANVILLE, KY-The Centre College summer research program is underway, with 19 students and recent graduates collaborating with professors to study topics ranging from genetics to parenting. Each researcher has received a stipend for six to ten weeks of collaborative work.
Although some of the research projects have carried over from prior years, Brian Farris of Gallatin, Tenn., and Beth Hood of Nicholasville are working with visiting biology professor Jean Porterfield on a new project in genetics. Porterfield has special expertise in fish, and she is initiating long-term research devoted to genetic comparisons among several species of fish known as darters.
Farris and Hood have collected fish specimens in the Red River Gorge and have begun the process of isolating DNA from each specimen. One of Porterfield's long-term goals is to sequence the DNA in selected genes from the fish.
In another, very different summer project, Kristin Smith of Louisville is working with Bonnie Bowers of the psychology department to study the needs of grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. Smith surveyed local grandparents who are serving as surrogate parents, and she helped Bowers arrange training sessions for the grandparents as a public service.
Following is a list of other student researchers, their topics and mentors.
Chris Bohach of Savannah, Ga., and Nate Watson of Louisville, have worked on hot glass studio techniques with Steve Powell (art). Michelle Broaddus of Lexington has assisted Mykol Hamilton (psychology) in revisions to a nationally used instructor's text on the psychology of women.
Sarah Cantrell of Chattanooga is working with Ken Keffer (French) in research on 16th century French writer Michel de Montaigne. Kristel Clayville of Frankfort assisted Tom McCollough (religion) with archaeological research in Sepphoris, Israel. Michael Crosser of Louisville worked with Marshall Wilt (physics) to design and build a special magnet used in nuclear magnetic imaging.
Janell Epley of Russellville has pursued laboratory work with Steve Asmus (biology) on research devoted to the sympathetic nervous system. Lucia Hardi of Sumatra, Indonesia, is assisting Keith Dunn (chemistry) in a study of electronic energy transfers from salt substrates to absorbed molecules.
Todd Ullrich of Bowling Green worked with David Anderson on a project investigating the cost of crime in America. Sarah Gilliam-Kincaid of Berea, also a researcher with Anderson, collected data from throughout the nation on solid waste production and disposal. Another researcher with Anderson, Stephanie Holbrook of Minooka, Ill., helped create a new web site devoted to environmental education resources for students and professors.
Lara McCoy of Signal Mountain, Tenn., pursued research with Beau Weston (religion) on the Christian intellectual elite. Katy Roe of Cookeville, Tenn., collaborated with Thomas Baker (history) on a study of the history of the Sinking Spring area on Centre's campus. Brian Schefold of Covington worked with Chris Barton (biology) on an analysis of Clark's Run.
Liz Boger of Bulls Gap, Tenn., is working with Don Brown (psychology) in an investigation of personality and neural development.
Lisa Houser of Louisville has worked with Brent White (psychology) in a study of animal behavior based at the Louisville Zoo. White's daughter, Jodi, a recent graduate of Colorado College, also participated in this research.
In addition to these students whose research was funded by Centre, 16 additional students secured off-campus research positions at locations including the Harvard Medical School and the University of California at Los Angeles.
- end -
Communications Office
Centre College
600 W. Walnut Street
Danville, KY 40422
Coordinator of Public Information: Patsi Barnes Trollinger
Telephone 606-238-5719 · trllngrp@centre.edu