To follow COVID-19 safety protocols, the 2021 Undergraduate Research Symposium was held virtually and asynchronously. While we missed seeing our poster presenters in person, the virtual symposium gave us a chance to keep and display our students’ presentations.
2021 Winners
First Place: Ethan Burghardt, Biochemistry
“Characterization of Aqueous Two-Phase Extraction Systems for Virus Purification” working with Caryn Heldt (ChE)
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Second Place (Tie): Ava Miller, Sustainability Science and Society
“Community Response to Renewable Energy Project Siting: A Case Student in L’Anse, MI” working with Richelle Winkler (SS)
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Second Place (Tie): Lauren Spahn, Chemical Engineering
“Optimization of Lignin Precipitation with Functional Group Control for Use in Bio-Based Polyurethane Foams” working with Rebecca Ong (ChE)
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Four students also received Honorable Mention:
- Justin Henderson, Mechanical Engineering, “Development of Furuta Inverted Pendulum Test Rig for Testing of Motor Dynamics and Capabilities” working with M.K. Park (ME-EM)
- Morgan Kline, Mechanical Engineering, “Optimization of Wave Energy Converters Through Neural Networks” working with Gordon Parker (ME-EM)
- Ellie Sempek, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, “Analyzing the Hydrophobicity of Viruses: A Comparison of Adsorption Isotherms and Chromatography” working with Caryn Heldt (ChE)
- Jordan Zais, Biomedical Engineering, “Fibrin-Based Materials for the Modulation of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Tendon Repair” working with Rupak Rajachar, (BioMed)