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College Office of Undergraduate Research (COUR)

Overview

Welcome to the College Office of Undergraduate Research in the College of Science and Mathematics at Georgia Southern University. The students and faculty of COSM are leaders in undergraduate-faculty research at Georgia Southern. Through COUR this successful collaboration will be supported and developed further via an annual Research Symposium. COUR will continue to seek ways for expanding undergraduate-faculty research in the College of Science and Mathematics at Georgia Southern University.


A key objective for the University’s is discovery and dissemination of knowledge. Prompt and open dissemination of the results of research and creative activities to the public is essential to the University’s mission of instruction and research. Taken further, commercial development and distribution of such results to benefit the inventor, the public, and the economy can be considered part of the University’s mission of public service. The University’s intellectual property policy was crafted to facilitate the commercial development of intellectual property and to provide compensation to University inventors who participate in such development. Students have inventor rights under the policy and the College Office of Undergraduate Research encourages students to review the policy and become familiar with its provisions.


Mission

  • To further the Undergraduate Research Experience in Science and Mathematics at Georgia Southern University.

Objectives

  • Support and enhance existing faculty-undergraduate research.
  • Support student travel to present research.
  • Facilitate the creation and support of new faculty-undergraduate research initiatives.
  • Showcase faculty-undergraduate research.

COUR Structure

COUR is a division in the College of Science and Mathematics at Georgia Southern University. The Directors of COUR have the responsibility of overseeing the mission objectives, facilitating specific responsibilities to achieve these objectives, and managing the COUR budget. The Directors report to the Associate Dean of Faculty and Research Programs.


COUR Directors

NameTitlePhone Email
Dr. Brent Feske Director 912-344-3210bfeske@georgiasouthern.edu

COUR Committee

The COUR Committee is charged with furthering the mission of COUR. The responsibilities of the COUR Committee include assessing COUR grant applications, attending/organizing the spring research symposium, and serving as judges for poster and oral presentations as necessary. Through individual and group efforts, the COUR Committee will gather, organize, and disseminate information on undergraduate research experiences to the Georgia Southern community. Committee members will act as liaisons to their department/unit to further undergraduate research at Georgia Southern University.

Name/EmailPositionDepartment
Dr. Yi HuAssociate ProfessorMathematical Sciences
Dr. Mark EdwardsProfessorPhysics
Dr. Jennifer BaileyProfessorBiology
Dr. Amy PotterAssociate Professor Geology & Geography

2023 Symposium

Online Gallery

All COSM undergraduate researchers (including COUR recipients) and graduate students are invited to present at the University Wide Student Scholarship Symposium.

  • Statesboro Campus-Henderson Library, April 18th
  • Armstrong Campus-Student Union, April 20th

Funding

COUR 2023-2024 Research Grants

All undergraduate research students in COSM are invited to submit a proposal for the Annual College Office of Undergraduate Research (COUR) competition. The due date for applications is March 1, 2023 at 5 p.m. Funding will cover research being conducted from May 2023 through May 2024. Students will be expected to present the results of their research at the Annual Symposium in April, 2024.

COUR Research Award Application Instructions
Online Application

Travel Grants from the Office of Research Services

The Office of Research is offering a limited number of travel grants for undergraduate students presenting original research at a regional or national conference. Award recipients are required to provide a summary of their experience together with the winning abstract no later than one month after attending the conference. This material may be made public in the new undergraduate research journal. This is a rolling deadline. Complete applications will be reviewed on the 15th of each month, for travel after the 1st of the following month.

Eligibility Criteria:
  • Students must be an undergraduate and enrolled continuously before and during the time of award and travel; if the student is a senior, travel must be completed within three months of graduation.
  • GPA of 3.0 or better
  • The primary research mentor must be a Georgia Southern faculty member

To apply follow this link https://research.georgiasouthern.edu/home/undergraduate-research-creative-activity/ and click the “Money” tab.


Student Government Association Travel Grants

Student Government Association Travel Grants
The Student Government Association can fund travel for students attending a conference and presenting their research at a maximum of $300 or student attending a conference at a maximum of $150.  The student must be a current undergraduate or a graduate student who is in good standing at Georgia Southern University and paid their student activity fees.  To apply follow this link http://students.georgiasouthern.edu/sga/services/individual-funding/.

Awards

Research Awards


2020 Research Scholarship Recipients

StudentResearch MentorProject
Jacob AdamsMaxim DurachSearching for Non-Reciprocal Surface Waves in Reciprocal Bi-Anisotropic Optical Materials
Savannah AldermanMarylou MachinguraInvestigating the molecular and physiological basis for the limited transpiration trait in Sorghum bicolor
Kathleen ArpinGary GuilletInvestigation and Characterization of a Tri-Iron (II) Complex Through UV Spectroscopy
Ashley AvilaDongyu JiaInvestigating human disease-associated genes using Drosophila melanogastor
Elizabeth BeasleyBrandon QuillianPreparation of Platinum Complexes to Convert Petroleum Commodities into Value-added Products
Alexandra BryantBrandon QuillianDevelopment of Organic Compounds That Can Cradle Two Metals for the Study of Coordination Chemistry
Madison CockeWilliam IrbyThe Behavioral Response of Culex Erraticus Mosquitoes to Snake Skin Odors
Reilly CorkranAmy PotterThe Impacts of Climate Change on Coastal Georgia Heritage Tourism Sites
Susan Quinn DavisMeimei LinUsing GIS to Examine Residential Recycling Participations in Chatham County, Georgia
Elizabeth DobsonDebanjana GhoshExploring the Dual Applicability of a Triazole Compound for Chemosensing and Drug Delivery in a Model Biosystem
Jody ErberEric Gato Sophie GeorgeHeart rate of the ribbed mussel Geukensia Demissa from exposed and less exposed areas in the mid salt marsh.
Kylie HannafeyHua WangModeling the Stock Market Through Game Theory
Katrina HarveyJennifer Brofft BaileyInvestigating The Presence of Microbial Pathogens In Loggerhead Sea Turtle (caretta caretta) Eggs
Tonilynn HoltzMaxim DurachChern Numbers in Multi-Hyperbolic Optical Materials
Amanda JanschMitch WeilandStructural Characterization of the Biodegradation Protein PahZ1 KP-2
Jacob JonesMarina Eremeeva“Use of the wax moth Galleria mellonella as a model system to study Rickettsia 1ickettsia host-interactions and mechanisms of pathogenesis”
Gabriel LoosHua WangDesigning Efficient Algorithms for Sensor Placement
Kelly MardenSue-Ellen DeChenne-PetersNeuroprotection of Caffeine in Cell Culture Models of Parkinson’s Disease
Abigail MartinWilliam IrbyEvolution of blood-feeding, non-blood-feeding and mixed populations of Wyeomyia smithii from 2018 to 2020
Logan MooreArpita SahaRemoval of a Flame Retardant, TDCPP, from Water Using Adsorption with Biochar as a Medium
Ugochi OnuohaNathaniel ShankConjugation of Peptide Nucleic Acid (PNA) to protein
Daniella RayAaron SchreyChanges in DNA Methylation Patterns in Florida Scrub Lizards Due to Fire-induced Stressors
Natalie SchautWilliam IrbyIdentifying parasites from Canis Iatrans in Georgia using Polymerase Chain Reaction
Micayla ShirleyRisa CohenEffects of 17a-Ethinyl Estradiol on Male Fiddler Crab Aggression and Mate Attraction
Victoria SmithRia RamoutarInvestigating the anticancer activity of 1,2,3-triazole alpha-amino acid analogues
Alex SnyderKevin LoopeAnalysis of Vespula squamosa and its perennial multiqueen behavior through observation of multiple micr-satellite loci.
Emily SteeleArpita SahaSustainable Practices for the Removal of Emerging Environmental Contaminents Utilizing Carbon-Rich Absorption Mediums

2019 Research Scholarship Recipients

StudentResearch MentorProject
Haley AndersonYan WuProportional Controllers for a Coupled Triple-Loop Thermosyphon System
Katherine BarrsJoshua GibsonUsing Chemical Graph Theory to Predict Colony Recognition in Argentine Ants
Charles BartonMarina EremeevaRole of RelA in Rickettsia philipii interactions with the host cells in vitro
Joseph BazemoreBrandon QuillanPreparation of a viable Olefin Hydroarylation Ruthenium catalyst supported by bis(pyrazolyl)acetate
Evan ButterworthYan WuSymbolic Computation of the Matrix Exponential in a Numerical Environment
Chase ClarkVinoth SittaramaneExamining the mechanistic roles of Integrin Alpha-6 in cancer metastasis
Katelyn Cook
Sarah Kistner
Scott MateerIdentifying Different Wolbachia Strains Through Multilocus Sequencing Typing (MLST)
Ileene DiazDragos AmarieDeveloping a procedure and establishing protocols for Cell Culture production
Arturo DiazHans-Joerg SchanzFunctionalization of Acrylate Polymers with TEMPO, PEG, and Cell-free Hemoglobin to synthesize a Hemoglobin-based, Oxygen-Carrying Blood Substitute
Shanelle DillonBrandon QuillanExamination of diamino crosslinked poly(aspartic acid) for Heavy metal remediation, dyes, and hydrogels
Elizabeth DobsonDebanjana GhoshPHOTOPHYSICAL EFFECTS OF THE LIGAND BINDING TO BIOMIMICKING MODEL SYSTEMS
Emily FischerRobert VanceInvestigation of Leucocratic Dikes in the Sparta Granite Complex, Warrenton, Georgia
Allen GordonShainaz LandgeDesign and Synthesis of Multi-Substituted Boronic Acid Derivatives as Potential Glucose Sensors
Arneshia HendersonKarelle AikenSynthesis of 1,2,3-Triazole Amino Acid Derivatives for Structure Activity Relationship Investigations Against Cancer Cells
Taylor HoodNathaniel ShankIncorporation of Biologically Susceptible Disulfide Linkages in the Backbone of Peptide Nucleic Acid
Malachi KentShainaz LandgeFunctionalization of Nano-clay with Transition Metals for Oxidation Reactions
Brian KohlerTraci NessThe Prevalence of Wolbachia in Local Populations of Cockroaches in the Southeastern United States
Madison LoganMichele GuidoneRainfall interception by the marsh plant Spartina alterniflora
Andrew MartinNathaniel ShankCreating Molecular Handles from Synthetic Mimics of DNA
Chelsea MillerCliff PadgettThe Preparation and Analysis of Copper Benzoate and Pyridine N-oxide Complexes
Juan MitchellJi WuFormulating Administrable Drug Delivery Systems using Nanoporous Membrane and Functionalized Silica Nanoparticles
Kiana MoncurArpita SahaAssessing the adsorption capacity of char derived from waste tire materials for removing environmental contaminant from water
James OrgeronEmil IacobUsing Artificial Neural Networks Models (ANNs) for Approximate Analytical Solutions to PDEs
Emily ParkerJennifer Broft BaileyDetection and sequencing nifH mRNA to determine the distribution of nitrogen fixing bacteria in the dune plant Oenothera humifusa (seabeach evening primrose).
Austin RawlingsWorlanyo Eric GatoAnalysis of Lipid Droplet Formation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Emily SappChristine BedoreColor changing mechanism in the smooth butterfly ray (Gymnura micrura)
Alexis StewartKarelle AikenSynthesis and Study of Hydroxyaromatic 1,2,3- Triazole Chemosensors for the Detection of Nerve Agents
Lucia SturgesJoshua GibsonExamining Hybrid Mortality in Nasonia Parasitoid Wasps
Meghan TurnerLance McBrayerVariation in Clutch Sizes of Sceleoprus woodi Among Populations in Longleaf Pine and Florida Scrub Habitats
Andrew VanotterenAmanda StewartDesign of Mimic Peptides for Inhibition of Hyper-Upregulated Methyl-CpG Islands
Katherine VerboomAbid ShaikhElectrolytic oxidative coupling of alcohols with aldehydes to form esters
Laurie VillamorVinoth SittaramaneNa+ Ion Modulation in the Analgesic Mechanism of Novel Quinoline Derivatives
Elijah WatersDragos AmarieCapacitor Based Biosensor to Measure the Cuttlefish Striking Force
Sheri WilliamsRobert Kelly VanceQuantitative analysis of microplastic accumulation in marine sediments on St. Catherines Island, Georgia
Robert WilliamsonMaxim DurachToward Deep Sub-Diffraction Optical Nano-Localization and Nano-Miniaturization in Complex Metamaterials
John WilsonVinoth SittaramaneGenetic and Behavioral Analysis of Top3b mutant zebrafish models

2018 Research Scholarship Recipients

StudentResearch MentorProject
Erin AndersonHans SchanzAntimicrobial Polymer Synthesis using Hydroamination
Nakita AndrewsYan WuNumerical Approximation of Lyapunov Exponents from State Samples of Dynamical Systems
Matt BeckhamTiehang WuThe Microbial Bioremediation of Wastewater Supplies
Michele BleamHans SchanzBallistic Fibers From Brominated Poly-Dicyclopentadiene
Bethany BoganEric GatoInvestigation of Type 1 Diabetes in Juvenile Sprague Dawley Rats
Sarah DeLoachHua WangPatterns, Symmetries, and Mathematical Structures in Art
Lauryn DembyShainaz LandgeMicrowave Assisted Synthesis of Biologically Active Nitrogen Containing Heterocycles
Dennis GordonJohn Van StanStemflow engenders relative aridity in near-stem soils of a subtropical humid oak forest.
Karina GuevaraAmanda StewartDisrupting the binding of transcription factor NF-κB to DNA to using peptide mimics
Noah HallmanZhan ChenMathematical Models for The Morphogen Scaling Study in The Fruit Fly
Elizabeth HawkinsJimmy DilliesRepresentation Theory and the Movement of Particles
Sarah HethcoxMichele McGibonyCalcium, caspase, and cancer: Connections through circular dichroism spectroscopy
Molly LanierChristine BedoreEffects of Tricaine and Propofol on Elasmobranch Sensory Function
Candace LuongHua WangGame Theory in the Stock Market
Andrew MixsonEric GatoInvestigation of the Toxicological Effects of CNT-Ab in mice tumor-xenografts following microwave hyperthermia
Chris PintroJi WuControllable Drug Delivery Systems using Nanoporous Membranes and Functionalized Silica Nanoparticles
Colton SellarsDragos AmarieDevelopment of fluidic device for Cuttlefish hatchling behavioral analysis
Briana SesmundoStephen GreimanMolecular survey of helminths infecting ground dwelling birds in the grouse subfamily Tetraoninae
Dylan SmeyneAbid ShaikhStructure activity relationship (SAR) studies of neurotoxin quinoline-derivatives
Robert StaleyLevi Van SantStatesboro Community Land Trust Story Map Project Proposal
Jayson SuttonCheco Colon-GaudDecomposition of Leaf Materials in Experimental Wetlands
Courtney TelfortRisa CohenEffects of Surfactant-Herbicide Mixtures on Freshwater Microalgae and Grazers
Amanda WallaceChristine WhitlockSynthesis of novel tris-indolyl compounds for anti- cancer testing
Asia WatsonSophie GeorgeShading by cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) may reduce HSP expression in ribbed mussels (Geukensia demissa) in a local salt marsh
John WilsonVinoth SittaramaneRole of Human Microbiome in Neurodegenerative disorders

2017 Research Scholarship Recipients

AuthorAbstract TitleMentorDept.
Sara AlemarThe effects of Tetrakis (hydroxymethyl) phosphonium chloride (THPC) on leaf decomposition and microbial communitiesC. Colon-GaudBiology
Tanner Avery Effects of seasonal change on submarine groundwater discharge in a salt marsh-dominated estuary new St. Simons Island, GAJ. KellyGeology
Matthew BeblowskiUsing Artificial Stream Microcosms to Investigate the Health of Ogeechee River WaterV. SittaramaneBiology
Martha Braselton Toxicity Evaluation of Coated Gold Nanorods on Zebrafish EmbryosJ. StoneChemistry
Montana Carter Nutrient exchange between creekbank and estuary J. KellyGeology
Sara CowanSequencing and assembling the first mitochondrial genomes from 3 mammalian tapeworm species (Genus: Staphylocystoides) as new criteria for determining the evolutionary relationships of mammalian tapeworms (Cestoda: Hymenolepididae)S. GreimanBiology
Daniel HowardHow appetizing is the dissolved carbon trees lose during rainfall?J. Van StanGeography
Sarah InglesbyLignin ModificationR. QuirinoChemistry
Nathan JohnsonSyntheses of V205 Core-shell Nanoparticles for Extremely Stable Cathode Materials in High Capacity Lithium Ion BatteryJ. WuChemistry
Bailey KirkMathematics Education Through College Algebra and CalculusH. NguyenMath
Morgan LaBelleTheoretical and Computational Study of Plasmons in Wrinkled 2D MaterialsM. DurachPhysics
Tea LopezSalt Marsh ResearchS. GeorgeBiology
Lauren LoveApoptotic Cascade: The Role of Metal Ions on CaspasesM. McGibonyChemistry
Skylar MasseyPetrology and petrography of granitoid intrusives exposed in the Warrenton Quarry, Warrenton, GAR. VanceGeology
Candace Moon Water chemistry and macroinvertebrate communities of local creeks with differing riparian buffersC. Colon-GaudBiology
Thomas MulkeyEnvisioning Metamaterials that Support Optical Waves on DemanM. DurachPhysics
Nicole NaclerioRegioselective Synthesis of Substituted Indole Trifluoromethyl Carbinols Using Solvent with Different Polarity IndexS. LandgeChemistry
Jonathan PardoIntegration Method in the Solution of Partial Differential Equations Arising in Classical PhysicsS. ZhengMath
Xavier PooleNew Materials via Bromination of linear Poly-DicyclopentadieneH. SchanzChemistry
Miguel RangelElectronic Archimedes’ Screw by Chiral Plasmons in Metal NanowiresM. DurachPhysics
Sarah WalkerMapping and Spatial Ecology of Previously Undetected Populations of Diamondback Terrapins on St. Catherines IslandJ. GaskinGeology & Geography
Shamta WarangDetection of Acinetobacter baumannii and Antibiotic Resistant Genes in Human Head Lice from Madagascar and Georgia, USAM. EremeevaEnvironmental Health Sciences

2016 Research Scholarship Recipients

AuthorAbstract TitleMentorDept.
Paul J. Lascuna Using CRISPR based Genome Editing to create an Autistic Zebrafish Model V. Sittaramane Biology
Ashley R. Pierre Surveying macroinvertebrates as a tool for river monitoringC. Colon-Gaud Biology
Ashley B. Williams Discovery Novel Quinolone Derived Compounds as Psychotherapeutic AgentsV. Sittaramane & A. ShaikhBiology & Chemistry
Martha Braselton Toxicity and Therapeutic Evaluation of Coated Gold Nanorods on Zebrafish EmbryosJ. StoneChemistry
Lin Luo Water-Borne Antimicrobial Coating W. M. Ming Chemistry
Surjania K. Awer Assessment of Pancreatic miRNA in Response to In Utero PAH Exposure and Moderate High Fat Dietary Consumption E. GatoChemistry
Dhruv Barvaliya High impact resistance Poly-DCPD H. SchanzChemistry
Olivia Perdue Regulation of Gene Expression using NF-kB Peptide mimics A. StewartChemistry
Hannah K. Wilson The Combined Effect of In Utero 2-Aminoanthracene Exposure and Moderate High Fat on Liver Protein Expression Patterns in Female Sprague Dawley Rates E. GatoChemistry
Christina Chandler Modeling network transmission in disease control and prevention H. Wang Math
Reid Loveless Identifying the Role of ITGA6 in Cancer Metastasis V. Sittaramane Biology
Tyler Camp Fabrication of V2OAsymmetric Membrane for High Capacity Lithium Ion Battery Cathode J. Wu Chemistry
Olajumoke O. Harrison Elimination of hazardous chemical from surface water A. SahaChemistry
Robert Kazen Particle Boards Created from Modified Lignin R. Quirino Chemistry
Kirsten Leibfried Unsymmetric Ru-Alkylidene Complexes via Transmetallation from NHC-Pyridyl Silver ComplexesH. SchanzChemistry
Marina Michaud Synthesis of Polyacrylates with Neuroprotective PropertiesH. SchanzChemistry
Sean Spurlin Regio-selective fluorination of azaarenesA. ShaikhChemistry
Austin Wright 3,4,6-Trisubstituted Pyridazine Derivatives as Potential Drug Candidates for Cancer TreatmentsS. LandgeChemistry
Matthew Anderson Detection of Wolbachia in Human LiceM. EremeevaBiology
Richard Steele An Area Based Fan Beam Projection ModelJ. ZhuMath
Reed Hodges Photonic and plasmonic properties of chiral metamaterial structures M. DurachPhysics
Hannah L. Tidwell A Radio Continuum Study of the ZEUS Investigated Galaxies Reference Sample (ZINGRS)S. HigdonPhysics

2015 Research Scholarship Recipients

AuthorAbstract TitleMentorDept.
Christopher MaysIn Utero Exposure to 2-Aminoanthracene and Type-1 DiabetesE. GatoChemistry
Andrea WilsonSugar Use Profiles to Inform Host Range of SpiroplasmaL. RegassaBiology
Danielle LottThe Behavioral Study of Autism in ZebrafishV. SittaramaneBiology
Brittany SmithRole of molecular motor protein myosin 10 in building the vertebrate eyeV. SittaramaneBiology
Amber MonroeEffects of Freshwater Crayfish Aquaponics System on Vigor and Yield of Leafy VegetablesS. SahaBiology
Skyler LambethAssessing invertebrate colonization of different substrate types as a tool for river monitoringC. Colon-GaudBiology
Jesus MelchorMeasuring urban forestry developmental growth and biomass at Charles H. Herty Pines Nature PreserveC. Chandler & C. Colon-GaudBiology
Caleb BohannonDevelopment of multifunctional cell-free HemoglobinH. SchanzChemistry
Dhruvil B. PatelProgrammable drug delivery systems using electrospun coreshell nanofibers under infrared stimuliJ. WuChemistry
Shelby SchererRedesigning proteins to bind methylated DNA minimizing MBD protein bindingA. StewartChemistry
Sarah RoesslerTEMPO-Functionalized ROMP Polymers for BH. SchanzChemistry
Souleymane Hussein SeyeMicrowave-assisted Free Radical Polymerization of Tung Oil-based resinsR. QuirinoChemistry
Jonathan R. TaylorDetection of Norovirus (NoV) using Functionalized Nanoporus MembraneJ. WuChemistry
Lena HudsonDOM characterization using absorbance, fluorescence and aromaticity indicesD. KrellerChemistry
Cyndie MitchellWhat Functional Groups are Important in the Adsorption of Dissolved Organic Matter?D. KrellerChemistry
Phillip EarlyAmount and quality of canopy-derived dissolved organic carbon (DOC) subsidies to the forest floor ecosystemJ. Van StanGeography
Alexis HayserAtlantic Horseshoe Crab (Limulus polyphemus) Tagging and Population Survey on St. Catherine’s IslandF. RichGeology
John R. CannonInvestigating Light Illumination and its Effect on Campus Crime Using GIS and UASX. ZhouGeography
Anne M. DeLuaLow-loss Directional Photonic Metasurfaces Employing Dyakonov Plasmonic WavesM. DurachPhysics

2014 Research Scholarship Recipients

AuthorAbstract TitleMentorDept.
Michael AckermanApplying Percolation Theory with difference equationsH. WangMathematical Sciences
Austin AtkinsonRecognition of Anions Via Novel 1,2,3-Triazole DerivativesS. LandgeChemistry
Matthew BerdingThe erosional effects of ocean front peat exposures and study of beach geomorphology on Georgia barrier islandsF. Rich & C. JacksonGeology
Matthew BolesThe impact of natural and anthropogenic stressors on the physiology of fish and macroinvertebrates of the Ogeechee River EcosystemJ. LewisBiology
Hannah CadeSynthesis of indole derived fluorine-containing amino acidsA. ShaikhChemistry
Samuel DerrOptimizing Surveillance Camera Coverage Using Geospatial TechnologiesW. TuGeography
Kayla HagertyOpen Economics Analysis through Flow NetworksH. WangMathematical Sciences
Zo HaynesPattern design from modulo groups and Algebraic operationsH. Wang & J. BraseltonMathematical Sciences
Ash KellyWithin and Among Tree Variation in Loblolly Pine TreesD. AubreyBiology
Carter LayfieldStudy of interactions between the encaged ions and RE emission centers using optical and EPR spectroscopyX. WangPhysics
Zachary LeeA Mechanistic Study of the Iodo-Hydration Reaction of AlkynesK. AikenChemistry
Matthew LePainIntegrated Nano-Photonic Momentum and Polarization ConvertersM. DurachPhysics
William LePainMagnetic Structure of Ring GalaxiesJ. HigdonPhysics
Aaron MuirheadAquatic macroinvertebrates as bio-indicators of river healthC. Colon-GaudBiology
Madeline SmithModification of Ligin Precipated from Black Liquor Composite and Pellet BinderR. QuirinoChemistry
Toan Tran & Mariana HernandezElectrospun Core-Shell Nanofibers for Controlled Drug ReleaseJ. WuChemistry
David Van LeuvenAsymmetric Nucleophillic trifluoromethylation of organic compounds: A novel approach for incorporation of fluorine atoms into organic compoundsA. ShaikhChemistry
Kayla WarrenSynthesis of Dissymmetric N-heterocyclic Carbene (NHC) Ligands for Z-Selective Olefin Metathesis CatalystsH. SchanzChemistry

2011 Research Scholarship Recipients

AuthorAbstract TitleMentorDept.
William HiltonDesign and Construction of an Instrument for Studies of Charge Transport in Gas FlowsG. MolinaMechanical Engineering
Katie MilhousCryptography and Combinatorics: A Prime CommunicationH. WangMathematical Sciences
Christopher WillettStudy of Friction and Wear of Biofuels Diluted in Synthetic Oil Engine LubricantsG. MolinaMechanical Engineering
Bradley KangeterReproductive Biology of the Guatemalan Beaded Lizard at Zoo AtlantaD. RostalBiology
Matthew CampbellPhotolysis of 9, 10‐diphenylanthraceneJ. LoBueChemistry
Odari WhyteDesign, Fabricate and Testing of a Small Scale Aerodynamically Efficient Solar‐Wind Hybrid Energy Extraction SystemM. RahmanMechanical Engineering
Samantha McGunigaleThe Study of the Adsorption of Pony Lake Fulvic Acid onto Iron Oxide ParticlesD. KrellerChemistry
Grayson WiggingsSpectroscopic Studies of White LED PhosphorsX. WangPhysics
Samantha JacobsArtificial Neural Networks for Fault Prediction of Electrical MotorsF. Rios-GutierrezElectrical Engineering
Brock NelsonPossible Deep‐Seated Geological Features Controlling Shallow Groundwater
Movement on St. Catherine’s Island
J. ReichardGeology
Damon LopezThe Design and Fabrication of a C02 Equipped Autonomous Fire Fighting
Competition Robot
F. Rios-GutierrezElectrical Engineering
Hadayat SeddiqiFormations of Polar Ring Galaxies Due to Rotations of Dark Matter HalosC. HellerPhysics
Efadul HuqMaking Ultra‐High Performance Concrete without Extreme TreatmentsN. DasCivil Engineering

2010 Research Scholarship Recipients

AuthorAbstract TitleMentorDept.
Wayne MorganStructural and Functional Studies of Modified HemoglobinL. MaPhysics
Jenny WardDependence of Biodiesel Fonnation Rate on Catalyst ConcentrationD. KrellerChemistry
Donald SingerStudy of Crumb Rubber Modified Asphalt Binder Caused by Ultraviolet (UVA & UVB) RadiationJ. ShenCET
Eugene BeardThe Design, Analysis and Fabrication of an Autonomous RobotF. Rios-GutierrezMEEET
Mario HultettStudy of Nanofluid Erosion on Typical Cooling System MaterialsG. MolinaMEEET
David R. LittleMultiple Paternity, Egg Dispersal and Copulation Patterns in Southern Georgia Alligators, AlligatorS. HarrisonBiology
Cory AyresBis(indole) Compounds: A Key to CancerM. McGibonyChemistry
Mackenzie RowlandEngineering Properties of Rubberized Portland Cement ConcreteJ. ShenCET
Christopher LongThe Efficiency of Biodiesel Fuels ‐ A Demonstration VehicleB. VlcekMEEET
Lavar ColeAutonomous Navigation Using Laser and Computer Vision TechniquesR. Alba-FloresMEEET
Jonathan MillerBiofuel Dilution Effects on Engine LubricantsG. MolinaMEEET
Jabeous WeaverPeanut Crude Oil Extraction for Biodiesel Production and Combustion AnalysisV. SoloiuMEEET
Ryan S. SmithDesign of an Autonomous Firefighting Robot for Senior DivisionF. Rios-GutierrezMEEET

2009 Research Scholarship Recipients

AuthorAbstract TitleMentorDept.
Ryan McDanielImplementation of wear and directional photoemission measurement capabilities to a high vacuum instrumentG. MolinaMEEET
Andrea C. McHughStructural Geology of Paleozoic shear zones in the Blue Ridge thrust complex, western NC and eastern TNC. TrupeGeology
Chad SegalSmart and Lean ECU for High Efficiency and Low Emissions Bio Ethanol Green EngineSoloinMEEET
Jessica SparrowTemperature variations within and among Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta carreta) nests across the season: Possible influence on hatchling sex ratios.D. RostalBiology
Wade CarruthPopulation genetics of the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)S. HarrisonBiology
James BoringThe Design Fabrication of an Autonomous Mission Specific RobotF. Rios-GutierrezMEEET
Michelle CarlsonShell Utilization by juvenile fiddler crabs varies with substrate quality and speciesS. GeorgeBiology
Stephen McElveenUsing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to Study Low Birth Weight (LBW) Prevalence in Georgia Public Health District 9W. TuGeography
Sara R. LabelleApplication of GPS and GIS Technologies in Travel Time and Delay StudyJ. ShenCET
Jonathan TurnerDesign Fabrication and Performance measurement of a Prototype Savonius Rotor Vertical Axis Energy Conversion SystemM. RahmanMEEET
Alison KritterMethod of Insect Foraging in Owl Monkeys (Aotus spp): Sight or Sound?M. CawthornBiology
JoAnna CheathamLEGO Robotics ResearchF. Rios-GutierrezMEEET
Vanessa N. CooperExploring extremal trees of chemical indices through algorithm design and computer programmingH. WangMath

Travel Awards


2014 Travel Award Recipients

Recipient$Professional MeetingMentor/Dept.
Michael Ackerman$250Mathematical Association of America Southeastern Section MeetingH. Wang/Math
Michelle Berlyoung$600247th National American Chemical SocietyR. Fortenberry/Chemistry
Travis Blanton$750247th National American Chemical SocietyM. McGibony/Chemistry
Lindsey Burch$600247th National American Chemical SocietyA. Stewart/Chemistry
Shaquille Christmas$250Joint Aquatic Sciences Meeting: Society of Freshwater ScienceJ. Lewis/Biology
Kyle Edwards$750247th National American Chemical SocietyR. Quirino/Chemistry
Tori Goehring$1,000Joint Aquatic Sciences Meeting: Society of Freshwater ScienceC. Colon-Gaud/Biology
Katie Googe$300GA Entomological Society MeetingE. Mondor/Biology
Kyle Houston$350The Geological Society of America, Southeastern Section, 63rd Annual MeetingC. Trupe/Geology
Walter Jackson$750247th National American Chemical SocietyE. Gato/Chemistry
Jacob Jay$70053rd Annual Society of Toxicology MeetingE. Gato/Chemistry
Ashley Johns$600247th National American Chemical Society R. Quirino/Chemistry
David Keene$900American Physical Society March Meeting M. Durach/Physics
Josh Klingel$500Combinatorics, Graph Theory, and Computing H. Wang/Math
Calib Lanier$1,000American Physical Society March Meeting M. Edwards/Physics
Nytara Mattis$70053rd Annual Society of Toxicology Meeting E. Gato/Chemistry
Aaron Murihead$250Joint Aquatic Sciences Meeting: Society of Freshwater Science K. Gagel/CAC (Biology)
Daniel Page$750247th National American Chemical Society A. Stewart/Chemistry
Eboni Pullen$597.60247th National American Chemical Society M. McGibony/Chemistry
Jessica Rasdall$70053rd Annual Society of Toxicology Meeting E. Gato/Chemistry
Shannon Rhodes$200SOTL Commons Conference S. Landge/Chemistry
Clara Rucker$35063rd Annual Geology Association of America K. Vance/Geology
Kayla Smith$500Southeastern SDB Meeting V. Sittaramane/Biology
Caitlyn Stouder$750247th National American Chemical Society A. Saha/Chemistry
Mallory Theis$600247th National American Chemical Society R. Fortenberry/Chemistry
Katelyn Yeomans$275MAA Southeastern Section Meeting A. Iacob/Math

2013 Travel Award Recipients

Recipient$Abstract TitleMentor/Dept.
Zachary Ansley$450Unusual Coastal Bone Morphology and Histology in a large cretaceous Mosasaur (Squamata)K. Smith/Geology
Mark Blocker$150Synthesis of Unusual Trifluoromethylated Amino Acids via Electrophilic Addition of 2-Methyl Azaarenes with α-Trifluoromethylimino EstersA. Shaikh/Chemistry
Christine Brussell$849The Late Pleistocene Thermal Enclave: New evidence from an American Mastodon site in South Carolina, USAK Smith/Geology
Matthew Christianson$305Solvent dependent regioselective hydroxy-trifluoroalkylation of indolesS. Landge/Chemistry
Christopher Dickerson$500Field Research: Radiation fog microphysics at Tejon Ranch and nearby locations in the San Joaquin Valley of CaliforniaJ. Underwood/Geography
Karena Hawkins$280Approach Towards 1,2,3-Triazoles Sensors for the detection of Heavy Transition Metal CationK. Aiken/Chemistry
Brandon Jones$280Mechanistic investigation of the hydration of 5-oxo-1-alkynes into methyl ketones via a one-pot oxy-iodination/reduction reactionK. Aiken/Chemistry
Derrick Mayers$800Characterizing the role of Integrin a6 in human cancer metastasis using zebrafish larvae as a modelV. Sittaramane/Biology
Michael Melvin$300Gold nanorod-drug conjugates toward inhibited amyloid fibril in Alzheimer’s diseaseJ. Stone/Chemistry
Briana Miller$1000Concentrations of Ecdysteroids and Vitellogenins in Three Sexual Stages of the Spot Prawn (Pandalus platyceros) and the effect of Eyestalk AblationS. George/Biology
Kayla Mills$305Assessing the ability of dye conjugated gold nanorods to recognize and bind to cell surface receptorsJ. Stone/Chemistry
Raven Stocking$305Solvent dependent regioselective hydroxy-trifluoroalkylation of indolesS. Landge/Chemistry
Khairi Warren$280Exploring initial reactions with a chiral N,O,O based ligand in transition metal cluster chemistryA. Saha/Chemistry

2008 Travel Award Recipients

Recipient$Abstract TitleMeetingMentor/Dept.
Kia Burch$600Cloning of the AQP3 gene and the localization of the AQ3 protein in dogfish shark8th International Congress on the Biology of FishC. Cutler/Biology
Sheena Harmon$600The cloning and sequencing of aquaporin1e in dogfish shark (Squalus acanthias)8th International Congress on the Biology of FishC. Cutler/Biology
Jacob McBride and Charles Walker$1000Manufacturing and experimental characterization of fabric reinforced composite shaftsSAMPE Fall Technical ConferenceA. Mitra/MEEET
Brendan McKee$985Student level automated robotics competitionSoutheastCon 2008 sponsored by IEEEY. Al-Kalaani/MEEET
Kyle Morse$600Improving the performance of GS FSAE CarsFormula SAE 2008, Sponsor: Society of Automotive EngineersM. Rahman/MEEET

2007 Travel Award Recipients

Recipient$Abstract TitleMeetingMentor/Dept.
Rebekah Baskin$650Aggregation behavior of sodium taurocholate at submicellar concentrations using a fluorescent phospholipid probeAmerican Chemical Society, LAL. Frost/Chemistry
John Callaway$500Demography of two populations of Gopherus polyphemus: size , age, growth and habitat qualitySociety of Integrative and Comparative Biology, TXD. Rostal/Biology
Tabbatha Davis$650Overexpression of green fluorescence protein fused to cutinase in E. coliAmerican Chemical Society, LAD. Stallings/Chemistry
Laura Halmo, Mark Hanna, James Bland, Kelly Rowen$400Math JeopardyMAA SE CitadelJ. Zhu & J. Wu/ Mathematical Sciences
Dawne Knox$623Voice recognition algorithms for intelligent robotsNational Society of Black Engineers, FLS. Bernadin/MEEET
Philip Marley$500Comparison of home range size and reproduction in female gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) based on radio-telemetry and long-term recaptureSociety for Integrative and Comparative Biology, TXD. Rostal/Biology
Darryl Miles$693Progress towards the synthesis of dragmacidin alkaloidsAmerican Chemical Society, LAC. Whitlock/Chemistry
Aaron Morris$500The effect of a bar on a minor-merger interpretation of NGC 1097’s optical jetsAstrology Society, TXC. Heller/Physics
Samantha Peacock$484Solid phase microextraction analysis of volatiles in a honey bee hive by gas chromatography mass spectrometryAnalytical Chemists & Applied Specialists, LAN. Schmidt/Chemistry

Undergrad News

Christopher A. Mays
Christopher A. Mays

Christopher A. Mays graduated from Georgia Southern with a B.S. Biology and minor in Chemistry. Currently, he is a post-baccalaureate with the National Institutes of Health (POSTBAC IRTA/CRTA program). He is working in the laboratory of David M. Wilson, PhD. Learn more about the research at: https://irp.nih.gov/pi/david-wilson.


Olajumoke Harrison
Olajumoke Harrison

Biology major Olajumoke Harrison graduated from Georgia Southern in the spring of 2017. For 2 years, she conducted research with Arpita Saha, PhD. Olajumoke won a COUR research award in 2016, as well as a Certificate of Appreciation by the division of Environmental Chemistry at the American Chemical Society (ACS) conference in San Francisco, spring 2017.


Chemistry major Caitlyn Stouder graduated from Georgia Southern in the spring of 2016. She conducted research with Arpita Saha, PhD. for nearly 3 years. Caitlyn is the first author of the leading journals, Inorganica Chim Acta. She won the Bill Ponder Chemistry Scholarship in 2016 and the Outstanding Undergraduate Senior Award in 2017. Caitlyn is currently enrolled in the Dental School at Georgia.


Hannah Wilson
Hannah Wilson

Hannah K. Wilson earned her B.S. in Nutrition and Food Science, with a double emphasis in Dietetics and Food Science/Food Systems Administration, and a minor in Chemistry from Georgia Southern. Hannah has been accepted into the combined PhD. in Foods and Nutrition and Dietetic Internship program at the University of Georgia where she is currently a graduate research assistant.


Richard Steele
Richard Steele

Richard Steele (double major in mathematics and physics, and COUR Scholar) presented his research (under the supervision of Jiehua Zhu, PhD.) entitled “An area based fan beam projection model” at the 2017 Southeaster Section Meeting of the Mathematics Association of America. He won the Walt and Susan Patterson prize for outstanding undergraduate presentations. Richard has also presented his work at the Southeastern Regional Honors Conference, the joint Mathematics Meeting, the COUR symposium, and the Honors Research symposium.


Michael O. Hurst, Jr., double major in chemistry and biology, was admitted to the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine August 2017.

Undergraduate Conference Presentations

Kyle Hinton, Grace Powers, Nicole Scheurmann, and Michael Saint-Jean (all Biology) presented a poster entitled “Cholinergic stimulation of the adult zebrafish brain induces phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta and extracellular signal-regulated kinase in the telencephalon of adult zebrafish” at the Symposium for Young Neuroscientists and Professors of the Southeast (SYNAPSE) in  High Point, North Carolina.

Andrew Mixson (Biology)  alongside other co-authors presented a poster entitled “Investigation of the toxicological effects of CNT-Ab  in mice following microwave hyperthermia” at the 2018 Southeastern Society of Toxicology (SESOT) Annual Meeting at the University of Florida.

Andrew Mixson (Biology) also gave a platform presentation at the TriBeta Biological Honor Society held at East Carolina University in April of 2019. He was awarded Second Place in the Frank G. Brooks Award for Excellence in Student Research.

Kiana Moncur (Chemistry and Biochemistry) presented a poster titled ” Quest of synthesizing new polynuclear transition metal complexes with the use of 4,5-Bis(hydroxymethyl)-2-methylpyridin-3-ol (PNH2)” at the American Chemical Society Conference in Orlando, Florida in April of 2019.

Daniella Ray (Biology) and Miranda Smith (Biochemistry) presented their research at the American Peanut Research and Education Society conference in Auburn, Alabama in summer of 2019.  They were the only undergraduates attending. They are funded through the National Peanut Board via the Georgia Peanut Commission.

Linnea Ryan (Geography) presented a paper entitled “Sojourn in Savannah: Examining the City’s Historical Markers Through A Content and Spatial Analysis” at the  American Association of Geographers Annual Meeting in Washington D.C. in April of 2019.

Nicholas Shummate (Chemistry and Biochemistry) presented a poster titled “Syntheses, single-crystal x-ray analysis, spectroscopic and magnetic characterizations of polynuclear transition metal complexes incorporating the anion of  4,5-Bis(hydroxymethyl)-2-methylpyridin-3-ol” at the American Chemical Society Conference in Orlando, Florida in April of 2019.

Katherine Barrs, (Biology and Mathematics) gave multiple oral and poster presentations at local and regional biology and mathematics conferences, and won the Franks G. Brooks Award for Excellence in Student Research at the TriBeta Regional Research Conference in Memphis, Tennessee.


Student Co-Authored Publications (Student Name Underlined)

Michael Reagan, Eric T. Drew, Z. John. Zhang,  Clifford W. Padgett, Jeffery Orvis, Arpita Saha. 2018. Synthesis and characterization of two new mixed-valent Mn6 complexes derived from a well-explored 2- hydroxymethyl pyridine along with the use of newly employed carboxylate ions.  Inorganic Chemistry Communication, 97, 139.

Simpo Rose Ogwang Akech, Olajumoke Harrison, Arpita Saha. 2018. Removal of a Potentially Hazardous Chemical, Tetrakis (Hydroxymethyl) Phosphonium Chloride from Water Using Biochar as a Medium of Adsorption. Environmental Technology & Innovation, 12, 196.

Ji Wu, Congrui Jin, Nathan Johnson, Moses Kusi, and Jianlin Li, ‘Micron-size Silicon Monoxide Asymmetric Membranes for Highly Stable Lithium Ion Battery Anode’, ChemistrySelect, 2018, 3, 8662-8668.

Hargis, Hailey, Gotsch, Sybil G., Porada, Philipp, Moore, Georgianne W., Ferguson, Briana, and Van Stan, John T. 2019. Arboreal Epiphytes in the Soil-Atmosphere Interface: How Often Are the Biggest “Buckets” in the Canopy Empty? Geosciences 9, 342; doi: www.mdpi.com/journal/geosciences

Finney, Jeffery R. and Potter, Amy E. 2018. “You’re out of your place:” Black mobility on Tybee Island, Georgia from Civil Rights to Orange Crush. The Southeastern Geographer 58 (1): 104-124.

This publication was recognized as the best paper published in the Southeastern Geographer in 2018 at the Annual Meeting of the Southeastern Division of the American Association of Geographers in Johnson City, TN.

Craven, K. S., Sheppard, S., Stallard, L. B., Richardson, M. and C. N. Belcher. (2019) Investigating a link between head malformations and lack of pigmentation in loggerhead sea turtle embryos (Caretta caretta, Linnaeus, 1758) in the southeastern United States. Herpetology Notes, 12: 819-825.

Scheuermann, N., and DeChenne-Peters, S.E. (2019). Faculty Experiences during the Implementation of a Developed CURE Curriculum at Primarily Undergraduate Institutions and a Community College. Talk presented at the Society for the Advancement of Biology Education Research, Minneapolis, MN.

Ji Wu, Ian Byrd, Congrui Jin, Jianlin Li, Hao Chen, Anju Sharma, Tyler Camp, and Ryan Bujol. 2017. ‘Reinvigorating Reverse Osmosis Membrane Technology for Stabilizing V2O5 Lithium Ion Battery Cathode’, ChemElectroChem,  4, 1181-1189. 

Marina E. Eremeeva, Shamta S. Warang, Matthew L. Anderson, Danielle Capps, Sarah Zohdy,  and Lance A. Durden. 2019. Molecular Survey for Pathogens and Markers of Permethrin Resistance in Human Head Lice (Phtiraptera:Pediculidae) From Madagascar. Journal of Parasitology 105(3) 349-468.

Matthew L. Anderson, R. Chris Rustin and Marina E. Eremeeva. 2019. Pilot survey of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) from southeastern Georgia, USA for Wolbachia and Rickettsia felis (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae). J. Vector Borne Dis 56, June 2019, 92-97.

Undergraduate Student Awards

Katherine Barrs (Biology and Mathematics) was awarded a Barry Goldwater Scholarship, the preeminent undergraduate award for students pursuing research careers in the natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering. She is one of only 496 college students from across the United States to earn the scholarship, which she will apply to her remaining four semesters of coursework.

COSM Transcript Notation for Dean’s Recognition as a Research Scholar

Undergraduate students may receive the COSM notation on their transcript by fulfilling a set of requirements listed below prior to the awarding of their degree. The notation would appear as:

Dean’s Recognition as a Research Scholar

The transcript notation provides evidence that the student has demonstrated excellence in scientific research and will certify that the student has achieved proficiency in a set of research and scholarly benchmarks as outlined by the College.  The Dean will award students with this designation at the Dean’s Recognition as a Research Scholar reception.  

Research in the College of Science and Mathematics

Research experiences are a high impact practice in the COSM. Research is defined as: “An inquiry or investigation conducted by an undergraduate student that makes an original intellectual or creative contribution to the discipline” (Council on Undergraduate Research, 2019). In order to recognize the outstanding work of our students, the College of Science and Mathematics has an established set of requirements that must be fulfilled to qualify for the transcript notation.

The requirements are as follows:

Course Work

A student must conduct a project over a minimum of two semesters and earn a minimum of three research scholar credits conducting research with a faculty advisor. One research scholar credit is equivalent to either one independent research credit hour or at least 95 hours of paid student work on a project. Acceptable research projects must conform to the following four criteria:

  1. Project has the potential to produce a contribution to the discipline.
  2. Project involves faculty and student collaboration.
  3. Project has the potential to be published.
  4. Project involves the scientific process.

Summer Research

Summer research experiences may be counted for credit towards the Dean’s Recognition as a Research Scholar program.  Typically, students will enroll in independent study, capstone, research, thesis, or similar course credits. Undergraduate students can receive one research scholar credit for every 95 hours of summer research. Students can request up to three research scholar credits. (Research scholar credits are for the transcript notation only, not course credit. Similarly, research scholar credits can be granted for participation in federally supported programs including NSF REU programs and full-time programs by NASA and NIH.) Students intending to make these substitutions should consult with COSM’s College Office of Undergraduate Research (COUR) director for their home campus, and/or COSM’s associate dean of research to determine how to verify participation in these programs before they apply for this designation.

Written Product (Research Thesis)

A student must prepare a substantial written product from their research in manuscript form, which should be comparable to an honors thesis in length and format  and must be approved by the advisor.  Completion of an Honors thesis will qualify for this requirement.  If the student is awarded this transcript notation their written product will be archived on the COUR website, and/or at Digital Commons via the Georgia Southern Libraries.  (Note: The document will NOT be posted online until the research mentor decides the timing is appropriate).  By submitting this application you give COSM permission to archive your paper on the website.

Presentation on Campus

Presentation at a Professional Meeting
A student must present their research at an external professional meeting related to their
major discipline or research, at the state, regional, national, or international level. If the discipline does not encourage undergraduate participation at discipline-specific conferences, a student could also present at other student-oriented conferences such as the National Conference on Undergraduate Research, Sigma Xi, Georgia Undergraduate Research Conference, etc. Attendance will be verified by the student’s faculty mentor, registration receipts, or similar evidence. An oral presentation or a poster presentation given by the applicant will fulfill this requirement.

Transcript Notation Application

A student must submit a Transcript Notation Application via Google form to COUR Director for their home campus (contact information below). The application should be prepared with the student’s faculty-mentor and must be submitted four weeks before graduation in order to be recognized at commencement. Students are encouraged to submit this application as soon as it is complete. (You do not have to wait until the the semester of graduation.) Doing so will allow for your transcript notation to occur earlier, which can be beneficial for graduate/professional school and job applications. Students have up to six months after graduation to apply.

A printable version of this information is available here.


If you are interested in finding out more about COUR or have additional questions, you can contact Dr. Brent Feske.

If you have questions please contact:

Associate Dean & COUR Director– Dr. Brent Feske, bfeske@georgiasouthern.edu

Last updated: 3/2/2022