Biology seniors to present research projects
The capstones – culminating projects for McDaniel’s graduating seniors – span a wide range of research topics, including, for these Biology students, some aspect of uterine fibroid tumors, terrapin diving physiology, prostate cancer, weed removal, toxic aqueous chemical detection, invasive plant species and others.
“Each poster represents a significant step in a student’s education, and each illustrates a finding new to science,” says Bill Long, department chair and professor of Biology. “The Biology poster session is the terminal portion of the work of the developing scientists in our department.”
The projects involve the three primary characteristics that mark science, Long says.
“First, (science) has a method which incorporates a recursive pattern of observation and analysis. Second, it employs natural explanations for phenomena, ones which rely on the natural workings of the universe,” he says. “Finally, it exposes itself to public scrutiny, to the criticism of other professionals in the field.”
The poster exhibit is free and open to the public.