Biology seniors present at national Ecology conference

Two seniors from McDaniel College showcased their undergraduate research at the 2026 Benthic Ecology Meeting held in March in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Kaitlyn Braun of York, Pennsylvania, and Anna Kale of King George, Virginia, both Biology majors, presented their undergraduate research at the national conference alongside Associate Professor of Biology Allison Kerwin. The annual conference brings together marine ecologists from across the United States and around the world.

During the conference, Kale, who is also majoring in Environmental Studies, earned the "Best Student Poster Presentation" for her poster, "Effects of Insecticides on Metabolic Properties of the Cassiopea xamachana Microbiome." She was selected for the top award among other undergraduate and master's students, as well as Ph.D. candidates. 

Braun's poster was titled "The Effects of Insecticides on Strobilation Timing and Success in Cassiopea xamachana."

The Benthic Ecology Meeting Society (BEMS) promotes research in benthic ecosystems, including rocky intertidal and coral reef environments, while supporting the next generation of benthic biologists.