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MCCC Science
Students Present
Summer Honors Research Projects
10/13/10
West
Windsor, N.J. - Each year highly motivated MCCC science students
are given the opportunity to pursue honors research projects
with biology and chemistry researchers at MCCC and other institutions.
This past summer four students took up the challenge. They
presented their projects and findings before a packed classroom
of fellow students and faculty members on Sept. 23.
Two students
worked on projects under the guidance of MCCC Assistant Biology
Professor Ron Smith. Keith Blauvelt presented "The Spatial
Ecology of the Pine Snake," a project that focused on
the habits and habitat of this snake unique to the Pine Barrens
of New Jersey. Holly Hagy presented "Nature Disturbed,"
in which she looked at the growth patterns and population
size of four rare plants and the positive and negative effects
of disturbances to their environment.
Biology
student John Marion worked with Professor James Nickels at
Monmouth University. In his presentation, "Marine Science
Field Operations," Marion discussed activities including
monitoring water quality from eight stations along the New
Jersey coastline, benthic habitat mapping using side scan
sonar, developing flood warning and monitoring systems, and
providing assistance for EPA coastal assessment.
Chemistry
student Patrick Puliti worked under the guidance of Dr. Ben
Garcia at Princeton University. His project was entitled:
"Histone Acetylation of Butyrate Treated Cancer Cells."
In addition
to Monmouth University and Princeton University, other research
institutions that have partnered with MCCC in recent years
include Rider University, Drexel University and Medical Diagnostic
Laboratories in Hamilton. The program is coordinated by Associate
Chemistry Professor Helen Tanzini and Biology Professor Diane
Hilker.
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Pictured
following the presentations are, from left, MCCC Chemistry
faculty member Helen Tanzini, Monmouth University Dean of
Science Michael Palladino, MCCC Biology faculty members Ron
Smith and Diane Hilker, MCCC Dean of Science and Health Professions
Linda Martin, students Holly Hagy, John Marion and Patrick
Puliti, MCCC President Patricia Donohue and Vice President
Guy Generals.
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Biology
student Keith Blauvelt presents his project, "Spatial
Ecology of the Pine Snake," which focused on the habitat
of this snake unique to the Pine Barrens of New Jersey.
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Professor
Hilker notes, "This is a chance for our students to delve into
real research outside the traditional classroom curriculum. These
are the kinds of experiences that can launch future careers."
To
participate, students must have at least a 3.0 GPA in their science
classes, be recommended by an MCCC professor, and devote a minimum
of six hours per week at the research institute.
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