Joci Faubert, Michael Fraczek and Alex Yang presented their senior research projects at the 2024 Biology Senior Thesis Research Day, which took place January 25 in Olin Advanced Learning Center. Upon completion, the graduating seniors were given a lab white coat with their name embroidered on it, along with the Rose-Hulman Biology and Biomedical Engineering logo. 

These presentations represent the culmination of a four-course sequence in which biology majors pursue an independent research project under the mentorship of a biology faculty member. Students summarize their findings in a comprehensive thesis document.

Biology major Faubert examined why students with disabilities continue to be underrepresented in STEM fields across the country and aimed to identify a possible effect of academic accommodations on student stress levels. Her thesis, entitled “The Effects of Academic Accommodations on Student Stress,” was advised by Professor Ella Ingram, PhD. 

Fraczek, a Noblitt Scholar and double major in biology and biochemistry/molecular biology, developed a turmeric-based antigen test using curcumin (the main ingredient in turmeric) to make detection of Influenza H1N1 more affordable and accessible. His thesis, entitled “Curcumin-based Competitive Inhibition Absorbance Assay for Detection of Influenza H1N1 HA1 Protein in Solution,” was advised by Assistant Professor Stephanie Hill, PhD. 

Biology major Yang investigated how plants evolve to have a higher level of immune response to intracellular pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) than extracellular PAMPs. His thesis, entitled “Intracellular Peptides Potentiate Plant PAMPs-triggered Immunity Response,” was advised by Hill. 

After graduation, Faubert will take a gap year and is interested in starting a charter school. Fraczek has been accepted to a PhD program at Case Western Reserve University in affiliation with the Cleveland Clinic. He will be starting this program in the fall. Yang will be pursuing a PhD at the University of Melbourne.

The ceremony continues a tradition experienced by other science majors at Rose. Recently, a group of Chemistry and Biochemistry majors received their lab white coats after presenting their senior research projects.