Central Michigan University

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

CMU students to take talent to the Capitol

CMU junior Steve Witte looks through a specialized microscope searching through millions of cells for ones that are expressing a particular gene he has added to them.

Photo by Robert Barclay
CMU Public Relations and Marketing

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Media Contact(s):

Tracy Burton
989-774-1072
tracy.burton@cmich.edu

By the time Steve Witte graduates from Central Michigan University, his name will be published in at least three medical journal articles that highlight his research on Huntington's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders that affect thousands of people across the United States. Currently, there are no cures for these illnesses, and Witte is studying ways to improve treatment options.

Witte, a junior majoring in biomedical science and neuroscience at CMU, will be among 24 other CMU undergraduates representing a wide range of research during the ninth annual "Posters at the Capitol." The event provides an opportunity for visitors and lawmakers to view student research poster exhibits that range in topic from star measurements and significance, to the mercury in coal plants, to how the U.S. can reduce its dependency on foreign oil.

"My professors at CMU have had a tremendous impact on my skills as a researcher," said Witte, 21, of Grand Rapids. "When we're in the lab, we're no longer just memorizing a bunch of facts. We're understanding the meaning behind them and how the research is applied, and I'm excited to share my findings."

The projects will be on display from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 21. Students in CMU's College of Science and Technology created the exhibits and were advised by faculty members.

The event is sponsored by CMU's College of Science and Technology and the offices of government relations and public affairs, and development and alumni relations.

"The 'Posters at the Capitol' event is an excellent opportunity for our undergraduate students to showcase their research experience and successes," said Dave Matty, CMU professor of geology and event coordinator. "They are all ready to share their accomplishments."

A 1 p.m. awards program with CMU's top administrators will honor the students. Legislators, alumni, parents and other visitors are invited to attend the exhibits and reception.

The CMU undergraduate students displaying exhibits are:

• Samantha Brennick of Stanwood
• Sarah Bullington of Redford
• Sarah DeVos of Allendale
• Alyssa Farrell of Grayling
• Mariah Hanson of Freeland
• Samantha Johnston of Houghton Lake
• Lia Koski of Ceresco
• Amanda Lee of Laingsburg
• Rebecca McRae of Davisburg
• Julie Nelson of Cassopolis
• Alicia Nevorski of Chesterfield Township
• Ryan Paul of Midland
• James Reinecke of Grand Haven
• Daniel Simon of St. Johns
• Kory Strong of Livonia
• Ashly Smith of Boyne City
• Kyle Tipton of Newport
• Charmane Thurmand of Romulus
• Chad Thurman of Novi
• Colin Wade of Vassar
• Kailey Wass of Swartz Creek
• Elizabeth Wilson of Midland
• Steve Witte of Grand Rapids
• Jaime Zlamal of Brighton