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45 undergraduates named top researchers in SURCA competition

SURCA 2014 Applied Sciences Winners
SURCA 2014 Applied Sciences Winners

Thirty-nine awards were presented recently to 45 WSU students—many in the College of Arts and Sciences—at the third annual Showcase for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (SURCA) 2014.

The work of 192 students University-wide was detailed in 11 oral and 145 poster presentations open to faculty, staff, students, and guests. More than 100 judges evaluated the presentations. The judges included WSU emeriti faculty and retirees, faculty, staff, and post-doctoral students as well as experts from companies outside of WSU.

While many students from urban campuses traveled to participate, SURCA was made available to two place-bound students thanks to web conferencing provided by the Global Campus. A Pullman student studying abroad in Mexico and a WSU Vancouver student who was unable to attend SURCA in person talked “live” to their judges who were in the senior ballroom of the Compton Union Building.

More about the competition and list of winners

Potential healing properties of natural chemicals discussed in Philippines

Jonel Saludes
Jonel Saludes

Interest in obtaining biologically active compounds from natural sources has increased for a variety of reasons, including concerns that habitats worldwide—and their chemical-harboring unique flora and fauna—are being lost to development. These compounds also typically offer low toxicity, biodegradability, renewable availability and low cost.

Earlier this year, Jonel Saludes, assistant professor in organic and bioorganic chemistry, and fellow WSU faculty member Doralyn Dalisay, assistant research professor in the WSU Institute for Biological Chemistry, spoke at an international seminar organized by the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), located in central Luzon, one of the major islands of the country.

“They too have outstanding ideas and research but lack the facilities and equipment to move things forward,” said Saludes. “I envision collaboration where WSU could help them identify and determine the structure of the compound(s) responsible for the desired bioactivity.”

Read more in WSU News

Chemistry undergrad wins national research award

Brianna Berg
Brianna Berg

Brianna Berg, a junior majoring in biochemistry and chemistry, is the first Washington State University student – and one of only 10 undergraduate students nationwide – to be selected by the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) for the annual Thomas J. Bardos Science Education Award.

The two-year award promotes education and training of exceptional next-generation scientists and helps them develop their potentials as future cancer researchers.

Read more about her work with WSU professor Jonel Saludes to develop agents to diagnose and treat cancer.

Snowflakes delight scientists and photographers alike

Aurora Clark
Aurora Clark

Recent cold weather in the Inland Northwest provided an opportunity for scientists and photographers to marvel at the beautiful complexity of snowflakes and ice crystals.

For Aurora Clark, associate professor of chemistry, the story of snowflakes begins with the unique molecular structure of water – two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.

Read the full Spokesman Review story

See the Spokesman’s Picture Story