02/20/2019
HAYS, Kan. – Graduate researchers from Fort Hays State University will present their research projects on Tuesday, Feb. 26, in Topeka as part of the 16th Annual Capitol Graduate Research Summit.

Students will join their peers from other Kansas Board of Regents public four-year universities in the Capitol rotunda. Researchers will present their projects to legislators and the public.

“The annual Capitol Graduate Research Summit is a unique opportunity for state legislators and guests visiting the Capitol to learn about the quality scholarly activities FHSU graduate students and faculty mentors are undertaking,” said Dr. Jennifer Bonds-Raacke, dean of the Graduate School.

The students selected are involved in research that includes physical and natural sciences, engineering, sociology, history and education.

“Each FHSU presenter understands how their research findings have important implications for the citizens of Kansas as well as their disciplines,” said Bonds-Raacke.

Students participating are listed in alphabetical order.

Pike Holman, Aurora, Colo., graduate student majoring in geosciences, will present “Thoracic Rib Histology of a Skeletally Mature Adult from the Species Dolichorhynchops Osbori (Sauropterygia; Plesiosauria).” Dr. Laura Wilson, associate professor of geosciences and curator at Sternberg Museum, served as the research mentor.

Ashley Lockwood, Hoisington graduate student majoring in psychology, will present “Mental Health and Law Enforcement: An Exploration of Current Training Practices and Future Directions.” Dr. Tamara Lynn, assistant professor of criminal justice, and Brooke Mann, instructor of psychology, served as research mentors.

Aline Rodrigues de Queiroz, Guarulhos, Brazil, graduate student majoring in biology, will present “Influence of Shaded Conditions in Germination, Vegetative Development, and Reproduction of Asteraceae Species Native to Kansas.” Dr. Brian Maricle, associate professor of biological sciences, served as the research mentor.

Edward Shelburne, Hempstead, Texas, graduate student majoring in geosciences, will present “Analyzing Convergent Evolution in the Feeding Structure of Xiphactinus audax and Megalops atlanticus Using Landmark-Based Geometric Morphometrics.” Wilson served as the research mentor.

Kara Sill, Medicine Lodge graduate student majoring in geosciences, will present “GIS Spatial Analysis and its Susceptibility to Wildfires.” Dr. Thomas Schafer, associate professor of geosciences, served as the research mentor.

The public is invited to view the posters and talk to the students about their research.