HAYS, Kan. – Undergraduate researchers from Fort Hays State University will present their research projects at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4, in Topeka as part of the Kansas Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol.

Students will join other undergraduates from Kansas Board of Regents public four-year universities on the second-floor rotunda of the Capitol building.

“We are proud to have our students showcase the outstanding research and academic excellence that undergraduate students engage in at FHSU,” said Misty Koonse, interim director of FHSU’s Office of Scholarship and Sponsored Projects.

Students presenting are listed in alphabetical order.

• Bhavisha Bhakta, Liberal senior majoring in biology, will present “Examination of Prevalence and Associated Behaviors of MRSA Carriers Among College Populations.” Brianna Wright, Hays senior majoring in biology, will also present as a co-investigator. The team was mentored by Claudia Carvalho, instructor of biology.
• Wyatt Engel, Victoria sophomore majoring in chemistry, will present “UV/Visible Absorption Studies of ZnSe Nanoparticles Obtained Using a Controlled-Growth, One-Pot Synthesis.” Dr. Arvin Cruz, chair and associate professor of chemistry, served as the research mentor.
• Brady Stephenson, Little River junior majoring in finance and economics, will present “Fort Hays State University Student Price Index.” His research partner, Zetta Hamersley, Hays junior majoring in political science, will be the co-presenter. The team was mentored by Dr. Samuel Schreyer, associate professor of Economics, and Dr. Yang Jiao, assistant professor of economics.
• Conrad Vajnar, Hays senior majoring in accounting and criminal justice, will present “A Qualitative Study of High Substance Abuse Neighborhood in a Rural College Town.” Dr. Ziwei Qi, assistant professor of criminal justice, and Dr. Morgan Steele, instructor of criminal justice, served as mentors on this project.
• Emma Worthington, Overland Park (66212), is a junior in the Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science. She plans to major in chemical and biomedical engineering. She will present “The Challenges Affecting the Education of Rural Gifted Students in Kansas.” Linda Smith, instructor of English, served as mentor on this project.

The undergraduate researchers will present their posters to students, faculty, KBOR members, state lawmakers, and members of the public from across the state. The event is intended to raise awareness of research being conducted by undergraduate students.

This event also highlights the importance of transformational educational opportunities available to students at these institutions.

“This prestigious event provides an opportunity for state legislators and Capitol visitors to hear first-hand how learning through research positively affects students across Kansas. The experiential learning enriches student education and better prepares them for future careers,” said Koonse.

The public is invited to view the posters and talk to the student researchers.