Carroll student researchers present at regional convention

Two Carroll University students presented their research at the Beta Beta Beta National Biological Honor Society district convention at St. Xavier University in Chicago, Ill., in March 2014. Samantha Lauby and Kelsey Navins delivered oral presentations, and Navins presented a poster.

Lauby is a junior psychology and animal behavior double major from Wausau, Wis. Her presentation was entitled, "The physiological and behavioral effects of enriched or barren tanks on zebrafish (Danio rerio)." She was mentored by Dr. Susan Lewis, professor of biology, and Dr. Natalya Zinkevich, senior lecturer of health and medicine. Her research was funded by a BBB grant. The independent project stemmed from a pilot project Lauby completed in her Organismal Physiology class.

Navins is a senior biology major from Downers Grove, Ill. Her presentation was entitled, "Parental care in female amphipods (Gammaruspseudolimnaeus): the effects of predation and brood development." Her research was funded by the National Science Foundation STaR Scholar grant, and she was mentored by Lewis. Her oral presentation won the Frank G. Brooks Award for Excellence in Student Research, which includes a $700 scholarship to present her work at the Beta Beta Beta National Biennial Convention this June in Erie, Pa.

Navins' poster was entitled, "Parental care in red-billed hornbills (Tockuserthrorhyunchus)." The research was co-authored by senior Grace Shelstadand completed as part of the requirements of their Behavioral Ecology course. Navins and Shelstad will also be submitting this work for publication in "Animal Keeper's Forum," the journal of the American Association of Zoo Keepers.