BANGOR, Maine — Students gathered at Husson University on Thursday to present their research at the school’s 14th annual Research and Scholarship Day.
In total, 22 presentations were on display, covering topics such as health care, social sciences, and biology.
"The idea really is to let them have greater exposure of their work and validation by other students and faculty," William Lindblad, director of the Office of Research and Scholarship, said.
Undergraduate and graduate students alike shared the studies they have been working on this year.
Pharmaceutical student Anthony Radzimirki, in collaboration with Abigail Varney, Nicholas Ireland, and Samuel Caito, tested the effects of PFAS and mercury on the brain. These toxic "forever" chemicals are commonly found in fish.
By testing on worms, they found that there is increased damage to the brain and disease progression when exposed to these contaminants.
"We’re looking to see how that can impact people. If this is just a background exposure over the course of your adolescence," Radzimirski said. "Will it lead to diseases like Parkinson’s? Will you have an increased risk for that?"
Radzimirski was happy to share the research he worked on for a whole semester.
"To have people that are coming through that I would have never expected here genuinely curious in what we are doing is a very, it's a gratifying experience. I'm very grateful that everyone is here today," he said.
Ember Trumbull, a third-year nursing student, researched the effectiveness of exercise to cope with stress in nursing students like herself. She found that exercises like running, walking, and yoga are great tools to control stress and improve mental health.
"I hope it affects people by obviously helping them to get outside more and exercise because it not only helps your heart and keeps your body safe, but it keeps your mind safe, which is a great spot as well," Trumbull said.
Lindblad hopes the Thursday event will encourage more students to get involved in the school’s research opportunities.
"Other students are interested enough to come and ask questions, encourage them, and hopefully more students will participate in years to come," Lindblad said.
Husson University's 2024 Commencement Ceremony is on May 4.