2019 Research Scholars

Ms. Abaddi was selected as an IN LSAMP Scholar in 2019. Currently, she is seeking a BS degree in chemistry. As an LSAMP scholar, she has worked with Dr. Zahran on the development of new approaches for the detection and remediation of environmental contaminants by the design of nano-structured material that provide efficient catalytic activity. Ms. Abaddi is also involved in the Pre-Health Professions Club and Circle K International at Ball State. After graduation, she plans on going to PA school to become a physician assistant.

Ms. Asante was selected as an IN LSAMP Scholar in 2018. Currently, she is seeking a BS in Biochemistry and Premedical Preparation. As an LSAMP scholar, she has worked with Dr. M. Konkle in the biochemistry lab. She is currently involved in the Pride of Mid-America Marching Band and is a peer mentor. When she graduates, she hopes to get into medical school and further her dream of becoming a doctor.

Ms. Casas-Salinas was selected as an IN LSAMP Scholar in 2018. Currently she is seeking a BS degree in biology with a minor in Spanish. As an LSAMP scholar, she has worked with Dr. Khubchandani on researching more information about minorities, specifically Hispanic women, and the obstacles they face when presented with breast cancer. When she graduates, she hopes to attend graduate school and ultimately work in the medical professions field.

Mr. Contreras was selected as an IN LSAMP Scholar in 2019. Currently, he is seeking a BS degree in biochemistry with a minor in biology. As an LSAMP scholar, he has worked with Dr. E. Khisamutdinov on Isolation and Purification of T7 RNA Polymerase at Ball State University. Mr. Contreras is involved in the Chemistry Research Immersion Summer Program (CRISP) which helps develop students to understand and conduct the process of real scientific research. When he graduates he plans to apply for pharmacy school and work his way up to become a pharmacist.

Ms. Reed was selected as an LSAMP Scholar in 2019. Currently, she is seeking a BS in Biology with a focus in Zoology and a concentration in Veterinarian Medicine. As an LSAMP scholar, Ms. Reed is working with Dr. J. Ward on courtship, mate choice, and the use of the lateral line in Stickleback fish. Ms. Reed is also a Peer Mentor for LSAMP at Ball State University as of 2019 and will work with incoming freshmen on how to succeed within the STEM curriculum. Over the past year, Ms. Reed was part of the Make-A-Wish organization at Ball State where she was the Events Committee Leader. Her role included creating events for the club, creating proposals, and conducting meetings with a small team. When Ms. Reed graduates, she hopes to go to Veterinarian school and become a Wildlife Veterinarian.

Ms. Rodgers was selected as an IN LSAMP Scholar in 2019. Currently she is seeking a BS degree in Biology with a minor in Computer Science and a minor in Spanish. Before becoming an LSAMP Scholar, she began working with Dr. Bernstein on the pseudouridylation that occurs in C. albicans and continued this work under LSAMP in 2019. Currently, Mr. Rodgers is also involved in the Student Honors Council (SHC), which functions as the student-governing body of Honors College. Through SHC, she volunteers monthly at a local nursing home and helps plan the events put on by the Honors College. Ms. Rodgers is also the current treasurer of the Computer Tech Student Organization. When Ms. Rodgers graduates, she plans to continue her education and earn her doctorates in molecular genetics in hopes of working on cures to childhood genetic diseases.

Miss Walker was selected as an LSAMP Scholar in 2017. Currently, she is seeking a BS in Chemistry with a concentration in Biochemistry with a Biology Minor. She works in Dr. Cori Jenkins' lab with polymer synthesis and instrumentation. Ms. Walker is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Scholars (NSLS). As an active member of this society she participates in community outreach within the Muncie community. Miss Walker also participates in the PhD Pathways program, with the goals of preparing undergraduates for graduate school and making it possible for them to attain a doctoral degree. After graduation, she hopes to further her education in a graduate program center around genetic studies or cancer research; with the goal of obtaining a doctoral degree in either field.

Ms. Nnatubeugo was selected as an IN LSAMP Scholar in 2018. Currently, she is seeking a BS degree in chemistry with a concentration in biochemistry and a minor in biology. She is working in Dr. Mary Konkle's lab on the function of MitoNEET and how its role affects other biological processes in the mitochondria. She is also involved in the Pre-Health Profession Club (PHPC), serving as a chair in community service at Ball State University. Ms. Nnatubeugo has volunteered in a committee for Ball State Dance Marathon, which fundraises for Riley’s Children Hospital. She is a member of the Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society (SACS) at Ball State as well as PhD Pathways, which mentors undergraduate minority students considering post-undergraduate education. Lastly, she has also served as a TA in the chemistry department. After graduation, she hopes to attend the University of Michigan to further pursue her doctorate in medicine to one day work as a cardiothoracic surgeon.