NATCHITOCHES – Scientists, faculty and students gathered in Shreveport March 5-7 for the 100th annual meeting of the Louisiana Academy of Sciences (LAS), hosted this year at Centenary College. LAS is the largest and longest-standing statewide organization dedicated to advancing scientific research and collaboration across disciplines.
To celebrate the centennial meeting, a strong delegation of faculty mentors and undergraduate researchers from Northwestern State University presented their work through poster and oral presentations. The conference provided students with a valuable opportunity to share their research, interact with scientists from across Louisiana and gain professional experience in a supportive scientific community.
Representing NSU’s School of STEM was Dr. Christopher Lyles, director of the School of STEM and LAS executive council member at large, who attended with his students Alex Laurent and Hillary Bennett, presenting their research during a poster session.
From the Biology and Microbiology Department, Dr. Joseph Straub and his student Aliyah Soileau of Ville Platte delivered an oral presentation showcasing their research, while Dr. Billy Culver and his student Emily McHugh of Benton also presented their work in an oral session.
The Engineering Technology Department was represented by Dr. Shahriar Hossain and his student Maria Farina of Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina, who presented their research during an oral presentation session.
From the Physical Science Department, student researcher Landen Jett presented a poster based on work conducted under the mentorship of Dr. Jennifer Hill. The department was also represented by Dr. Damien Tristant, chair of the Physics Section of LAS, whose student Cedric Scott of Bossier City contributed a research poster.
A highlight of the conference was the recognition of outstanding student research presentations. Two NSU undergraduate students received Best Presentation Awards for their work. Farina earned the Best Undergraduate Oral Presentation Award in the Education, Social Sciences and Humanities section, while Soileau received the Best Undergraduate Oral Presentation Award in the Molecular and Biomedical Biology/Microbiology section.
“Through the dedication of both students and faculty mentors, NSU, the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of STEM continue to strengthen their presence in Louisiana’s scientific community while preparing the next generation of scientists, engineers and researchers,” Tristant said.