Women in Science Symposium to feature diverse majors

A unique mixture of majors will be represented by five students set to share insights into their recent summer research projects during Hanover’s Women in Science Symposium. The event will be held at 4 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 16, in the Science Center, room 137.

The symposium, now in its sixth year, annually features a select collection of students who provide an in-depth exploration of their recent research opportunities. Presentations highlight various aspects of research experiences, including experiment design, research processes and methodologies, laboratory and field work, and ethics.

Emma Litzelman ’25, a biochemistry major, will present “SHIP1 as a Potential Therapeutic Target for Late-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease.” Her research, supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), was conducted through Purdue University’s biochemistry department.

Rilee Lonberger ‘26, an environmental science and English major, will share “Specifics of Soil Science and the Importance of REU Programs.” The undergraduate research experience was through the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and funded by NSF’s Critical Zone Collaborative Network, which focuses efforts on the earth’s surface.

Ally McGuire ‘25, a double major in biology and chemistry, is set to explore “Carbon Sequestration Potential of the Chesapeake Bay.” McGuire’s NSF-supported research was conducted through Penn State University.

Julianna Mussa ‘25, a geology and art history major, will discuss “Exploring Water Quality in a Restored Urban Stream: Reflections from Summer Research.” Her experience at the University of Maryland was funded by the National Science Foundation.

Hanna Whitney ‘25, a biology and chemistry major, will present “UCSF Summer Training Program: A Guided Overview of the Application Process and Osteosarcoma Research.” Whitney’s NSF-supported research experience was held at the University of California, San Francisco.