HU Student to Present Poster Session During Undergraduate Research at the Capitol Event
Oct 15, 2011
Jennifer Minteer, an undergraduate student at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, will present a poster session at the State Capitol as part of Undergraduate Research at the Capitol-Pennsylvania (URC-PA). The presentation is scheduled for Tuesday, October 18, 2011.
"I'm pleased to represent the University and to have this opportunity to inform the leaders of Pennsylvania about the importance and significance of undergraduate research in the education of college students," says Minteer, an Integrative Sciences and Biotechnology major at the University.
During the summer 2011, she participated in the SETI Institute's Astrobiology Research Internship program where she worked with scientists at the SETI Institute and at the nearby NASA Ames Research Center on projects spanning the field of astrobiology from microbiology to observational astronomy.
Her poster presentation for the Undergraduate Research event outlines work conducted at Ames Research Center to develop chemical sensors designed to detect biogenic molecules in extraterrestrial environments. These sensors are based on proteins which have been engineered to fluoresce upon binding target analytes, specifically, amino acids. This technology could then be included on a rover for direct analysis of aqueous samples from an alien terrain such as Mars or Enceladus.
"This is all possible thanks to the hands-on education I am receiving at the University as well as the mentoring and guidance I've received from the faculty. I'm most grateful," says Minteer.
The purpose of Undergraduate Research at the Capitol is to bring together college students, faculty, and Pennsylvania legislators to share the experiences of students engaged in research or scholarship at their colleges and universities. To that end, URC-PA provides an opportunity for students to present posters about their work at the State Capitol, and for students and their faculty mentors to meet with legislators and their staffs.
Founded in 2001 to address Central Pennsylvania’s need for increased opportunities for study leading to careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, Harrisburg University is an innovative and ambitious private institution that produces graduates who provide increased competence and capacity in science and technology disciplines to Pennsylvania and the nation. Harrisburg University ensures institutional access for underrepresented students and links learning and research to practical outcomes. As a private University serving the public good, Harrisburg University remains the only STEM-focused comprehensive university located between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
For more information on the University's demand-driven undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs in applied science and technology fields, call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu.