Science Students Present Research at Capitol

Two of our Department of Natural Sciences students, Aidan Doyle (Biology and Chemistry major) and Liam Semmler (Biology major) were selected to represent Immaculata University this year at the Undergraduate Research at the Capitol conference.

This conference is “… an educational event allowing undergraduate students enrolled in Pennsylvania’s colleges and universities to showcase their research talents to the Commonwealth’s key decision-makers.” Our students were able to discuss their research with PA legislators at the Capitol Complex in Harrisburg.

Their research has been determining beetle communities on Hog Island, Maine and what environmental variables (e.g., vegetation structure, different types of ground cover) can predict the different beetle communities. Their research mentor is Stephen Mason, and their research has been in collaboration with the National Audubon Society. The students conducted research with Mason in Maine during the last two summers.

Aidan Doyle and Liam Semmler

Professor Mason with Liam Semmler and Aidan Doyle