LSU Discover - Undergraduate Research Program

Members of the LSU Gulf Scholars Program just wrapped up a visit to Rice University in Houston to attend the 2024 Gulf Scholars Program Conference!

They got to meet with students, faculty and staff from universities across the gulf coast region also participating in Gulf Scholars. Students from LSU’s first cohort got to present their summer 2023 Gulf Impact Projects at the conference.

Nine LSU undergraduate researchers are currently at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research in Long Beach, CA! They will all be presenting their research at the conference.

Thank you to Dr.Erin Oberhaus for demonstrating research techniques in her equine reproduction lab for the Freshmen Explorers today!

Posted • 📅 SAVE THE DATE 🎬

Join us for a screening of the documentary:
“Fenceline: Louisiana’s Cancer Alley”
by LSU students Ria Salway and Claire Sullivan


🗓️ Tuesday, April 2, 2024
🕕 6:00 p.m.
📍 Hill Memorial Library

Refreshments will be provided!
🔗 Link in bio for more details and registration!

ℹ️ About the Documentary:
Residents in the area have long voiced concerns over high cancer rates, which they connect to the excessive pollution they breathe. However, concerns have long been ignored by local and state leaders, with industry leaders dismissing “Cancer Alley” as a myth.

In 2023, “Fenceline: Louisiana’s Cancer Alley” received the “Best Non-Fiction Award” at the A Show For A Change film festival and was nominated for “Best Documentary” at the Catskill International Film Festival.”

Tune in to our stories tomorrow, February 29, for a day in the life of an undergraduate researcher!

LSU Research Ambassador Steven Seiden will be taking us along for a look at what a typical day looks like for him as an undergraduate researcher.

He will also be answering your questions about undergraduate research! Drop your questions in the comments below or use the question box in our stories.

Posted • Have you applied yet? The deadline for the Special Collections Research Grant program has been extended! Undergraduates, here’s your chance— apply by Sunday, February 25th to be considered for this incredible research opportunity! The application link can be found in our bio.

Undergraduate student researcher spotlight! 💡

Ashton Dalton, an animal sciences and religious studies major, attended the International Embryo Technology Society (IETS) 50th annual conference in Denver, Colorado. He was selected as one of the three finalists for the Undergraduate Poster Competition and won runner up for his poster on ‘The influence of different cryoprotectants on mitochondrial function in vitrified bovine oocytes’.

Way to geaux, Ashton!

Ashton applied for an LSU Discover Travel Stipend to help fund his trip to the IETS conference. To learn more about our Travel Stipends and see if you’re eligible to apply, visit the Travel Stipends link in our bio.

We had a wonderful time celebrating our 6 graduates at the Distinguished Undergraduate Researcher award ceremony last night. Congratulations again on your hard work and dedication to complete the requirements of the program, which reflects your outstanding achievements in research during your undergraduate careers. We wish you all the best on your future endeavors!

A big congratulations to all of the graduates today! 🎓

We are proud to announce the Fall 2023 Distinguished Undergraduate Researcher awardees!

Students who earn this distinction have demonstrated outstanding ability as advanced student researchers in their disciplines, have presented or published their research, and have participated in a track of activities that prepared them for success in their research pursuits.

Join us in congratulating these six students:

Lauren Betzer, B.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders, mentored by Dr. Julie Schneider

Claire Brescher, B.S. in Biochemistry, minors in Chemistry and Psychology, mentored by Dr. Patrick DiMario

Anang Duniya Bungwon, B.S. in Microbiology, minor in Psychology, mentored by Dr. Antoineta Guerrero-Plata

Anna Guidry, B.S. in Biological Engineering, mentored by Dr. Philip Jung

Haley Marcotte, B.S. in Biological Sciences, mentored by Dr. Basel Abuaita and Dr. Crystal Johnson

Nekita Pitts, B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, mentored by Dr. Hunter Gilbert

These awardees will be honored at a ceremony on Thursday, December 14 and the distinction will be noted on their transcripts. Congratulations!

The LSU Freshmen Explorers wrapped up their fall semester field trips on November 17 with a visit to the LSU Center for River Studies!

The Center houses one of the world’s largest moveable bed physical models - the Lower Mississippi River Physical Model. The model is able to replicate the flow, water levels and sediment (sand) transport of the river, where one year of the Mississippi River is simulated in one hour. Scientists, engineers and students can see, experience and conduct research using this state-of-the-art model.

Thank you to Anissa Hyde and Dr. Clint Wilson for hosting the Explorers!

Shoutout to Sophie, who completed her research over the summer with the help of an LSU Discover Project Grant!

Applications for funding for summer 2024 are due by Sunday, February 18. Check out the Undergraduate Project Grants link in our bio to learn more!

Posted •
Let’s shine a spotlight on Sophie LeBlanc, an animal sciences major who spent her summer researching with the LSU School of Animal Sciences, extending ungulate embryo development in vitro in Dr. Stimintrias’s lab. During her time, Sophie successfully completed in vitro fertilization of porcine embryos.🐏🔬

“This experience narrowed down where I see my career going. I started with an open mind to see if it was something I enjoyed, and now I envision myself continuing a profession involved in research. I was very interested in reproductive biotechnology coming into this, and I know now I can mix my interests and talents into one field.”

Let’s give a round of applause to Sophie and her amazing research.👏🌟

“When you think in terms of research… Always keep in mind the arts.”

At the end of October, the Explorers Program visited the to learn about their current exhibits and get a behind the scenes view of the collections. Thank you to Michelle Schulte and Marianna Luquette for leading an engaging and informative tour!

Stay tuned for more on the Explorers next adventure to the LSU Center for River Studies!