We are incredibly proud to highlight three of our undergraduate researchers who presented their summer projects at the annual Villanova Undergraduate Research Symposium on November 21st.

This symposium, hosted by the Center for Research and Fellowships (CRF), offers a platform for students to share their findings with the broader university community. Our lab was well-represented with three diverse posters covering our core interests in stress, behavior, and neurobiology:

John Cwik presented his work on The Effects of Colitis on Stress Susceptibility and Hippocampal Neurogenesis, exploring the critical link between gut health and the brain’s response to stress.

Kojo Yankah shared his work on Nrf2 Activation by Dimethyl Fumarate as a Pharmacological Intervention to the Behavioral and Molecular Effects of Sub-Chronic Stress, investigating how this pathway influences behavioral and molecular responses to sub-chronic stress.

Corey McCall presented his poster, Discovering How Alcohol Consumption Alters Depression- and Anxiety-like Behaviors, exploring the relationship between substance use and mental health phenotypes.

It was a fantastic afternoon of science and discussion in the Connelly Center. Congratulations to all three for their successful presentations and research projects!