MMC Biology Students Earn Top Honors

Marymount Manhattan College student researchers attending the conference were:

• Mr. Emerson Khost (‘13) earned FIRST PLACE honors in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Category, for his investigation into a common link between Alzheimer’s Disease and Type II diabetes, under the guidance of Professor Ann Aguanno, Ph.D.
• Ms. Ashley Pirovano (‘13) earned FIRST PLACE honors in the Chemical Sciences Category for her elucidation of biological mechanisms of chlorination and de-chlorination in the forest ecosystem, under the guidance of Professor Alessandra Leri, Ph.D.
• Ms. Anna Patruno (‘14) earned SECOND PLACE honors in the Chemical Sciences Category for her investigation of copper contaminants in NYC water supply, under the guidance of Professor Benedetta Sampoli Benitez, Ph.D.
• Ms. Alexandra Tarasenko (‘13), presented her analysis of BPA leaching in baby bottles and take-out containers upon heating, also under the guidance of Prof. Sampoli Benitez.

The highly competitive conference, co-sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), drew over 220 students from 45 universities across 10 mid-Atlantic states to present the findings of their research. In addition to Marymount Manhattan College, other schools included CUNY Baruch, Johns Hopkins, Hood College, University of Delaware, Goucher College, James Madison University, Colorado College and Bryn Mawr College.

This is the sixth year that Marymount Manhattan College biology majors have participated in the well-regarded symposium and the sixth time that biology students have earned first or second place category awards. The success of these student researchers is especially significant considering the intimately-sized Natural Sciences program at Marymount Manhattan College. 

“Yes, we’re small, but our students dominate at these undergraduate research competitions,” says Dr. Ann Aguanno, Associate Professor of Biology, Department of Natural Sciences, Marymount Manhattan College. She explains, “What sets us apart is the research autonomy given our undergraduates. In most labs, students traditionally are involved with a small portion of a project; not at Marymount Manhattan College. Working directly with faculty, they run the labs and ‘own’ the research.”

Some of the Marymount Manhattan College Natural Sciences professors require their students to go to and present at least three different conferences. Dr. Aguanno proudly identifies how this directive, combined with research experience, benefits her young scholars. “Our students consistently demonstrate a capability to critically think and problem solve. They take a body of knowledge and apply it to new research questions; generate and interpret data and are excellent time managers and independent operators. They develop mentorship skills and become outstanding orators. We could not be more pleased by their achievements.

Published: October 25, 2012