Eight undergraduate students receive support for research projects during the 2026–2027 academic year
Saint Peter’s University has received four TriBeta Biological Research Foundation grants for the 2026–2027 academic year, supporting research projects led by eight undergraduate students in the Department of Biology.
Pictured from left to right: Selena Ramirez ’27; Jill Callahan, Ph.D.; Genesis Serpas ’27; Brianna Surichaqui ’28; Kaitlin Salmeron ’28; Micaela Ramirez Cespedes ’27; Marina Solorzano ’27; Laura Twersky, Ph.D.; and Ana Vargas ’28.
The grants recognize student research proposals exploring topics ranging from the effects of food additives and environmental chemicals to antibiotic exposure and hand hygiene.
The student recipients and their research projects include:
- Brianna Surichaqui ’28, Kaitlin Salmeron ’28 and Ana Vargas ’28: “Effects of Red 40, rebaudioside A and butylated hydroxyanisole, individually and in combination, on development of Xenopus laevis (clawed frog).” Their research advisor is Laura Twersky, Ph.D.
- Marina Solorzano ’27 and Micaela Ramirez Cespedes ’27: “Evaluating the potential protective benefits of Urtica dioica (stinging nettle) root and leaf extract in bisphenol A-exposed Xenopus laevis (clawed frog).” Their research advisor is Laura Twersky, Ph.D.
- Genesis Serpas ’27: “The effects of metronidazole, amoxicillin, cotrimoxazole and ciprofloxacin, individually and in combination, on the regeneration rate and development of planaria (Dugesia tigrina).” Her research advisor is Laura Twersky, Ph.D.
- Selena Ramirez ’27: “Investigating antimicrobial activity of popular hand hygiene products and their role in reducing bacterial transmission.” Her research advisor is Jill Callahan, Ph.D.
The four grants provide support for undergraduate research at Saint Peter’s University, giving students opportunities to investigate scientific questions under the guidance of faculty advisors.