15th Annual Barsy-Colgan Student Research Day
The Wilson College community joined together in person and online Friday, April 19, as students presented academic research and creative projects during the 15th Annual Barsy-Colgan Student Research Day. The much anticipated event was held in the Harry R. Brooks Complex for Science, Mathematics and Technology. President Fugate opened the daylong event by welcoming all in attendance and asking everyone to celebrate the student achievements. “In many ways, this event highlights the best of the Wilson experience,” he said.
Students presented their research in person during morning and afternoon sessions, as well as via poster presentations. The morning session included studies on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a natural education curriculum, Streptococcus equi, and the effects of alcohol on college students. The afternoon session included research on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Sarcoptic mange, bowhead whales, and three honors thesis research projects, one on vestibular dysfunction in mice, another on criminality and mental illness, and a third on racial stereotyping. The final presentation of the day was by Lydia Story ’24, the 2024 Disert Scholar, on Streptococcus pyogenes. All projects were completed with the guidance of faculty mentors.
The Barsy-Colgan Student Research Day is supported by Louise Barsy Colgan ’80 and her husband Sean. Their generous philanthropy supports student academic research and ensures this important Wilson event continues.
“Sean and I are delighted to support this fantastic event! Getting an inside look at what Wilson students are accomplishing is truly inspirational,” said Louise.
Each year, students may apply for grants for research they intend to complete in their senior year for presentation on Student Research Day. Louise and Sean have endowed those grants in honor of Louise and her mother, Helen Yeager “HiY” Barsy ’44.
A full list of the day’s presentations can be found online at www.wilson.edu/srd2024.
