Six University of Arkansas at Little Rock students recently had the unique opportunity to present their science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) research to state legislators and about 100 high school students.

The purpose of the 2017 STEM Posters at the Capitol event, held Feb. 15 at the Arkansas Capitol Rotunda in Little Rock, was to put the spotlight on undergraduate research at universities in Arkansas.

“Our students did an excellent job representing the university and showcasing the outstanding research being conducted at UA Little Rock,” said Dr. Jim Winter, UA Little Rock director of Science Scholars and Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation programs. Winter served as the university’s event coordinator.

In all, there were 70 posters presented from 15 Arkansas colleges and universities.

About the UA Little Rock student projects:

Dustin Brown, Hermitage, is a senior pursuing majors in biology and interdisciplinary studies. Brown presented research on the effects of anti-diabetic drug Metformin on biomarkers for cancer tumors.

Kristen Gregory, Jacksonville, is a sophomore with a major in chemistry and minor in biology. Gregory demonstrated research on the effectiveness of three nanomaterials in killing breast cancer cells.

Elizabeth Haralson, Little Rock, is a junior with a major in geology, with an emphasis on environmental geology, and a minor in biology. Haralson presented research on the variations in water quality in Fourche Creek before and after it flows through a wetlands area.

Zaire Husband, Monticello, is a sophomore computer science major. Husband’s presentation focused on programming used to manage inventory with the open-source database program “Snipe It.”

Dave Soni, Blytheville, is a senior with a double major in chemistry and biology. Soni’s research presentation covered synthesized cellulose-based carbon nanocompounds and their effectiveness under light to remove organic dye pollutants from water.

Neden Yacine, Fort Smith, is a senior chemistry major with a minor in biology. Yacine’s research presentation analyzed the antioxidant properties of the nanocompound tungsten disulfide.