Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus (IUPUC) professors Dr. Luke Jacobus, Assistant Professor of Biology and Dr. James Mendez, Assistant Professor of Chemistry with eight IUPUC students of science participated in 131 Indiana Academy of Science (IAS) annual event. The Academy has been an important voice of Indiana science since its inception in 1885.

The event showcased 267 highly informative papers and posters related to the study of various scientific disciplines. From that number, several IUPUC student and faculty projects, completed during the 2015-16 academic year, were displayed.

According to IAS, the academy accomplishes its mission by providing an opportunity for scholarly exchange at their annual meetings.  The presentations by the research, and through the work of Indiana’s scientists, science educators, and Indiana graduate and undergraduate college students as well as invited nationally recognized scientists and others presenting relevant works enriches the event.

1.     COMPOSITE FILMS OF CHITOSAN AND POLYVINYL ALCOHOL

Student researcher:

• John W. Luckmann | Greenwood, Indiana | Undergraduate at IUPUI/IUPUC

Faculty mentor:

• Dr. James D. Mendez | Assistant professor of chemistry

2.     THE IMPACTS OF DEGREE OF ACETYLATION ON MECHANICAL STRENGTH AND THERMAL PROPERTIES OF CHITIN FILMS

Student researcher:

• Jessica Caldwell | Columbus, Indiana | Undergraduate at IUPUC

Faculty mentor:

• Dr. James D. Mendez | Assistant professor of chemistry

3.     UTILIZING 3D PRINTING TO CREATE MODELS   FOR CHEMISTRY EDUCATION

Student researcher:

• Karen Smiar | Columbus, Indiana | Undergraduate at IUPUC

Faculty mentor:

• Dr. James D. Mendez | Assistant professor of chemistry

4.     BIOGEOGRAPHIC AFFINITIES OF BELIZE MAYFLIES
(Insecta: Ephemeroptera)

Student researcher:

• David Cool | North Vernon, Indiana | Undergraduate at IUPUC

Faculty mentor:

• Dr. Luke M. Jacobus | Assistant professor of biology

5.     MAYFLIES (INSECTA: EPHEMEOPTERA) OF THE GREAT PLAINS. V: MINNESOTA)

      Student researcher:

• David Cool | North Vernon, Indiana | Undergraduate at IUPUC

        Faculty mentor:

• Dr. Luke M. Jacobus | Assistant professor of biology                                                                                                      

6.     Conservation status of Siphloplecton species in North America
(Insecta: Ephemeroptera: Metretopodidae)

Student researcher:

• Tanea Herbert | Greensburg, Indiana | Undergraduate at IUPUC
• Sabrina Schipper | Columbus, Indiana | Undergraduate at IUPUC
• Jenna Wells | Trafalgar, Indiana | Undergraduate at IUPUC
• Autumn Fox | Seymour, Indiana | Undergraduate at IUPUC

         Faculty member:

• Dr. Luke M. Jacobus | Assistant professor of biology