McNair Scholars Years 1992 to 2003 Department of Biology and Earth Science
Information obtained from the McNair Journal (Journal of the McNair Central
Achievers Program) published each fall since 1992. The McNair Journal
tracks the progress of the graduates throughout their postgraduate years.
Each student has a 3-person committee composed of a Department Mentor,
Library Mentor, and Research/Teaching Mentor.
1993 Cynthia L. Fahrini, Biology John W. Gole, Ph.D., Biology
1st place award for abstract and research paper entitled "Effects of Purified
Hypertrehalosemic Hormones on the AmericaCockroach Fat Body" Postgraduate
experience: Masters of Science in Pharmacology at the University of MissouriColumbia. Name now Cynthia Fahrni Sullivan; Master of Science in Medical
Technology and Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.) University of Health Services
Osteopathy.
1993 Judson I. Miers, Biology Noordullah Babrakzai, Ph.D., Biology
Abstract entitled "Mutagenic Effects of Podophyllum Resin on Onion Root Tips
(ORT’S)"
1993 Mary Catherine Palasi, Biology F. Ray Voorhees, Ph.D., Biology
Abstract entitled: "Effects of Choline Alterations in the Diet on Memory and Maze
Performance"
1994 Kimberlie Smith, Geology John Emerson, Ph.D., Geology
Abstract entitled: "The Role of Geology in Forensic Medicine" . Postgraduate
experience: Masters Degree CentralMissouri State University.
1996 Amy T. Miller, Biology Stephen W. Wilson, Ph.D. Biology
1st place award for Abstract and research paper entitled "Comparative Study of
Tymbals in the Planthopper genus Prokelisia (Homoptera: Delphacidae)" Amy
Miller’s paper was selected to represent Central in the national McNair Journal.
Postgraduate experience: Master of Arts Degree, Emporia State University
1996 David Dowdy, Biology John W. Gole, Ph.D., Biology
Abstract entitled: "Effects of Demographic Factors on Physical Therapy Students’
Attitudes Toward Older Adults" By David Dowdy and John W. Gole. Postgraduate
experience: Master of Science Degree, University of Kansas.
1997 Jennifer L. Plett, Biology John F. Belshe, Ph.D., Biology
Abstract entitled: "The Effects of Controlled Burning on Tardigrades from the
Lichen Parmelia" Postgraduate experience: Jennifer Plett Bump, Masters of
Science Degree, University of Alaska-Fairbanks, Marine Biology.
1998 Jon David Wilson, Biology James L. Smith, Ph.D., Biology
Abstract entitlted: "Antibiotic Resistance in Common Bacteria"
1999 Michael L. Ferro, Biology John F. Belshe, Ph.D., Biology
4th place award for abstract and research paper entitled: "The Distribution of
Tachopteryx thoreyi (Hagen) (Insecta, Odonata, Anisoptera, Petaluridae) in
Missouri" Postgraduate experience: Masters of Arts Degree in entomology
University of Missouri-Columbia.
2000 Mimi Diaz, Earth Science Lisa Meeks, Ph.D., Earth Science
2nd place award for research paper and abstract entitled: "Assessment and
Prediction of Sinkhole Development in Boone County, Missouri"
2000 Rachel Nygaard Baker, Biology Noorullah Babrakzai, Ph.D., Biology
3rd place award for research paper and abstract entitled: "The Mutagenic Effects of
Parsnip Extract on Onion Root Cells"
2000 Christy L. Alexander, Biology Jay A. Raveill, Ph.D., Biology
Abstract entitled: "Bee Fidelity: Can Bees Associate Nectar Rewards with Floral
Color?"
2000 James (J.J.) McCallie, Biology Cheryl Schmidt, Ph.D., Biology
Abstract entitled: "Evaluation of Potential DNA Markers for Leafy Spurge"
2001 Shauna Marquardt, Biology Cheryl Schmidt, Ph.D., Biology
3rd place award for research paper and abstract entitlted: "An Examination of the
Effects of Urbanization on Bat Activity"
2001 Marion Butcher, Biology Cheryl Schmidt, Ph.D., Biology
Abstract entitled: "Survey for Sarcocystis neurona in Taxa of Small Mammals
from Johnson and Henry Counties, Missouri"
2001 Lorisa M. Sesser, Biology Anna R. Oller, Ph.D., Biology
Abstract entitled: "Effects of Manganese II on S. pneumoniae and P. mirabilis"
2002 Damon Lesmeister, Biology Jack Butler, Ph.D., Biology
1st place award for research paper and abstract entitled: "Persistence of Biological
Control Agents of Leafy Spurge (Euphorbia esula) within Selected Biological
Control Sites in Montana"
2002 Margaret Lange, Biology Somnath Sarkar, Ph.D., Chemistry and Anna
Oller, Ph.D., Biology
2nd place award for research paper and abstract entitlted: "Synthesis and
Investigation of Antibacterial Activity of Model Compounds Derived from
Dapsone"
2002 Elizabeth Rucker, Earth Science Mark Dudley, Earth Science
3rd place award for research paper and abstract entitled: "Ore Textural Studies of
the Pilot Knob Hematite Deposit, Iron County, Missouri"
2002 Michelle Dambacher, Earth Science Lisa Meeks, Ph.D., Earth Science
Abstract entitled: "Dye Trace Characterization of the Pertle Springs Drainage
Basin and Aquifer System" .
2002 Amanda Jones Stunz, Biology Steven Mills, Ph.D., Biology
Abstract entitled: "Effects of Light Cycle Changes on Metabolic Responses in
Laboratory Rats"
2002 Athena Owen, Earth Science James D. Loch, Ph.D., Earth Science
Abstract entitled: "The Depositional Time Frame of the Jose Formation through
the Analysis of the Trilobite Species" .
2002 Tiffany Ann Pacholski, Biology John Belshe, Ph.D., Biology
Abstract entitled: "Courting Behavior and Terriorialism in Perithemis tenera"
2003 Erica Ellen Parker, Biology Harold W. Keller, Ph.D., Biology
1st place award for abstract and research paper entitled "Correlation of pH with
Assemblages of Corticolous Mxyomycetes in Big Oak Tree State Park" By Erica
E. Parker and Harold W. Keller.