Last Updated on May 31, 2023
Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
Two Alabama State University students in the Forensic Science Program have won travel awards to attend the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference in STEM on Feb. 9-11, 2023, in Washington, D.C.
Graduate students Arris Thornton and Zoe Hayes’ winning abstract is their collaborative postmortem microbiome work. The microbiome is the genetic material of all microbes – bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses – that live on and inside the human body.
The students conducted their research in ASU’s Thanatos Laboratory under the supervision of nationally acclaimed forensic science researcher Dr. Gulnaz Javan.
“Our forensic science students are being exposed to some of the most advanced research projects, which prepare them for successful careers in the field of forensics.”
– Dr. Gulnaz Javan, Forensic Science Researcher
Dr. Sheree Finley, a faculty member in ASU’s Department of Physical and Forensic Sciences, said the travel awards represent the hard work and dedication Zoe and Arris have put into their research.
“I am delighted to have our students once again showcase the innovative forensic science research that is happening here at ASU…Their hard work has produced results that highlight their remarkable efforts on a national level.”
– Dr. Sheree Finley, Faculty Member in ASU’s Department of Physical and Forensic Sciences
The students join at least 10 other students from the Forensic Science program who have received this coveted prize to represent ASU at this meeting with their outstanding research.
“I am so proud of our two students who will continue to allow ASU and our forensic program to shine on a national level.”
– Dr. Gulnaz Javan, Forensic Science Researcher
Emerging Researchers National is an annual conference that highlights the research of undergraduate and graduate students who participate in NSF-sponsored research programs.
Source: Alabama State University Newsdesk
