ATLANTA — Mercer University students offered two of 40 total presentations of undergraduate research from Georgia colleges and universities at this year’s “Posters at the Capitol” event, held Feb. 27 at the Statehouse.
Three students presented the projects to state senators and representatives during the event, which accepted applications from undergraduate students enrolled in any of Georgia’s public or private higher education institutions.
“This event showcases the importance and impact of undergraduate research to state officials and policy makers,” said Dr. Kevin Bucholtz, director of undergraduate research and professor of chemistry. “Mercer’s students not only excelled at presenting their research but also at being able to contextualize the importance of their work to a broader audience. The level of faculty mentorship these students received was evident and highlights the importance of this and the culture of research we have established.”
Marlo Mecredy and Michael Bowman Olay presented “Measuring the Hydraulic Conductivity of Soil with Large Additives.” The faculty adviser for the project was Dr. Kleio Avrithi, assistant professor of civil engineering.
Madalyn Nesheim presented “Sustainable Concrete Mixtures Using Locally Sourced Materials.” The faculty adviser for the project was Dr. Natalia Cardelino, assistant professor of civil engineering.
This year, 14 schools participated in the event.
About Mercer University
Founded in 1833, Mercer University is a dynamic and comprehensive center of undergraduate, graduate and professional education. With approximately 9,000 students enrolled in 12 schools and colleges, on major campuses in Macon and Atlanta; medical school sites in Macon, Savannah and Columbus; and at regional academic centers in Henry and Douglas counties, Mercer is ranked among the top tier of national research universities by U.S. News & World Report. The Mercer Health Sciences Center includes the University’s School of Medicine and Colleges of Nursing, Health Professions and Pharmacy. Mercer is affiliated with five teaching hospitals – Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center and Piedmont Macon Medical Center in Macon; Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah; and Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital and St. Francis-Emory Healthcare in Columbus. The University also has an educational partnership with Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins. It operates an academic press and a performing arts center in Macon and an engineering research center in Warner Robins. Mercer Medicine, the clinical faculty practice of the School of Medicine, is based in Macon and operates additional clinics in Sumter, Peach, Clay, Putnam and Harris counties. Mercer is one of only 293 institutions nationwide to shelter a chapter of The Phi Beta Kappa Society, the nation’s most prestigious academic honor society; one of eight institutions to hold membership in the Georgia Research Alliance; and the only private university in Georgia to field an NCAA Division I athletic program. For more information, visit mercer.edu.
