HARRISBURG, PA — Students from Harrisburg University of Science & Technology’s (HU) School of Health & Science represented the University at the Pennsylvania Academy of Science (PAS) Annual Meeting on April 18 at Misericordia University in Dallas, Pennsylvania. The students presented original research and earned recognition for their academic achievements.
Students from the Department of Integrated Sciences and the Department of Forensics attended the conference alongside their faculty research mentors.
Among the students recognized for their work was Cate Guest ’27, who received an Honorable Mention for her oral presentation, “The Cultivation of Ocimum Basilicum (Sweet Basil) in Hydroponic vs. Aquaponic Environments.” Guest conducted her research under the guidance of faculty advisors Gaige Selvey and Dr. Catherine Santai.
Ashley Bonnet ’26 earned Second Place in the Women in Science Oral Presentation competition, an award sponsored by the STEM-UP Network. Her presentation, “Investigating the Role of Myxococcus Xanthus in Iron Bioremediation Under Varying Environmental Ferric Iron Conditions,” highlighted research conducted with faculty advisor Dr. Akeisha Belgrave.
Additional student presentations showcased the breadth of research taking place across the School of Health & Science.
Jamal Ghazi ’26 presented “The Relationship Between Macronutrient Adherence and Salivary Cortisol Response During Academic Stress,” a project completed with faculty advisors Drs. Dana Harriger and Natasha Clarke.
McKenna Horst ’26 and Gianina Galanti ’27 presented “Documentation and Biological Profiling of a Legacy Skeletal Collection,” under the mentorship of Forensic Science Instructor Carrie Wise. The research was conducted in collaboration with students from Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) and their faculty advisor.
The Pennsylvania Academy of Science Annual Meeting is one of the Commonwealth’s longest-running scientific conferences, bringing together students, educators, and researchers to exchange ideas and showcase original research. Harrisburg University hosted the Academy’s 100th Annual Meeting in 2025, welcoming more than 300 attendees from 41 institutions across Pennsylvania. The conference continues to serve as an important platform for emerging researchers to present their work and contribute to the scientific community.
Harrisburg University congratulates each of the students who participated in this year’s conference and celebrates their accomplishments in advancing and sharing scientific knowledge.
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ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY
Harrisburg University of Science & Technology (HU) is an independent, nonprofit university offering degrees in advanced manufacturing, engineering, robotics, nursing, cybersecurity, and other critical fields. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, HU serves a diverse student body through bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs that link learning and research with practical applications. For information about HU’s affordable STEM degrees and professional development programs, call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu. Stay in the know by following Harrisburg University on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
MEDIA CONTACT
Do you have questions about this story? Interested in lining up an interview? Please contact Dan Wilhelm, Director of Communications for Harrisburg University, at DWilhelm@HarrisburgU.edu or 717.901.5100×1724.
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