WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — West Liberty University faculty and students recently showcased undergraduate research on a national stage, with three students earning presentation awards at the 10th National IDeA Symposium of Biomedical Research Excellence (NISBRE), held June 14–17 in Rockville, Maryland.
Hosted by the National Institutes of Health’s Institutional Development Award (IDeA) program, the symposium brought together approximately 1,200 students, faculty and researchers from Puerto Rico and 23 IDeA-eligible states, including West Virginia. The IDeA program is designed to strengthen biomedical research capacity in states that have historically received lower levels of National Institutes of Health funding.
Representing West Liberty University’s Hilltop Center for Biomedical Research were Associate Professor, Interim Co-Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences Deanna Schmitt, Ph.D.; Associate Professor of Biological Sciences Stuart Cantlay, Ph.D.; and Associate Professor of Biological Sciences Holly Vopal, Ph.D. All three faculty members are recipients of major research awards through the West Virginia IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (WV-INBRE), which supports biomedical research while providing valuable experiential learning opportunities for undergraduate students.
Six undergraduate students presented research posters during the symposium:
• Jasper Brown
• Logan Eddy
• Abigale Riggle
• Olivia Rocchio
• Emily Stotts
• Meg Warner
Among 369 student poster presentations, three West Liberty students received national recognition for their research:
• Abigale Riggle – First Place, Excellent Visual Poster Presentation
• Olivia Rocchio – Second Place, Excellent Visual Poster Presentation
• Jasper Brown – Third Place, Most Innovative Science Poster
In addition, Emily Stotts received a competitive NISBRE Travel Award, which provided a $500 scholarship to help cover travel expenses for the conference.
“We are proud of our students for showcasing their research on a national stage and being recognized with awards that highlight their hard work, innovation and academic excellence,” said Deanna Schmitt, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Interim Co-Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences.
The students’ participation and success at NISBRE reflect West Liberty University’s commitment to undergraduate research and experiential learning. Through faculty mentorship and opportunities supported by WV-INBRE, students gain hands-on research experience while contributing to scientific discovery and preparing for graduate study and careers in biomedical science.
West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students’ aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. To apply or learn more about West Liberty University, visit westliberty.edu.
Media Contact:
Rhone Thrash
West Liberty University
rhone.thrash@westliberty.edu
