WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — Thirteen West Liberty University students presented original research spanning biology, ecology, wildlife conservation, microbiology, and biomedical sciences during the 2026 TOPPER-SURE (Training Opportunity for Pre-Professionals, Educators, and Researchers Summer Undergraduate Research Experience) Symposium, marking the culmination of the University’s nine-week Summer Undergraduate Research Experience.

Held July 17 on the second floor of the Paul N. Elbin Library, the symposium gave students the opportunity to present independent research completed under the guidance of WLU faculty mentors. Family members, friends, faculty, and staff attended the event to celebrate the students’ accomplishments and learn more about their research.

TOPPER-SURE provides students with hands-on research opportunities that extend learning beyond the classroom while preparing them for graduate study and professional careers. Throughout the summer, faculty mentors guided students through every stage of the research process—from developing research questions and collecting data to analyzing results and presenting their findings.

“One of the most rewarding parts of mentoring undergraduate researchers is watching the growth our students demonstrate over the summer,” said Dr. Holly Vopal, Associate Professor of Biology. “This experience reminds us why undergraduate research is such a valuable part of their education.”

This year’s faculty mentors included Dr. Diana Barber, Associate Professor of Biology; Dr. Matthew McKinney, Assistant Professor of Biology; Dr. Stuart Cantlay, Associate Professor of Biology; Mr. Jeremiah Dann, Instructor of Biology; Dr. Zackary Graham, Assistant Professor of Biology; Dr. Deanna Schmitt, Associate Professor of Biology and Interim Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences; and Dr. Holly Vopal, Associate Professor of Biology.

Student researcher Kendra Clark, who conducted research under the mentorship of Mr. Jeremiah Dann, said the experience strengthened both her scientific skills and appreciation for environmental research.

“I gained experience in the field, lots of data analysis skills, and memories I wouldn’t trade for the world,” Clark said. “I found my curiosity for the environment around me expanding as well. I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of a team, particularly as a member of Mr. Dann’s Worm Lab.”

The 2026 TOPPER-SURE Student Research Projects included:

• Sydney Chambers (mentor: Mr. Jeremiah Dann) – Observed Invasion of Pheretimoid Earthworms in West Liberty University’s Campus Woods
• Kendra Clark (mentor: Mr. Jeremiah Dann) – Annual Changes in Earthworm Populations in West Liberty University’s Campus Woods
• Logan Eddy (mentor: Dr. Holly Vopal) – Sex-Dependent Modulation of Induced-Thyrotoxicosis in Developing Chicken Embryos
• Bee Hughes (mentor: Dr. Diana Barber) – Bat Diversity and Activity in Disturbed and Undisturbed Locations of West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle
• Cooper McClanahan (mentor: Dr. Matthew McKinney) – Environmental Measures to Guide Mist-net Site Selection
• Luke Miller (mentor: Dr. Zackary Graham) – Surface Activity in the Blue Crawfish, Cambarus monogalensis
• Demetri Ray (mentor: Dr. Diana Barber) – Habituation Increases Comfort with Handling in Florida Kingsnakes
• Abigale Riggle (mentor: Dr. Stuart Cantlay) – Immune Response in Mouse Macrophages Infected with Culturable Francisella tularensis LVS Compared to VBNC Francisella tularensis LVS
• Larson Starbuck (mentor: Dr. Matthew McKinney) – Comparison of 2025–2026 WLBO MAPS Seasons
• Olivia Rocchio (mentor: Dr. Holly Vopal) – Investigating Myogenic Regulation of Craniofacial Morphology in an Avian Model of Craniosynostosis
• Cyril Walther (mentor: Dr. Zackary Graham) – Radio Telemetry Reveals Consistent Movements in Cambarus monogalensis*
• Meg Warner (mentor: Dr. Deanna Schmitt) – Derivatives of Resorufin Morpholinoethyl Ether Exhibit Antimicrobial Activity Against Neisseria gonorrhoeae*
• Rebekkah Merinar (mentor: Dr. Deanna Schmitt) – Selection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae Mutants Resistant to Resorufin Morpholinoethyl Ether

The TOPPER-SURE program is funded through a grant from the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission’s Division of Science and Research under the direction of Dr. Janet Rorrer. The grant provides participating students with $3,000 stipends and covers summer housing costs. The West Liberty University Foundation also generously supports the program by funding stipends for faculty mentors.

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