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UW-RF Home > University Communications Home > This Month's News Releases University CommunicationsFor more information contact mark.a.kinders@uwrf.edu or brenda.k.bredahl@uwrf.edu. Student Presents Research in Washington, D.C.
Scudder, from Verona, Wis., received a UW System Solid Waste Management Grant in November 2005 to help prepare her research for the exhibition. She graduated in May with a biology degree and plans to attend the Mayo Medical School in Rochester, Minn. Her experiment, "Estrogen Induced Sexual Abnormalities: A Genetic Model for Assessing Estrogenic Pollutants in the Environment," demonstrates that both natural and xeno-estrogens are feminizing the C. elegans worms and disrupting normal reproduction. These estrogens are found in the environment in the waste stream from discarded CDs, eyeglass lenses, shampoo bottles, helmets and food cans. Scudder is continuing to apply her research to investigate whether this model affects other species, including humans. "This is a remarkable accomplishment for an undergraduate," says Katherine Miller, professor of biology and advisor/mentor to Scudder. "I am so proud of Kendra and the way she has developed as a scientist and as a person. She will do great things." Jodie Deshler, UW-RF biology department lab manager, says that Kendra is very passionate about her work. "She would bring the worms home with her on the weekends to observe, or even come into the lab on weekends," said Deshler. "She was very dedicated." The national Council On Undergraduate Research (CUR) hosted the annual undergraduate poster session on Capitol Hill April 25. Sixty competitively selected student posters were displayed in the Capitol rotunda and a late afternoon reception brought the researchers together with their respective legislators. Participants attended an orientation session on the morning of April 25 and also, with their faculty mentors, visited the offices of their representatives and senators. Their visits will help members of Congress understand the importance of undergraduate research by talking directly with the students. Bill Campbell, director of grants and research at UW-RF, said Scudder is an exceptional student. " Two years ago, she thought of a way to analyze the causes of estrogen-induced sexual abnormalities, using laboratory worms, and she has been pursuing it ever since. Her results are both impressive and scary. She has a very bright future." The UW System has helped her with her research that she has been working on for the past two years. The grant awarded her $2,000 for salary and benefits and an additional $150 to cover supplies, expenses and travel. "I am truly proud of Kendra's selection to participate in the national 'Posters on the Hill,'" said Chancellor Don Betz. "She will represent with distinction the clear commitment that UW-River Falls has made to undergraduate research. She and her colleagues carried the UW-River Falls banner for research to Madison as well for the 'Posters on the Rotunda.' I believe that this type of learning will become a preferred mode for many students and faculty in the near future. Bravo for Kendra and her faculty mentors." Photo: Katherine Miller, Russ Feingold, D-Wis., Kendra Scudder, Jodie Deschler. -30-
Last updated:
Thursday, 22-Apr-2010 16:07:27 CDT
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University of Wisconsin - River Falls |
MAY 26, 2006--University of Wisconsin-River Falls graduate Kendra Scudder traveled to Washington, D.C., this spring to present her research at a prestigious competition called Posters on the Hill.