K-State doctoral students receive awards for research presentations at Capitol Graduate Research Summit
Friday, March 29, 2024
Two graduate students, Jaymi Peterson and Ramona Weber, were K-State award recipients at the annual Capitol Graduate Research Summit at the State Capitol in Topeka.
MANHATTAN — Two Kansas State University graduate students were recognized for their outstanding research poster presentations at the annual Capitol Graduate Research Summit, or CGRS, held at the State Capitol in Topeka on March 21.
Ramona Weber, doctoral student in health and human sciences specializing in kinesiology, Hanover, presented "Effect of dietary nitrate supplementation on tumor oxygenation." Weber's major professor is David Poole, university distinguished professor of kinesiology.
Jaymi Peterson, doctoral student in food, nutrition, dietetics and health, Chanute, presented "Effects of pH and wet cooking on sorghum starch digestibility, phenolic profile, and cell bioactivity." Her major professor is Weiqun (George) Wang, professor of food, nutrition, dietetics and health.
Both Peterson and Weber received $500 scholarships from the Graduate School for their presentations.
The CGRS — coordinated between Kansas' six state universities — is an annual showcase in which graduate students present posters of their research to state legislators and the public to showcase their work and promote the value of graduate education. This year, more than 40 students discussed the implications their work has for issues of interest to Kansas legislators and residents.
Outstanding presentations received awards from the participating institutions. Additionally, BioKansas presented three awards.
During her presentation, Weber spoke with faculty and graduate students from the University of Kansas Medical Center about the impact of breast cancer, a disease that affects approximately one in eight women.
Weber said learning about the research and experiences of graduate students from other departments and universities demonstrated the value of interdisciplinary collaboration. They discussed the dietary aspects of her research, and how it could help improve the chemotherapy process.
Prior to the summit, Weber contacted State Rep. Lisa Moser, who represents the 106th District which includes Hanover. Moser visited with Weber at the Capitol and discussed Weber's ongoing research in breast cancer, as well as the impact of breast cancer in rural communities.
Weber noted that effective communication of research results, both within the scientific community and the public, is integral to her doctoral training.
"There is a significant gap between the public and scientists, which often results in misinformation," she said. "Impactful communication of research can bridge this gap and foster a trusting relationship, enabling continued support for the advancement of science."
Peterson also had the opportunity to speak with legislators. She said the process of preparing her research presentation taught her the value of learning to discuss her work in a variety of formats for different audiences, so that it can be relatable to everyone.
"One legislator spoke with me in depth," she said. "They were interested to learn about their potential uses for health-foods. When I explained to them that a majority of the public doesn't know what sorghum is or how it could be potentially leveraged for the Kansas economy, the legislators were very interested to learn more."
She said the legislators who she spoke with seemed surprised that, according to Peterson's research, cooking food samples for 10 minutes improved starch digestibility. By doing this, the nutritional profile of sorghum for food applications could improve.
"They were pleased to learn more about sorghum and how we could use this undervalued cereal grain to better the Kansas economy," Peterson said. "They agreed with me that to better leverage sorghum for Kansas farmers, it is important to first educate the public on sorghum polyphenols and their potential health benefits."
Weber and Peterson were two of ten K-State graduate students who presented their research at this year's CGRS were selected to represent K-State based on their presentation at the university's Research and the State poster forum, which took place Oct. 24.
They included Savannah Stewart, doctoral student in food science, Valley Center; Holly Ellis, master's student in architecture, Grimes, Iowa; Adi Siegmann, master's student in human development and family science-couple and family therapy, Detroit, Michigan; Andrea Salazar, doctoral student entomology, Ecuador; Manivannan Selladurai, doctoral student in grain science, India; Amirsalar Bagheri, doctoral student in chemical engineering, Iran; Reza Nematirad, doctoral student in electrical and computer engineering, Iran; and Fidelis Onwuagba, master's student in geology, Nigeria.
To learn more about the summit, its participants and their research, visit the Capitol Graduate Research Summit website.
