
Science students on regional stage at Murdock Conference
Linfield University students were well-represented at November’s Murdock College Science Research Conference.
Two Wildcats gave oral presentations while seven more gave poster presentations.
Elise Bedford presented “A melanoma associated genetic variant disrupts melanocortin-1 receptor activity,” a life science talk. She was advised by Shanna Bowman.
Joseph Murphy presented “Characterizing the electronic properties of 2D devices with KPFM,” a physical science talk. He was advised by Jennifer Heath.
The seven student who participated in poster presentations were:
- Andrea Quintana Morales & Ariel Miyama: “Uncovering the role of Mre11 and Exo1 mutations in inducing genomic instability” in molecular and cell biology section. Advised by Sreerupa Ray.
- Vanessa Bowen: “A melanoma associated genetic variant disrupts melanocortin-1 receptor activity” in molecular and cell biology section. Advised by Shanna Bowman.
- Madeline Hedberg: “Mitochondrial DNA disease mutations effect on in vitro transcription,” in the biochemistry section. Advised by Megan Bestwick.
- Hanna Shields: “Influence of Reactive Oxygen Species on Mitochondrial Transcription” in Biochemistry. Advised by Bestwick.
- Tingting Zhang: “Progress Towards Synthesis of Azaindole Derivatives of Arp2/3 Complex Inhibitor of CK-666,” in organic chemistry. Advised by Andrew Baggett.
- Alex Landry: “Cutest-Voltage profiling of a Graphene on Gold Contact with the Cypher AFM,” in physics. Advised by Heath.
“Paper presentations are given to an audience of faculty and students from private colleges and universities across the region. After their presentation, students answer questions from members of the audience,” said Bestwick, a Linfield chemistry professor. “Faculty also participate in the poster session and talk with students about their poster and their research.”
Participants also have time to engage with other students and network for future collaboration.
Find more about Linfield’s science programs at the links: biochemistry and molecular biology; biology; chemistry; STEM.

