THIBODAUX, La. — Several Nicholls biology students were recently awarded for presentations given at the Louisiana Academy of Sciences annual meeting.
Award winners were Gabby Gautreaux, a sophomore from Gray, for her oral presentation in the science and humanities undergraduate; Claire Pierce, a senior from Larose, for her oral presentation in undergraduate botany; Chris Oubre, a senior from Thibodaux, for his oral presentation in environmental science; Cameron Belding, a senior from Thibodaux, for an oral presentation in molecular and biomedical biology and microbiology; and Sarah Soorya, graduate student from Thibodaux, for a poster presentation in the zoology graduate category.
“This is an indication that our students can easily compete with students at universities around the state,” said Dr. Quenton Fontenot, biology department head. “It is important for our students to see first hand that the education and training they receive at Nicholls is solid. This event also allows our students to begin building their own network of fellow researchers, which is a key to success.”
Goals of the Louisiana Academy of Sciences include uniting the scientists of Louisiana for the purpose of encouraging research and education in all branches of science, publishing and disseminating scientific material and being an active voice representing science in both higher education and K-12 in Louisiana.
The conference was held on March 16 at Southern University in Baton Rouge. Scientists from Louisiana are invited to attend the annual meeting and present their research.
Several Nicholls faculty serve on the Louisiana Academy of Sciences Executive Council: professor Dr. Gary LaFleur, zoology; professor Dr. Jonathan Willis, botany; Alcee Fortier Distinguished Service Prof. and John Brady Sr. and John Brady Jr. Endowed Professor Dr. Raj Boopathy, environmental sciences; Dean of Arts and Sciences, Alcee Fortier Distinguished Service Professor Dr. John Doucet, past President of the Academy, science and humanities; and professor Christie Landry, education.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 25, 2019
CONTACT: Jacob Batte, Media Relations and Publications Coordinator, 985.448.4141 or jacob.batte@www.nicholls.edu
