MMC Biology Students Earn Top Honors at Regional Symposium

(L-R) Ray Romano '11, Laura Anthony '11, Olympia Gaglioti '12, Chrissy Galifianakis '11, Laura Herren '11, Emerson Khost '13 and Zach Barbati '10.

Two students advised by Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Environmental Science Alessandra Leri, Ph.D., won honors at the symposium. Laura Herren ’11 earned first place in the ecology and evolution category, while Laura Anthony ’11 achieved second place in general chemistry. Zachary Barbati ’10, advised by Associate Professor of Chemistry Benedetta Sampoli Benitez, Ph.D., earned first place in cell and molecular biology, and Raymond Romano ’11, advised by Associate Professor of Biology Ann Aguanno, Ph.D., earned second place in biochemistry. Chrissy Galifianakis ’11 and Olympia Gaglioti ’11 also presented their work. 

“Marymount Manhattan is gaining a reputation as a leader in the natural sciences both in the northeast and throughout the United States,” Aguanno said. “Students earn these accolades from exceptional hard work coupled with strong mentorship by their individual research advisors and from faculty across the department of natural sciences.” 

Sixty-four students from colleges throughout the tri-state (N.Y., N.J., Conn.) area presented posters displaying their research at the event. MMC’s chapter of the Undergraduate Affiliate Network of the American Society for Chemistry and Molecular Biology co-sponsored the symposium for the third consecutive year. 

In addition to presenting their posters, students attended a keynote address by Dr. Narayan S. Hosmane, a distinguished research professor from Northern Illinois University, entitled “Nanotechnology-Driven Cancer Therapy.” 

The students’ winning posters are on display in the science department, located on the sixth floor of the Main Building. 

For more information about the Division of the Sciences, visithttp://www.mmm.edu/study/programs/ds.html. 

Marymount Manhattan College is an urban, independent, liberal arts college. The mission of the College is to educate a socially and economically diverse student body by fostering intellectual achievement and personal growth and by providing opportunities for career development.

Published: April 21, 2010