Five compete in regional science and engineering fair

Five students from LSMSA competed in the Louisiana Region IV Science and Engineering Fair hosted by Louisiana State University at Alexandria on Saturday, Feb. 24.

The students are Grayce Mores, a senior from Harvey; Kerry Doyle, a senior from Eros; Emma Simpson, a senior from Shreveport; Jordan Byrd, a junior from Denham Springs; and Sam Konur, a sophomore from Thibodaux.

Mores placed first in the senior division for computation biology and bioinformatics. The title of her project was “Analysis of Strain Variation of the Oncogene LMP-1 of the Epstein-Barr Virus.” Her mentor at LSMSA is Dr. Allison Landry, principal lecturer of biology.

Doyle placed first in the senior division for chemistry and first place overall in the senior division. Her project was “The Synthesis of Water-Soluble Boron Dipyrromethene (BODIPY) Dyes Detecting Chemical Nerve Agents.” Her mentor is Dr. Stephen Costin, associate lecturer of chemistry.

Simpson placed first in the senior division for earth and environmental sciences. Her project was “The Impact of Sediment Composition on the Genus Gammarus.” Her mentor is Dr. Maggie Hodge, lecturer of biology.

Byrd placed second in the senior division for astronomy and physics. His project was “Ping Pong Physics: An Analysis of Player Performance Using Different Equipment and Spin.” His mentor is Dr. Robert Dalling, lecturer of physics.

Konur competed in the chemistry category. His project was “Magnesium vs Acids: Is the Production Rate of Hydrogen Gas Related to Corrosion?” His mentor is Costin.

Mores, Doyle, Simpson and Byrd are eligible to compete at the Louisiana State Science and Engineering Fair to be held March 19-21 at LSU in Baton Rouge.

(Photos courtesy of Kevin Shannahan)