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YSU marks 6th Biology Day
Photo
Omega Laboratories CEO John Vitullo, right, a 1975 Youngstown State University graduate, speaks with YSU students Danielle Fontaine and Joshua Pastor. Vitullo returned to campus Friday to speak to the biology department about drugs in the United States. Omega, of Mogadore, Ohio, is an organization that creates drug-testing products.
Staff Report
YOUNGSTOWN
Youngstown State University biology students presented about 15 studies spanning topics from plants to animals and bacteria.
The occasion Thursday was the sixth annual Biology Day in Ward Beecher Hall.
YSU biology professor Jodie Krontiris-Litowitz said Biology Day not only is a great opportunity for the biology department and outsiders to showcase the work of students, it’s also a great way for first- and second-year biology students to meet older peers.
“It’s a way of engaging our students,” she said.
She said Biology Day has grown since the first event in 2006, with more presenters and bigger turnouts each year.
Krontiris-Litowitz pointed out a particular group of students who are taking a neuroscience class together and working on a clinical study. The students are trying to determine whether melatonin affects REM sleep. Their testing results aren’t in yet.
“We’re hoping that there will be some change in the REM cycle,” said senior pre-med major Boonkit Purt.
Omega Laboratories CEO John Vitullo, a 1975 YSU graduate, also returned to campus to speak to the biology department about drugs in the United States. Omega, of Mogadore, Ohio, is an organization that creates drug-testing products.
“It’s great to be back,” he said. He said he hopes to reach out to students about drug issues, but not in an overbearing way.
“I don’t preach to them; I tell them the facts,” said Vitullo, adding that he wants students to make an educated decision about drugs and drug abuse.
He also took the opportunity to see the work students have showcased.
“They’re a lot smarter than me,” Vitullo said with a laugh, reading over each poster.
In addition to the presentations, a panel of judges planned to choose the strongest presentation based on organization, knowledge, communication and their posters, as well as a student-choice award.
Krontiris-Litowitz said it’s not easy determining a winner.
“They look great; they have great data,” she said. “It’s tough to pick the best one,” she said.