51ΑΤΖζ

Each year, student researchers from across the Universities of Wisconsin gather in the Capitol to present their work at . The event is a chance for students to speak with legislators, state government officials, and UW alumni and share their discoveries with the public.

This year, UW-Milwaukee sent a cohort of six students from among the university’s Senior Excellence in Research Awardees to Research in the Rotunda, five of whom hailed from the College of Letters & Science. 51ΑΤΖζ has a long tradition of supporting students in undergraduate research. Working closely with faculty mentors, these budding researchers gain practical experience in their fields, learn new skills, and build their rΓ©sumΓ©s for their future careers or graduate educations.

β€œWe are so proud of our students’ achievements, and grateful to 51ΑΤΖζ’s many research mentors who transform lives by inviting students to be collaborators. This event is an important spotlight on the tremendous value of the work, not only to the student, but to the state,” said Kyla Esguerra, the director of 51ΑΤΖζ’s Office of Undergraduate Research.

Presenting her work to legislators and other visitors was thrilling for Parnian Vakili, who is double majoring in cell & molecular biology and neuroscience.

β€œIt was such an honor to be chosen (to attend Research in the Rotunda),” she said. β€œWe had so many legislators coming up and talking to us, which was incredibly fun, and a lot of people that didn’t have science backgrounds, but they were interested enough to want to learn.”

Oli Pierce, who recently graduated with a history major and is now pursuing master’s degrees in history and library science at 51ΑΤΖζ, was excited for the chance to represent the humanities at Research in the Rotunda. They even got to present their work to Jill Underly, the Wisconsin State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

β€œHumanities research gets so swept under the rug so much, and I feel like people don’t see a lot of economic value in it, but it’s truly there,” Pierce said. β€œWe build so much critical thinking skills. Historical research is an important thing because we’re telling human stories.”

Both Pierce and Vakili were grateful not only for the opportunity to present at Research in the Rotunda, but to have the opportunity to perform student research during their time at 51ΑΤΖζ.

β€œIt’s completely changed the trajectory of my career. I didn’t ever think that I would want to do research as I didn’t even put it as an opportunity that I could pursue,” Vakili said. β€œBut being able to do it has made me love it so much that I’m hoping to either pursue an MD/PhD or do clinical research in my career. I think it has opened new doors for me.”

Pierce advised students to give research a try, even if it seems intimidating at first. β€œDon’t be afraid of opportunities presented to you. I am not a public speaker at all, but I have presented my research, and it’s really built up my confidence about being a historian,” they said.

Students who want to get involved in research should start by exploring 51ΑΤΖζ’s Office of Undergraduate Research. Someday, they might be the ones presenting their work at Research in the Rotunda.

By Sarah Vickery, College of Letters & Science

The following students represented UW-Milwaukee at Research in the Rotunda in March. The descriptions of their research were pulled from each student’s Senior Excellence in Research Award profile. Learn more about the Senior Excellence in Research Awardees.

Erik Collins, Psychology and Neuroscience

Since the summer of 2024, Erik Collins has been working as an undergraduate research assistant in Dr. Jeffrey Lopez-Rojas’ lab, investigating the core brain mechanisms within the entorhinal cortex and hippocampal circuits related to social recognition memory in mouse models of schizophrenia with the goal of outlining the main problem areas which inhibit proper function. Collins has learned, and exceled, in research techniques such as viral injection, immunohistochemistry, behavioral tasks, optogenenic manipulations, and peer mentorship.

After graduation, Collins plans to continue his education in graduate school with a PhD in neuroscience, specializing in the understanding and awareness of chronic mental disorders.

Shaun Harrington, Biochemistry

Shaun Harrington’s research mentor is Dr. Alexander Arnold from the Chemistry & Biochemistry Department, whose lab focuses on drug discovery. Since the end of his sophomore year, Harrington has been working on a project focusing on the design and synthesis of novel ligands targeting the Alpha-2B adrenergic receptors. By using a palladium-catalyzed reaction, he has developed many benzodiazepine-based analogs, some of which have shown promising affinity towards Alpha-2B adrenergic receptors. Few Alpha-2 subtype-specific ligands exist at present, but developing them is important to create safer and more effective treatments for anxiety and stress disorders. This work has also introduced Harrington to more advanced organic chemistry techniques, such as compound characterization, reaction optimization, and overall skills in synthetic organic chemistry and medicinal chemistry. Harrington hopes to continue his research journey after he graduates and pursue a PhD in chemistry.

Elizabeth Lappano, Classical Civilizations and Theater Production

Elizabeth Lappano is conducting research with Ralph Janes on the topic of inclusivity and accessibility in the performing arts with a focus on how to make the theater world as accepting as possible. Her work has been featured in exhibitions through the Peck School of the Arts at 51ΑΤΖζ. After graduation, Lappano hopes to bring her work to a master’s level and work in theater professionally. She also plans to pursue a doctorate in religious studies and become a professor.

Oli Pierce, History

Working under the mentorship of History Professor Rachel Buff, Oli Pierce leads a small research team on the project β€œThe Gangster Buffs of Charleston: Jewish Safety in a Southern City.” This project takes a multifaceted approach to exploring the immigration of Dr. Buff’s ancestors from Lithuania to the United States, combining genealogical, archival, and scholarly research to trace the family’s history back to the 18th century and reconstruct aspects of their lives in early 20th-century Appalachia.

During this work, Pierce uncovered the mysterious death of one of Dr. Buff’s great-aunts, Leah. Drawing on their academic and personal interest in queer history, Pierce proposed that Leah may have entered into a lavender marriage, a union between a queer man and woman designed to conceal their sexual orientation. Supported by evidence, Oli is currently developing a research article examining Leah’s life, identity, and the social pressures that may have shaped her story.

Allyson Ruffino, Microbiology

Allyson Ruffino has worked in Dr. Alita Burmeister’s lab since her sophomore year. Her research focuses on bacteriophage, a virus that can only infect bacteria. Bacteriophage could be used as an alternative to antibiotics. However, just as bacteria evolve resistance to antibiotics, they can do the same with phage. Ruffino’s research focuses on the genotypic changes and fitness costs of bacterial antibiotic and phage resistance evolution. Ruffino aspires to be an Infectious Disease physician, working with patients infected with mysterious pathogens or complex antibiotic-resistant infections. In addition to patient care she hopes to continue research in clinically relevant microbiology.

Parnian Vakili, Cell & Molecular Biology and Neuroscience

Parnian Vakili began her research under the mentorship of 51ΑΤΖζ Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences Dr. Claire de la Cova, studying the role of Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase (ERK) in animal development. Through the MCW Cancer Center and 51ΑΤΖζ Undergraduate Research Program, Parnian joined Dr. Nikki Lytle’s lab at the Medical College of Wisconsin in 2023, where she is currently investigating the role of Midkine in pancreatic cancer liver metastasis.

After completing her undergraduate degree, Vakili plans to pursue medical school, with the long-term goal of integrating her passion for scientific research with patient care.