By: Grace Kanipe '26

This October, twelve University of Mount Union students traveled to the American Physical Society Eastern Great Lakes Section (EGLS) Fall 2025 Meeting, where six of them presented original research conducted through summer internships, REU programs, and ongoing collaborative projects with faculty mentors. From quantum chemistry and biomedical engineering to data reconstruction and superconducting devices, UMU students displayed an impressive range of innovation and curiosity—earning recognition from peers and professionals across the region.

Each student brought a unique project and perspective to the conference. Below, four of the presenters share insights into their research, the challenges they encountered, and what they learned from stepping into a professional scientific environment. 

Exploring New Frontiers in Biomedical Engineering

Amelia Francisco, a biomedical engineering major, spent her summer at the University of Kentucky through the National Science Foundation’s Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program. Assigned a project that merged her interest in medicine with hands-on experimentation, she quickly became invested in the work. 

Her project explored whether electrical stimulation could keep healthy mitochondria functional long enough to be used in treatments for diseases like Alzheimer’s or cancer. The experience taught her the realities of scientific work.

“Research rarely goes as planned… but those challenges taught me patience, perseverance, and problem-solving,” she said.

Reconstructing Data with AI

For Texas Doehring, a data science and analytics major, programming has always been about solving big problems by breaking them into manageable pieces. That mindset fueled their project, D.R.U.I.D., developed during an internship with the Center for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.

“There’s so much research happening that we just don’t hear about,” Doehring reflected. “It was exciting to listen, learn, and make connections that will help as I look toward Ph.D. programs.”

Advancing Quantum Computing Hardware

Connor Good, a computer science and physics double major, spent his summer participating in an REU program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, working on technology essential for the next generation of quantum computers. He described the conference as a meaningful step in developing his professional skills.

“Presenting to strangers in my field was intimidating, but it helped me grow as a presenter,” Good said. 

Investigating “Forever Chemicals” with Quantum Chemistry

Valerie Stroup, a biochemistry and computer science double major, joined a summer research internship through the Center for Data Science and AI, working on a project titled Why Might PFAS Last “Forever”? A Quantum Chemistry Investigation. Her strong performance led to the continuation of the project into the fall, with Dr. Morales now serving as her research advisor. 

Her work applies machine learning to predict PFAS properties using data from better-understood compounds, saying, “This project was a great introduction to how large-scale research really works,” she shared. “I feel better prepared for future conferences and for grad school.”

From medical applications and environmental chemistry to data reconstruction and quantum computing, Mount Union students brought creativity, curiosity, and professionalism to the EGLS conference. Their experiences reflect the university’s commitment to hands-on learning, faculty mentorship, and preparing students for meaningful careers in science and engineering.

Learn more about Mount Union’s Center for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at https://www.mountunion.edu/academics/centers/center-for-data-science-and-artificial-intelligence