FORT PIERCE, FLA (December 9, 2025) – Indian River State College (The River) hosted its Fall 2025 Undergraduate Research Symposium on December 5, 2025, at The River’s Brinkley Science Center in Fort Pierce, showcasing exceptional research achievements from upper-level biology students. 

The symposium featured oral presentations in the N-135 Auditorium followed by poster presentations in the Atrium. Nearly all participating students will graduate this fall semester with Bachelor of Science in Biology degrees. 

Featured Research Highlights 

The event showcased groundbreaking research conducted by students in partnership with prominent research institutions throughout Florida’s Research Coast. 

• Marine Biology and Environmental Science: Christian Walker, an Air Force veteran conducting marine biology research at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, presented findings on the marine ecology of the Indian River Lagoon. His project examined mangrove environments to reveal controls on hydrogen sulfide accumulation, contributing valuable insights into local marine ecosystems. Walker plans to continue his studies in graduate school, focusing on marine biology. Alexander Thompson presented his research on Jensen Beach impoundment mangrove forest recovery, examining the ecological restoration processes in previously impounded coastal wetlands. 

• Antimicrobial Resistance Research: Omair Khan, an aspiring medical student, shared his work on the metagenomic discovery of antimicrobial resistance genes in soil microbiomes, conducted under the guidance of Dr. Tom D’Elia. His research carries important implications for wildlife health, as antimicrobial resistance can spread to the Indian River Lagoon watershed. 

• Agricultural Pest Management: Terri Price-Baker, who works at the UF Indian River Research and Education Center, presented her study on fungal endophytes as a biological defense against pests and pathogens. Her findings have widespread implications for developing potential biopesticides in agriculture. 

• Health and Exercise Science: Tara Destinval presented groundbreaking research on hemodynamic responses to deep-sea mineral supplementation during maximal exercise through a randomized crossover study, exploring potential performance benefits and physiological impacts. 

• Entomology and Vector Biology: Raymond Gellner shared his findings on host associations of the crabhole mosquito, Deinocerites cancer (Diptera: Culicidae), contributing to understanding of mosquito ecology and potential disease vector dynamics in coastal environments. 

Poster Presentations 

The symposium also featured poster presentations covering diverse scientific topics. Eight projects analyzed varying factors of the marine ecology of the Indian River Lagoon as part of a restoration initiative, while other projects like Garciela Perez’s involved the microscopic analysis of Glioblastoma.  

Poster presenters included Nealson Adea, Joseline Aguilar, Sydney Bilbrey, Yzabella Buchko, Katriel Budwah, Morgan Carpenter, Hannah Hutchins, Omair Khan, Maria Medrano, Graciela Perez, Ileana Roldan-Montoya, Cassidee Russo, Katelyn Scott, Leigh-Ann Spalding, and Jessica Zennaro, who showcased diverse research projects spanning marine ecology, microbiology, environmental contamination, neuroscience, and wildlife conservation. 

Leadership Perspectives 

“The quality of research presented at the Symposium demonstrates the exceptional scientific talent we are developing at Indian River State College,” said Indian River State College President Timothy E. Moore, Ph.D. “These students are tackling complex scientific questions and contributing meaningful data to their areas of study. We congratulate them, Dean Dribben, and their advisors on their wonderful research and contributions to science—their success exemplifies The River’s commitment to robust, cutting-edge scientific programming that prepares students for leadership in tomorrow’s scientific community.” 

“Our students have risen to the challenge of conducting rigorous, original research that addresses real-world issues affecting our local environment and beyond,” stated Dean Anthony Dribben of the School of Science. “Watching them present their findings with such confidence and expertise reaffirms our commitment to providing hands-on research opportunities that prepare them for success in graduate programs and professional careers.” 

The research presented at the symposium was conducted as part of Senior Capstone courses, demonstrating the School of Science’s commitment to providing students with hands-on research experience that prepares them for advanced studies and professional careers in the sciences. 

About Indian River State College School of Science 

The River’s School of Science provides comprehensive undergraduate education in the biological and physical sciences, emphasizing research opportunities and real-world applications that prepare students for graduate studies and careers in scientific fields. 

For more information about Indian River State College’s School of Science and upcoming events, contact Merle Litvack, Math and Science Student Success Coordinator, at mlitvack@irsc.edu or (772) 462-7503. 

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About Indian River State College: Indian River State College, serving Florida’s Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties, offers high-quality, affordable education to over 24,000 students annually through traditional and online courses. The College provides more than 130 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and technical certificates. To learn more, visit irsc.edu.