SWOSU Press Release

Weatherford, OK – Undergraduate researchers from the Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences were recently selected to present their findings at the 30th annual Research Day at the Capitol, held April 14–15, at the Oklahoma State Capitol. This event brings together top student researchers from across the state to present ongoing research to legislators, scientists, and members of the public.

Representing SWOSU, Marshall “Julius” Koons of Ringling and Adreana Aquino of Edmond shared their research findings in the Capitol rotunda during the legislative session.

Koons earned third place in the Regional, Community, and Tribal Colleges category for his poster presentation titled “Purification and Preliminary Crystallization of SSA_0908, a Substrate-binding protein Streptococcus sanguinis.” Aquino presented her project titled “Reactive intermediate deaminase A (RidA)—A Bacterial Metabolite Detoxifying Protein from an opportunistic pathogen, Streptococcus sanguinis.”

Both students conduct their research under the mentorship of Dr. Vijay Somalinga, Associate Professor in the Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences. They began working in Dr. Somalinga’s lab in the fall semester of 2022 and are currently funded through the OK-LSAMP and OK-EPSCoR REU research scholarship programs. Their selection to participate was made by SWOSU’s Undergraduate Research and Scholarly Activity Committee (URSAC), which annually nominates students to represent the university at the Capitol.

Research Day at the Capitol is sponsored by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, OK-EPSCoR, and the National Science Foundation. The event is intended to highlight the high-quality research conducted by undergraduate students at Oklahoma colleges and universities while strengthening awareness among lawmakers about the role of research in higher education. Participants receive training on effective science communication and compete for awards judged by an independent panel.

Students from SWOSU’s Biology program have participated in Research Day at the Capitol for five consecutive years. During that time, SWOSU students have received three grand prize awards and two category awards, continuing a strong record of recognition at the state level.

Undergraduate research continues to be a significant part of the academic experience at SWOSU. Students across disciplines are conducting meaningful and competitive work that contributes to their fields and provides opportunities for professional growth and recognition.

For more information about the SWOSU Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, visit https://www.swosu.edu/biological-sciences/index.php.