Elizabeth Del Buono Presents at 2017 CREATE Conference

2017 May 2

The Third Annual CREATE Conference at Eastern Connecticut State University took place on April 21. CREATE stands for "Celebrating Research Excellence and Artistic Talent at Eastern," and is the University's premier conference showcasing student research and creative activity.

Elizabeth Del Buono '17 of Southington presented a poster titled "Investigating Odd-Skipped Expression Patterns in C. Elegans." Del Buono majors in Biology.

"My project investigates the expression patterns and functions of odd-skipped C. elegans, a microscopic model nematode in genetics and biology," said DelBuono. "Odd-skipped genes are involved in developmental disorders and cancer in humans, and not much is known about them in C. elegans."

The one-day conference featured more than 300 Eastern undergraduates who presented talks, professional posters, live music, dance performances, art and photography exhibits, documentary films and panel discussions.

"This was my fifth time presenting this research at a conference," add DelBuono. "I am excited to have one more chance to talk about my research before I graduate. CREATE is always fun because it's more of a celebration."

"CREATE is a reaffirmation of Eastern's commitment to undergraduate research as Connecticut's only public liberal arts university," said Niti Pandey, business administration professor and conference co-chair. Reflecting on this year's record number of participants, she added, "There is a wonderful variety of presentations and performances for people to see. CREATE 2017 showcases the hard work and talent of our students and demonstrates the dedication of their faculty mentors. We look forward to an excellent event!"

From art to zoology, Shakespeare to social media, tax law to terrorism, Eastern students of all majors explore important concepts and produce exemplary research and creative work; the culmination of their work for the 2016-17 academic year was on display at CREATE.

Patricia Szczys, biology professor and conference co-chair, added: "CREATE is a superb learning experience for all who participate and a true celebration of our student's achievements."