LA
Lauren Atkinson
  • Biology
  • Class of 2019
  • Harwinton, CT

Lauren Atkinson 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.

Lauren Atkinson '19 of Harwinton presented a poster titled "Analysis of the Microbiome of Scorpion Guts for Antibiotic Production." Atkinson majors in Biology.

"Antibiotic resistance poses a serious threat," said Atkinson. "The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimated that it caused 25,000 deaths in the U.S. in 2013 and the numbers have risen since then. Dr. Margaret Chan, director of the WHO, has warned that without immediate action to address this threat, we face the end of modern medicine as we know it. One important part of facing this threat is developing new antibiotics. In my research, I chose to test scorpions for the presence of antibiotics because first evidence of their existence dates hundreds of millions of years. As an ancient lineage, they have co-evolved with terrestrial pathogens for the same amount of time. They are routinely exposed to potentially deadly pathogens in their diets, which include mice, insects, and other Arthropoda. My research partner and I hypothesize that scorpions have formed symbiotic relationships with bacteria that produce antibiotics in order to protect the scorpions against these pathogens."

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.

"The CREATE conference allows student researchers to learn how to present their research in a welcoming environment. They can share their research with their fellow students and learn what their peers are studying. By interacting with various faculty from different fields, student researchers are exposed to new perspectives and valuable suggestions," said Atkinson.

"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."