This academic school year, three STEM students represented Albertus Magnus College by
presenting their summer research at a national conference. The virtual conference, titled
“Cultivating Our Future STEM Leaders” was hosted by the U.S. Department of Education
Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program (MSEIP). All three participating
students were recipients of MSEIP stipend support for their summer internships. Additionally,
Albertus Magnus College alumnus Kennedy Porter (Biology ’23) was featured on the cover page
of the conference program (photo taken by Kaitlin D’Agostino during a Biochemistry class in the
spring 2023 semester).
Maria Estrada ’25 and Rachael Pellegrini ’25 presented their research from the SAGE Scholar
Summer Research Fellowship. Their study focused on isolation of antibiotic-producing bacteria
from local soil samples. Maria and Rachael both also completed summer internships at The
Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.
Cora Ruiz ’24 presented her summer research from the U.S. Air Force Research Lab. Her
research was into blockchain applications in contested environments (such as war zones).
All three students gave impressive presentations and received appreciative feedback from the
conference host and attendees. They were wonderful ambassadors for Albertus STEM on the
national stage!
The SAGE Scholar Summer Research Fellowship applications for summer 2024 will open
shortly. We look forward to another successful research experience for our students. For more
information on all things STEM at Albertus Magnus College, please follow us at albertus.stem
on Instagram.