Special to The T&D The Times and Democrat | Posted: Thursday, March 15, 2012 6:00 am |

Students and members of the community are invited to come see the exciting science programs and visionary research at Claflin Universitys Undergraduate STEM and Behavioral Science Research Symposium on Friday, March 23.

Dr. Maydianne C.B. Andrade, research chair in integrative behavioral ecology at the University of Toronto at Scarborough, Canada, will serve as the keynote speaker.

This symposium will heighten awareness for our fantastic research and academic programs in the community and far beyond, said Dr. Verlie Tisdale, dean of the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.

In addition to Andrades remarks, there will be a poster session based on the research of Claflin students, oral presentations from graduate students and tours of the state-of-the-art Molecular Science Research Center and the James S. Thomas Science Center.

Andrades current position was awarded to her by the Canadian government. She has been on the faculty at the University of Toronto at Scarborough since 2004. She received a Ph.D. in neurobiology and behavior from Cornell University, where she received the Clark Distinguished Teaching Award. In 2007, she was acknowledged with the African Canadian Achievement Award for Excellence in Science.

Andrade was also featured in a 2002 edition of Canadas Time Magazine as a person who will define the next frontier of science. She also was named among the 10 most brilliant young scientists in North American by Popular Magazine.

Tisdale said the main goal of the symposium is to assemble members of the science community from South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia. Another aim, Tisdale noted, is to highlight the significant research strength of Claflins master of biotechnology degree program. Claflin is home to the South Carolina Center for Biotechnology, where world-renowned researcher Dr. Omar Bagasra is the director.

Prospective students of the master of biotechnology program are eligible for full tuition and a monthly stipend through the U.S. Department of Education. The center has assembled a massive portfolio of research projects since opening in 2005, tackling such issues as HIV/AIDS, cancer, organ transplantation and diabetes.

Undergraduate and graduate students at Claflin will orally present their research during the symposiums afternoon session.

The rest is here:
Undergraduate STEM/Behavioral Science Research Symposium set