THIBODAUX, La. — Nicholls State University Biology Major Mary Grace Robichaux will discuss her undergraduate research with congressional representatives and their staff at the 26th Annual Posters on the Hill symposium.
Robichaux’s research is titled, “Preliminary Analysis of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria, Antibiotic Resistance Genes, and Contaminants in Sludge Following Hurricane Ida in Southeast, Louisiana.
The senior biology major from Thibodaux will present her research virtually at 2 p.m. on April 27. She said she is honored to represent Nicholls during the event and excited to share her research with congressional representatives.
“Hurricane Ida has greatly impacted every person in the Bayou Region, and the findings of this research have made the public aware of the harmful contaminants that are present all around them following the aftermath of the storm,” Robichaux said. “As the many communities in South Louisiana come together to clean up the damage and mess resulting from the hurricane, it is very important for them to be aware of the dangers that are present in the sludge and sediments they are picking up, so that they use necessary caution when cleaning up. We want the community and families to keep themselves safe and healthy while they clean and rebuild their communities.”
Robichaux has worked with Alcee Fortier Distinguished Service Professor Dr. Raj Boopathy for the last three years. Dr. Boopathy has advised two other students who were selected for Posters on the Hill in the past: Ethan Naquin and Anthony Naquin.
“She is an excellent student and carries out research beyond what is expected,” Dr. Boopathy said. “Mary Grace helped in my research by taking a lead doing independent research on antibiotic resistance in the environment. She also mentors other undergraduate students in our lab.”
Each spring, the Council on Undergraduate Research hosts the event on Capitol Hill. The council selects just one student per state to present. The event shows Congress members and staff the importance of undergraduate research. This is the eighth consecutive year Nicholls has been represented at the event.
Since 2020, the event has been virtual because of COVID-19.
For more information on Nicholls Biology, www.nicholls.edu/biology.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, April 18, 2022
MEDIA CONTACT: Jerad David, Director of Communications, 985.448.4303 or jerad.david@nicholls.edu
Original source can be found here.
