Alumna Selected for Summer Science Institute

Tessa Lanzafame '19 is one step closer to publishing research on herbivorous insects after presenting some of her findings at the University of Mary Washington's Summer Science Institute.

According to UMW, its Summer Science Institute allows students to work with faculty on a 10-week summer research project. Tessa is majoring in biology, and in those 10 weeks, she spent many hours scouring campus for insects and then monitoring their maturation in temperature-controlled growth chambers. The ultimate goal is to determine the insect species present on campus and identify their specific plant hosts.

Tessa is collaborating on this project with UMW Assistant Professor of Biology Josephine Antwi. They will continue their research this academic year, with the eventual goal of publication.

Students are selected for the Summer Science Institute each spring by participating faculty members. The chance to publish research collaboratively with faculty is just one benefit for students participating in UMW's Summer Science Institute. They're also able to do meaningful, professional quality work under scientifically rigorous conditions. Students also receive a stipend for their work.

UMW College of Arts and Sciences Dean Dr. Keith Mellinger attended the Summer Science Institute's public symposium at the conclusion of the program, where Tessa and other students presented their work. In a letter to Head of Upper School Kim Aston '88, Mellinger said STEM programs like the Summer Science Institute have a transformational impact.

"Thank you for all that you and your team are doing to prepare your students for a rigorous college experience," Mellinger wrote to Ms. Aston.

Photo credit: Suzanne Carr Rossi for the University of Mary Washington