Keyri Sierra Participates in Summer Research at Lebanon Valley College

2017 Jul 17

Keyri Sierra of Lancaster, Pa., is one of nearly 50 science students participating in summer research projects with faculty at Lebanon Valley College. Sierra, a graduate of Hempfield High School, is pursuing a bachelor of science in biology.

Sierra is starting to conduct research at Lebanon Valley College before they take their first course at the institution as part of LVCOs OResearch FirstO program; a program that provides opportunities for incoming LVC freshmen to work with college faculty/student research teams during the summer before their freshman year of college.EThese young scientists are learning how to conduct DNA extractions and run PCRs, as they test genetic diversity in bladderwort populations using microsatellite DNA markers.EBladderworts are carnivorous plants that capture and digest prey in their bladder-like traps.

A hallmark of the College's science programs, students pursue their research interests under the guidance of faculty mentors. Student and faculty research projects are typically presented at scientific conferences and often lead to publications in peer-reviewed journals.

The Valley continues to be recognized as a national leader in undergraduate science education. This esteemed reputation has led to the College receiving numerous federal and corporate grants to expand student-faculty research and enable LVC to provide students with state-of-the-art scientific equipment.

Learn more about our programs at www.lvc.edu.