Erick Manriquez of Hamburg, Arkansas earned first place among undergraduates in the recent DSU Academic Research Showcase for his project, “Analysis of Microplastics in Teeth.”CLEVELAND, Miss. — Delta State University recognized the outstanding achievements of 14 graduate and undergraduate students who showcased their research at the annual Academic Research Showcase, highlighting the university’s continued commitment to academic excellence and student scholarship.
Organized by Fawn Ussery, Director of Library Services, and hosted by the Office of Academic Affairs and the Roberts-LaForge Library, the showcase provided a platform for students to present original research in a poster session format. Held in the Student Success Center on the first floor of the library, the event allowed participants to share their work and engage with members of the campus community.
Jacob Runyon of Hilton, New York placed second in the recent Academic Research Showcase.
Among undergraduate participants, Erick Manriquez of Hamburg, Arkansas earned first place for his project, “Analysis of Microplastics in Teeth,” while Jacob Runyon of Hilton, New York placed second with his research titled “Endurance Sport Performance Under Mental Fatigue.” In the graduate category, Katerina Krauss of Tupelo received first place for “Chaos to Calm: Building Respect and Self Control in First Grade,” followed by Abigail Cockerill of Brandon in second place for “10 Day Tardy Erase.”
Ussery reflected on the significance of the event, noting its connection to the university’s longstanding mission. “Almost one hundred years ago, our second president, Dr. Kethley, told his students to ‘Hold up the light of learning, and forget not that you, yourself, are the true reflection of your school,’” said Ussery. “That message remains today, as I witnessed 14 scholars stand tall as the true reflection of their major, college and university with pride.”
The Academic Research Showcase underscores Delta State’s dedication to fostering a culture of inquiry, innovation and hands-on learning by providing students with meaningful opportunities to pursue and present research.
For more information about the Office of Academic Affairs at Delta State University, visit https://www.deltastate.edu/academics/academic-affairs/. For more information about the Roberts-LaForge Library, visit https://www.deltastate.edu/library/.
