Cameron University was among 18 institutions that participated in a recent statewide research event at the State Capitol highlighting the innovative work being conducted across Oklahoma’s colleges and universities.
Cameron was represented by two senior biology majors – Solomon Meraz from Oklahoma City, and Honey Peters from Elgin. They were among 27 students chosen from a highly competitive pool to present their research, demonstrating the depth and quality of academic inquiry happening throughout the state.
The group presented their research to legislators and the public in the Capitol rotunda. As part of the event’s evaluation process, students delivered formal presentations before a panel of judges.
Peters shared findings from her study, “The Frequency of Microplastics in the Bats of Oklahoma,” which examined environmental contamination and its impact on local wildlife.
Meraz’s presentation, “Flying Under the Radar: A Study of Adenovirus Prevalence and Genetic Variation in Oklahoma’s Bat Populations,” offered insight into viral patterns and ecological health within bat species.
Peters and Meraz completed their research under the mentorship of Dr. Dana Lee, an associate professor in CU’s Department of Agriculture, Biology and Health Sciences. Both students graduated from Cameron this month with honors, receiving Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology.
The event is sponsored by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, the Oklahoma Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, and the National Science Foundation. Its purpose is to inform the Oklahoma Legislature and the public about the high-quality research being conducted on college and university campuses across the state.
This annual gathering serves as a platform for emerging scholars to contribute to critical scientific conversations while showcasing the strength of Oklahoma’s higher education system.
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