Laura Maddox Smith Environmental Sciences

Summer 2004 Research Program

The School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences offers an innovative summer program, initiated in 1999, which is endowed by a generous gift from Mrs. Laura Maddox Smith, a long-time friend and supporter of Berry College, and a champion for environmental stewardship in

Georgia. The primary purposes of the program are: 1) to create a scholarly community centered on intensive scientific research during the summer on the Berry campus; 2) to foster collaborative scientific research among student and faculty at Berry; and 3) to encourage research and educational opportunties that will contribute to undersanding and improving our natural environment. Faculty compete annually for an award under this program for their research team, which includes two or more Berry College undergraduates.

During the summer of 2004, Dr. Bruce Conn, biology professor, and Sarah Simpson (2004C) continued research involving zebra mussels, Dreissena polymorpha, that have invaded the River Shannon, Ireland, and the harmful pathogens that have polluted the waters there. Ms. Simpson and Dr. Conn will present their research in September at the 13th International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species in Ireland.