More than 50 undergraduate students at The University of Toledo spent the past three months delving deep into research projects, including the transport and fate of algal bloom toxins in water distribution systems made of plastic pipe, preparing an experiment for microgravity crystal growth on the International Space Station, and skin penetration of caffeine from marketed eye creams.

One student studied the effect on the formation of ovarian cancer tumors of MLK3, a specific protein associated with the spread of cancer.

Students will present their work at the End-of-Summer Research Symposium from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 3 in the Canaday Center and Gallery at Carlson Library. It is free and open to the public.

Dr. Andrew Hsu, UT provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, and Dr. Jonathan Bossenbroek, UT’s new director of the Office of Undergraduate Research, will give opening remarks at 9 a.m.

“These undergraduate students are enthusiastic and spent their summer working on projects ranging from molecular and cellular biology to theology, astronomy and engineering,” Bossenbroek said. “They’re strengthening their critical thinking skills and overall view of themselves as scholars with help from faculty members who serve as mentors.”

The symposium celebrates the accomplishments of the students who participated in the Undergraduate Summer Research and Creative Activity Program, the First-Year Summer Research Program, the National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program, and the Toledo Talent Keeps Toledo Great Internship Program.

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