CSB and SJU students to present scholarly research at State Capitol

Four College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University students will be presenting scholarly research at the annual Private College Scholars at the Capitol event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 8, at the State Capitol Rotunda, St. Paul.

The event will feature the scholarly research of 41 students presenting 30 posters from 15 Minnesota private colleges. The topics of the scholarly research conducted by these students come from many disciplines, including subjects like biology, history and social work. The four CSB/SJU students will be presenting in the areas of math, environmental studies and biology. Those students presenting include:

• Sarah Lange, a CSB senior from St. Cloud, Minn., is presenting “Graph Theory: Colored Independence.” Her adviser is Anne Sinko, assistant professor of mathematics. Lange’s project centers on colored-independence, a form of graph labeling. In her research, Lange analyzed the traits of these graphs.
• Emily Hayne, a CSB senior from Mahtomedi, Minn., is presenting “Minnesota Elementary School Gardens: Growing Knowledge with Nature.” Her adviser is Derek Larson, professor of environmental studies. Hayne’s project looks critically at the way elementary schools can connect children to nature, while still upholding Minnesota science standards. She specifically analyzes environment-focused field trips, on site ecosystems, natural playgrounds and school gardens.
• Michael Sandager, a SJU senior from Marine On St. Croix, Minn., is presenting “Invasive Neighbors: The Effect of Zebra Mussel Infestation on Lakeshore Property Values.” His adviser is Larson. Sandager’s project examines how an infestation of Zebra Mussels could potentially harm water clarity and fishing quality, resulting in a negative impact on property values.
• Michael Culshaw, a SJU senior from Coon Rapids, Minn., is presenting ‘General Survey of Shallow Lakes and Wetlands on the Saint John’s University Campus.” His adviser is Bill Lamberts, associate professor of biology. In his research, Culshaw tested water samples in the shallow lakes and wetlands at SJU in order to track water quality and temperatures. These results have led to further areas of future research.