University of Lynchburg psychology majors took first- and second-place honors April 17 at an undergraduate research symposium hosted by Virginia Military Institute’s Center for Undergraduate Research.
At the annual event, which involved more than 90 students from VMI, Mary Baldwin University, Southern Virginia University, and University of Lynchburg, the three students gave presentations about their research in the natural and social sciences.
Katie Roderick ’19, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, took first place in the natural sciences category for her presentation, “The Effects of Structural Environmental Enrichment and Social Enrichment on Anxiety-Like Behavior in Zebrafish (Danio rerio).”
Mihika Corodimas ’19, of Forest, Virginia, placed second in natural sciences for her presentation, “The Effects of the Neonicotinoid, Chlorpyrifos, on Contextual Fear Conditioning in Adult Zebrafish (Danio rerio).”
Roderick and Corodimas are two thirds of the “Research Dream Team,” which was featured in the Fall 2018 Lynchburg Magazine. Along with Meagan Collins ’18, who is currently pursuing a PhD in neuroscience at McGill University in Montreal, the Dream Team spent months studying zebrafish behavior with psychology professor Dr. Keith Corodimas.
Mary King ’19, of Rustburg, Virginia, also presented at the VMI symposium. She placed second in social sciences for her presentation, “The Effect of Media Influence and Gender on Perceptions of the Self.” King worked on the capstone research project over the past year with professor of psychology Dr. Virginia Cylke.
All three students will graduate in May with the highest honors in psychology. “The Department of Psychological Science is extremely proud of Katie, Mihika, and Mary,” assistant professor Dr. Pepper Hanna said. “They are certainly deserving of their awards as they have demonstrated sustained dedication to their research throughout their undergraduate careers.
“Even with the requirements for their individual projects, they have demonstrated collegiality and assisted both one another and their peers without hesitation. They will, no doubt, continue to bring honor to themselves and their professions in the years to come.”
