Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) students presented research at the 73rd Annual Meeting of the Southwestern Association of Naturalists, held April 23–26 in Tyler, Texas. The conference brings together biologists from across the southwestern United States and Mexico to share research, recognize scientific achievement and support collaboration in natural history and related fields.

Three students from SWOSU’s Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences presented research posters during the meeting. Their presentations represented undergraduate research in ecology, genetics and organismal biology.

Madison Normile of Lone Grove presented “Effects of Seasonal Changes in Population Density on Sexual Selection in Hyalella Amphipods in Lake and Spring Populations.” Normile conducts research under the mentorship of Dr. Rickey Cothran.

Austin Buchanan of Harrah, also working under Cothran’s mentorship, presented “Phenotypic Plasticity of Amphipods in Response to Predator Cues.” Buchanan also received the Clark Hubbs Best Poster Presentation Award. He competed against undergraduate and graduate students from participating colleges and universities. The award honors Dr. Clark Hubbs, a scientist known for research in the natural history of fishes at the University of Texas at Austin. Buchanan received a certificate, a $600 cash award and will be recognized on the Southwestern Association of Naturalists website.

Erik Mesta of Guymon presented “African and European Honey Bee Lineages in Western Oklahoma: Genetic and Morphometric Evidence.” Mesta is mentored by Dr. Marcella Santos. The project also included co-author Sariah Longoria.

The Southwestern Association of Naturalists was founded in 1953 to promote field study of plants and animals in the southwestern United States, Mexico and Central America. Its annual meeting includes research presentations, student competitions, awards and professional collaboration opportunities for scientists and students. The meeting provided SWOSU students an opportunity to share original research with a professional audience and contribute to scientific discussions in their fields.

SWOSU’s Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences offers research opportunities through laboratory, field and faculty-mentored work, including opportunities for students to present at professional conferences.

For more information about SWOSU Biological and Biomedical Sciences, visit https://www.swosu.edu/biological-sciences/.

About Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) was founded in 1901 and offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs across three locations in Weatherford, Sayre, and Yukon. The university serves over 5,000 scholars and prides itself on affordability, small class sizes, and over 200 faculty and staff committed to helping students achieve their academic and personal goals.

For more information about Southwestern Oklahoma State University, visit www.swosu.edu.

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