Asa O'Neal one of 13 undergraduates to present at Posters-at-the-Capitol

Thirteen University of Kentucky undergraduate researchers will present their work at the 23rd annual Posters-at-the-Capitol on March 6, including Asa O'Neal, senior mechanical engineering and physics major. The event will feature research topics including community health, agricultural sustainability, renewable energy and public health and safety.

Posters-at-the-Capitol is hosted collaboratively by the University of Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky University, Kentucky Community and Technical College System, Kentucky State University, Morehead State University, Murray State University, Northern Kentucky University, University of Louisville and Western Kentucky University to showcase the experience of undergraduate students engaged in research through high-quality poster displays at the state legislature. This year’s event will have more than 100 student representatives from across the state displaying the results of their research and scholarly work.

Posters-at-the-Capitol allows lawmakers, who are responsible for higher education funding in Kentucky, to see the important role undergraduate research plays in the education of our students. Students learn more about the political process and how to advocate for undergraduate research at the local and state governmental levels.

The UK students participating in Posters-at-the-Capitol this year include:

• Asa O’Neal, mechanical engineering and physics and Lewis Honors College senior; Faculty mentors: Alexandre Martin and Savio Poovathingal, Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering; “KRUPS KREPE III: Advancing Hypersonic Re-Entry Technologies with Innovative Spacecraft.”
• Botshelo Angoma, agricultural and medical biotechnology and psychology junior; Faculty mentors: Jiang Yang and Erica Littlejohn, College of Medicine; “The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on COVID-19-related Stress and Mental Health: A Study of Emerging Adults in Kentucky.”
• Caroline Harper, agricultural and medical biotechnology and Lewis Honors College senior, and Madison Wilson, human health sciences senior; Faculty mentor: Patrick Hannon, College of Medicine; “Exposure to an Environmentally Relevant Phthalate Mixture Inhibits Ovulation By Impairing Prostaglandin Function in the Mouse Ovary.”
• Jackson Skeeters, interior design sophomore; Faculty Mentor: Helen Turner, College of Design; “Immersive Recycling: The Merging of Art and Audits to Encourage Behavioral Change.”
• James Overly, neuroscience senior; Faculty mentor: Daniel Lee, College of Medicine; “Targeting Tau: Molecular Insights into SSAT1 and Polyamine Metabolism as Keys to Alzheimer’s Pathogenesis.”
• Mandy Dickerson, public health senior; Faculty mentors: Ketrell McWhorter and Fidelis Sesenu, College of Public Health; “The relationship among perceived environmental exposures, socioeconomic factors, and chronic disease outcomes.”
• McKenna Green, Lewis Honors psychology and public health junior; Faculty mentors: Linda Van Eldik and David Braun, College of Medicine; “High-fat diet induces behavioral deficits and an altered inflammatory profile that is partially restored by dietary reversal.”
• Molly Lobel, animal science senior; Faculty mentor: Tayo Adedokun, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment; “The effect of mycotoxin containing diets on broiler chickens under heat stress depends on the response variables being evaluated.”
• Palak Patel, Lewis Honors and biology senior; Faculty mentor: Penni Black, College of Pharmacy; “Exploring the Role of Inhibiting SHP2 to Enhance Immune Responses to Combat Lung Cancer.”
• Rosbelly Rios, biology senior; Faculty mentor: Yosra A. Helmy, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment; “Detection of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Food, Animals, and Environment: A One Health Approach.”
• Sarisha Lohano, Lewis Honors and biology senior; Faculty mentor: Jonathan Satin, College of Medicine; “Impact of Cardiomyocyte-Restricted Deletion of RAD on Voluntary Exercise and Cardiac Remodeling.”
• Taylor Emerson, human health sciences senior; Faculty mentors: Brandi White and Kendra OoNorasak, College of Health Sciences; “Health on a Budget: The Challenge of DASH Diet Affordability for Low-Income Families.”

View all 2025 Posters-at-the-Capitol projects here.