News Archives

Biology associate professor selected for NASA WV Space Grant
The College of Science congratulates Dr. Holly Cyphert, associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, on receiving funding from the NASA West Virginia Space Grant Consortium to support the HERD STEM-pede at Marshall University. The HERD STEM-pede is a one-day, hands-on science camp designed to introduce fourth- and fifth-grade students to key concepts in
Environmental Science students dive into river research
Environmental Science students are gaining hands-on field experience through ongoing research along the Ohio River. This week, the team sampled six additional sites in the lower Greenup Pool, bringing their total to 13 randomized sites—from the Big Sandy River downstream. The group collected data on benthic fish communities, substrate composition, mussel counts, and invertebrates captured
Biology students present research at Ohio Valley Entomological Association
The College of Science congratulates Dr. Gabriela Puppo and her graduate students, Noah Adkins and Erica Edinger, from the Department of Biological Sciences for representing Marshall University at the 2025 Ohio Valley Entomological Association Annual Meeting in Burlington, Kentucky. Adkins and Edinger each gave research presentations highlighting their ongoing work in Dr. Puppo’s lab, earning
Physics faculty receives NASA support for second annual High School Science Day
The College of Science at Marshall University is pleased to announce that the NASA West Virginia Space Grant Consortium has awarded funding for the second annual College of Science High School Science Day (HSSD)—a NASA Day event proudly sponsored by the Consortium. Led by Dr. Sean P. McBride, associate professor in the Department of Mathematics
Physics faculty receives NASA funding for Family Science Fun Day
he College of Science at Marshall University is excited to announce that the NASA West Virginia Space Grant Consortium has awarded funding for the first annual Family Science Fun Day, scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2026. Organized by Dr. Sachiko McBride, assistant professor in the Department of Mathematics and Physics, this one-day community event will
Physics professor receives $150K from NSF for neutron star research
Congratulations to Dr. Maria Hamilton, professor in the Department of Mathematics and Physics, on receiving funding from the National Science Foundation for her project “Cross-Validation of Binary Neutron Star Mergers Simulations across Multiple Codes.” The three-year, $150,000 award will advance research into binary neutron star mergers—rare cosmic events that offer valuable insights into the laws
Environmental Science students dive into stream science with WV DEP
Students in Marshall University’s Aquatic Assessment class, along with members of several environmental science groups, spent Friday morning learning firsthand how professionals evaluate the health of West Virginia streams. Garret and his team from the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) led a live demonstration of a WV stream assessment, including Rapid Bioassessment Protocol
Chemistry faculty awarded $568K NSF grant for renewable catalyst research
College of Science Chemistry faculty members Dr. Shin Moteki (principal investigator) and Dr. Scott Day (co-principal investigator) have secured a $568,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to advance research on renewable polymer-based catalysts. The project engages a team of dedicated student researchers, including Lauren Dunsmore, Abby Darnley, Ramey George, Mackenzie Maynard, and Cody
Biology Plants Group takes science outdoors
September 28, 2025 · Biological Sciences, Science Abstracts
The Biological Sciences Plants Group—featuring the Palmquist, Puppo, and Shakirov labs—recently traded the lab for the outdoors with a field walk at Green Bottom Wildlife Management Area. Students and faculty spent the afternoon spotting native plants, insects, and birds before wrapping up the day with a stop at the local favorite, Hillbilly Hot Dogs. It
Biology faculty co-authors study on New Zealand penguins
Dr. Herman Mays, professor of biological sciences, recently co-authored a new publication examining the population structure of three crested penguin species in New Zealand. The research offers important insights for conservation: tawaki penguins appear stable and genetically diverse, while erect-crested penguins are divided into two distinct populations—those from the Antipodes Islands and those from the