The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) has announced the winning students of the 5th Annual UVI Research Day. The Office of Research and Public Service and the Eastern Caribbean Center hosted the event in April on both the St. Thomas and St. Croix campuses as an open forum for students, faculty and staff to discuss a myriad of topics that affect the community. Each research presentation involved a poster display and invited discussion about a specific topic.
Genique Nicholas emerged as the Research Day winner on UVI’s Sheen Campus on St. Croix. Nicolas, an undergraduate student majoring in chemistry, presented “Antioxidant Activity in Fresh Herbs.” This research involved the best source of antioxidants in fresh herbs that can be u
sed to prevent degenerative ailments including cancer, cardiovascular and neurological diseases.
Zola Roper was named the Research Day winner on the St. Thomas Campus. Roper, an undergraduate student majoring in marine biology, examined the “Elysia Crispate, the Lettuce Sea Slug,” and its preference to associate with one of two types of green algae.
Graduate student award-winner Sarah Groves presented the study “Physical Drivers of Community Structure and Growth of Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems Surrounding St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.” Groves’ area of study involved marine environmental science.
Frank Mills Ph.D., vice provost for Research and Public Service, applauded the students’ efforts. “As chair of the UVI Research Day Committee, I wish to extend my congratulations to the winners of this year’s Research Day Award, and to compliment them on the outstanding research work they have accomplished, which can only enhance the applied knowledge base of UVI and the community it serves.”
Each poster was judged by at least three judges, who were mostly faculty with experience in statistical or basic research methods. Each contestant was judged on 12 items, including the quality of the poster figures and graphs, hypothesis, statement of purpose, knowledge of the research subject and evidence in support of the conclusions. Each winner will be presented with a $500 award. This year, 35 poster presentations, demonstrations and roundtable discussions took place on the Sheen Campus and 77 on the St. Thom
as Campus.
From 2012 to 2017, UVI has been following its strategic plan, “Pathways to Greatness.” One of the goals of the plan is the expansion of innovative research by getting faculty and undergraduate students involved in an effort to achieve greatness. With this goal in mind, UVI Research Day has now become a cornerstone for the university.
