Ms. Katherine Van Deusen, a senior Biology major and University Honors student, has been selected to attend the 2004 American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) national meeting in Seattle, WA. In February, Ms. Van Deusen will present a poster of her summer research in a special MERCK poster session showcasing a relatively small number of undergraduate researchers.

Her project, "Stimulation of nahAC Gene Production in Naphthalene-Spiked Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Contaminated Soils," has been carried out under the supervision of Dr. Henry Spratt, Professor in Biological and Environmental Sciences, and Dr. Dawn Castle, a post-doctoral student in the department. 

Their research focuses on the coal tar contamination of the Chattanooga Creek floodplain, a local EPA Superfund site. The researchers are analyzing the prospect of revitalizing the area using a process known as bioremediation, which would allow existing microbial enzymes in the soil to degrade the dangerous substances. The researchers have found that contaminated areas of the creek floodplain may have the microbial capacity to support bioremediation.

Congratulations to all involved! Ms. Van Deusen’s poster session at the AAAS meeting will bring recognition to UTC's undergraduate research programs.