The Arthur J. Bosch Endowment is providing six Central College students the opportunity to undertake summer research projects as Bosch Undergraduate Summer Research Fellows.

The endowment provides financial support for undergraduate students to engage in professional research opportunities with faculty during the summer in preparation for graduate school or a chosen career. Bosch Fellows receive a stipend and housing support during the summer to support their research.

“The Arthur J. Bosch Endowment for Student Research reinforces Central’s strategic commitment to intellectual and social engagement among students and faculty,” says Mary Strey, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty. “The Bosch Fellows have achieved significant academic success and represent diverse disciplines including biology, exercise science, political science, psychology and chemistry, echoing our commitment to research across the curriculum.”

Bradon Annegers, a biology major in the Class of 2023 from Stronghurst, Illinois, applied to conduct research with Russ Benedict, professor of biology. Annegers is researching the source of white-nose syndrome in bats and how the population has decreased across the state of Iowa because of this disease.

Layken Bytnar, a biology major in the Class of 2024, is conducting research with Paulina Mena, associate professor of biology. Specifically, she is continuing research begun last summer with Mena, doing a survey of native bees in Big Rock Park, Pella. The findings will allow researchers to expand their understanding of the species of bees found there. Bytnar is from Bettendorf, Iowa.

Rachel Daniels, an exercise science major in the Class of 2023, is working with Sara Shuger Fox, associate professor of kinesiology. Daniels, from Geneseo, Illinois, is delving into Blue Zone research in Costa Rica, specifically in the region of San Vito. She is comparing health markers in this region with those identified in Shuger Fox’s prior research in the Nicoya region.

Alora Nowlin, a Class of 2023 international and global studies major (with additional majors in Spanish and French), is doing research with Cynthia Mahmood, professor of anthropology. Nowlin, from Council Bluffs, Iowa, will use this opportunity to begin her honors research and understand the sense of identity among French Catalonians. Her work includes conducting a literature review, personal interviews and content analysis.

Gabriella Petruzzello, a psychology and French double-major in the Class of 2024, is conducting research in social psychology with Randy Renstrom, associate professor of psychology. Petruzzello, from Janesville, Wisconsin, is exploring the moral framing among liberals and conservatives on sociopolitical issues.

Summer Sterrenberg, a Class of 2024 chemistry major, is doing research with James Shriver, professor of chemistry. Sterrenberg, from Joice, Iowa, is continuing Shriver’s research on indirubin, specifically exploring how indirubin interacts with phosphate and other anions.

Central College of Pella, Iowa, is a private, four-year liberal arts college. Central is known for its academic rigor and leadership formation and for cultivating diversity of thought and culture through the arts and sciences, professional fields of study and experiential learning.