Manchester 2022 Student Research Symposium is April 28

Keynote speaker is Madison Brown, on potential HIV drug research

Manchester University’s 24th annual Student Research Symposium will feature keynote speaker senior Madison Brown and her presentation, “Toward the Synthesis of Potential Antiviral Carbocyclic Nucleosides.”

Brown is senior biology-chemistry major from Economy, Ind. Her research, alongside Kyle Watson, assistant professor of chemistry, is focused on the beginning steps of creating a small library of potential antiviral drugs that could be used to treat the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Brown wanted to learn more about how HIV was treated after completing a research project and holistic care plan with an HIV patient during her sophomore year. Taking a medicinal chemistry course covering the basics of drug creation and testing compelled Brown to attempt creating her own potential HIV drug. In the summer of 2021, she received the Donald B. Miller Student Research Scholarship which she used to work on synthesizing potential drug structures.

After graduating this May, Brown will be attending medical school at Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of Pikeville to become an osteopathic doctor.

The symposium is 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 28 in the Academic Center and Jo Young Swtitzer Center at the North Manchester campus. The keynote presentation will begin at 6 p.m. followed by awards at 6:40 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

Symposium schedule:

• Programs available in Academic Center 3:30 p.m.
• Rooms open for oral presentations in Academic Center, 3:30 p.m.
  Research presentations in Academic Center, 3:55-4:15 p.m. and 4:20-4:40 p.m.
• Undergraduate, Graduate and Professional student poster presentations in the Switzer Center, 4:45-5:55 p.m.
• Keynote presentation 6-6:30 p.m. in the Switzer Center.
• Awards, 6:30 p.m. in the Switzer Center.
  
  The Student Research Symposium is a showcase for undergraduate and graduate research across disciplines. The symposium was started by Dean Jo Young Switzer in 1999 to give students and faculty an opportunity to collaborate on research. Switzer was president from 2004 to 2014.
  
  For the media
  
  More about the symposium
  
  Press release written by Chloe Leckrone, an academic intern in communications and media relations.
  
  Manchester University, with campuses in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., provides vibrant and transformative student experiences. Learn more at www.manchester.edu/about-manchester.
  
  Our mission and values
  Manchester University respects the infinite worth of every individual and graduates persons of ability and conviction who draw upon their education and faith to lead principled, productive, and compassionate lives that improve the human condition.
  
  
  April 2022