Rachel Avard Presents Research at Undergraduate Symposium

2016 May 3

Rachel Avard presented her research project "Integrin Mutations Cause Axonal Growth Errors in Motor Neurons" at Assumption College's 22nd Annual Undergraduate Symposium, held April 18-19 on the College's Worcester Campus. Avard studied the mechanisms of axonal growth, particularly in regards to protein integrins, which allow neurons to reach out to one another and send messages. She also examined how mutations can lead to significant problems.

The undergraduate symposium highlights the research and scholarly achievements of Assumption students, working in collaboration with dedicated faculty mentors. These collaborations represent a model for integrating teaching, original research, and peer review in promoting intellectual development and professional growth. The symposium provides the campus community with the opportunity to gain a greater appreciation of, and applaud, the individual and collective accomplishments of the College's faculty and students.

"The Symposium is, for me, an occasion of great pride-pride in our students, of course, but also in our faculty who generously donate their time, attention, and expertise to ensure the intellectual development of their students," said Louise Carroll Keeley, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs at Assumption College. "It has become one of my favorite parts of the semester."