CLEVELAND, Miss. — Delta State University students were recognized for their research achievements during the Mississippi Local Section of the American Chemical Society’s Annual Awards Banquet on Nov. 13 at Mississippi College in Clinton.
Four members of Delta State’s ACS Student Chapter — Peyton Bevan, John Clay Hong, Layan Asmar and Erick Manriquez — presented their research during a poster session that accompanied the banquet’s dinner and keynote address by Dr. David H. Magers, professor of chemistry and chemical physics at Mississippi College and the 2024 ACS Chemist of the Year. The chapter is advised by Dr. Christopher T. Jurgenson, Sullivan-Outlaw Professor of Biochemistry.
Hong received the Best Undergraduate Poster Award for his project, “Validating CMA Colonization Plus Sensitization Induces Tuft Cell Hyperplasia in a SPF Mouse Model.” The research was completed during a competitive 2024 Research Experiences for Undergraduates program at the University of Chicago.
“I enjoyed seeing what students from other schools are working on,” Hong said. “Dr. Jurgenson encouraged me to present this poster even though it leans more toward biology than chemistry. I was surprised and happy to win the award.”
Jurgenson said he was proud of all four students and noted that their work reflects the strength of Delta State’s undergraduate research opportunities.
“Their presentations were professional and enthusiastic, and John’s award highlights the strength of our undergraduate research program,” he said. “Our students consistently perform at a high level in statewide competitions.”
Delta State officials said the students’ success underscores the university’s growing research opportunities in chemistry, biochemistry and related fields.
