KU News Release

Two KU graduate students win scholarships for work presented at research summit

LAWRENCE — Two students from the University of Kansas won $500 awards for research projects presented during the sixth annual Graduate Student Research Summit, held March 12 in Topeka.

KansasBIO, the state’s trade association and advocate for the biosciences industry, presented awards to two students each from KU, Kansas State University and Wichita State University.

Audra Sterling, a doctoral student at KU’s Lawrence campus, is researching what can be learned about autism from Fragile X Syndrome, the most common cause of inherited mental impairment.

Brittany K. Gorres, a doctoral student at the KU Medical Center in Kansas City, Kan., is researching the combined effect of a high-fat diet and estrogen loss on insulin resistance.

They were among 33 graduate students who presented posters to explain their research, which ranges from cancer to water conservation, to state lawmakers and the public at the Docking State Office Building. In all, 13 KU students participated.

The summit focused on increasing awareness of outstanding graduate-level research being conducted in the largest universities in Kansas and to highlight the impact of their research on the state economy. The summit also demonstrated collaboration that exists among the universities.

Other winners were Thilani N. Samarakoon and Juhyan Yoo from Kansas State and Justin Lygrisse and Lisa Lutz from Wichita State.

Hometown information about KU winners is below.

DOUGLAS COUNTY
From Lawrence 66046
Audra Marie Sterling, doctoral student in psychology; master’s degree in psychology from KU, summer 2007; bachelor’s degree University of Notre Dame.

MISSOURI
From Raytown 64138
Brittany K. Gorres, doctoral student molecular and integrative physiology; bachelor’s degree in nutritional sciences at South Dakota State University.

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The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university. University Relations is the central public relations office for KU's Lawrence campus.