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Four University of North Georgia (Â鶹ÊÓƵ) students presented their research at Posters at the Capitol in Atlanta on Feb. 27. Posters at the Capitol is a yearly event put on by the Georgia Undergraduate Research Collective (GURC) to promote undergraduate research to legislators.

"It is validating that I have done excellent work and that people would like to hear what I have to say," Nick Stoltz, a senior pursuing a degree in biology and minoring in chemistry, said.  

Stoltz's research, "The Effects of Specified Gendered Colonies on Laricobius nigrinus Rearing Efficiency in a Lab Setting," was inspired by Stacie James, program coordinator of Â鶹ÊÓƵ's Environmental Leadership Center. James is his mentor, and she sparked his interest in forest conservation and entomology.

The other three students who shared their work were:

• Gerran Collins, Edward Surles: "Moderating Effects of Motivational Learning with Incentive Following Perinatal Exposure to Ethanol"
• Evelyn Tello-Mendoza: "Beyond the Birds and the Bees: Self-efficacy in Sex Practices within the LGBTQ+ Community"

The presenters were chosen from a competitive pool of applicants across the state. Details on the students' projects can be found here.

"Posters at the Capitol gives students the unique opportunity to present in front of legislators and lawmakers, which enables them to grow their presentation skills," Dr. Anastasia Lin, assistant vice president for Academic Affairs and dean of Honors, said. "It also enables students to demonstrate the impact undergraduate research has had and will continue to have on their academic and professional careers."