Allison Matia completes intensive Summer Scholars Program at Baldwin Wallace University

2015 Sep 4

Allison Matia of Medina completed BW's 10-week Summer Scholars Program. Coordinated by Undergraduate Research and Creative Studies, Summer Scholars provides a funded opportunity for BW students to pursue their own projects in the context of an intellectual community that shares seminars, field trips and access to other scholars within and beyond the University. Matia, a graduate of Walsh Jesuit High School majoring in neuroscience psychology and psychology, was one of 10 students selected for the elite program.

Matia worked with Dr. Clare Mathes on "Exploring Sex Differences in Sucrose Detection in Spraque-Dawley Rats." Matia had this to say about the project, "Because taste research historically includes only male subjects, sex differences in taste thresholds are not known. The project investigated sex differences in sweet taste sensitivity."

The Summer Scholars Program is one of many opportunities BW offers that enables the partnership between a student and professor in a creative, hands-on approach to learning. Summer Scholars are awarded a $3,500 stipend, free summer housing and up to $500 to pay for supplies, services and/or travel in direct support of their research projects. Faculty mentors work closely to challenge, guide and support student researchers.