RADFORD -- Sophomore biology major Nicole Eastep recently was awarded the Rogers Undergraduate Research Award by the College of Science and Technology scholarship and award committee.

The 2009 Rogers Undergraduate Research Award for the CSAT funds an outstanding undergraduate research project conducted during the spring and summer of 2009 and completed during the 2009-2010 academic year.

Under the mentorship of biology faculty Justin Anderson, Eastep will characterize bacteria that break down chitin in mosquitoes. In her research proposal, she says that she hopes to understand how to use the bacteria to break down the chitin in the mosquitoes bodies.

“Many types of mosquitoes carry diseases that can infect humans and other animals. Our research will contribute to various methods currently available for controlling mosquito populations, and can potentially be incorporated into an easy, cost-effective control program,” says Eastep.

Eastep hopes to later use her knowledge and skills in the medical field. “This research will help me gain knowledge about certain diseases and understand scientific processes that could benefit me,” Eastep said. Eastep hopes to submit her findings for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.