COMMERCE, TX—Madeleine Morris Represents A&M-Commerce at Undergraduate Research Day
Senior biology major Madeleine Morris represented A&M-Commerce in Austin on April 1 at the Texas Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol. The biennial event allows Texas’ top student researchers to showcase their projects for Texas legislators and the public. Morris’ presentation was one of approximately 75 research projects displayed at the capitol from more than 50 colleges and universities in Texas. This year’s event was themed “Transforming Texas Through Undergraduate Research.”
Madeleine Morris
Morris’ research project involves understanding how a specific form of aggressive blood cancer called erythroleukemia develops and progresses. According to Morris, current treatment options are unsuccessful, so patients with erythroleukemic blood cancer have median survival rates of only three months. Through her research, Morris is taking steps toward a better understanding of this type of blood cancer which could be used to develop effective treatment options.
Reflecting on her experience at Undergraduate Research Day, Morris said, “I greatly enjoyed being exposed to many different fields of research and witnessing the positive impact of undergraduate research. Overall, discussing research on a wide range of subjects with peers and presenting my research in representation of TAMUC was a fulfilling experience that reinforced my passion for research.”
Dr. Venu Cheriyath, A&M-Commerce biological and environmental sciences professor and Morris’ research advisor, explained that Undergraduate Research Day is important because it allows students to defend and discuss their research with peers which increases confidence and aids in students’ overall development.
Dr. Cheriyath emphasized that the event is also beneficial to A&M-Commerce. He said, “This is an opportunity for A&M-Commerce to exhibit and publicize the opportunities and training that we provide to our undergraduate students. I believe this will allow us to recruit top quality students to our academic programs and increase our footprint in research.”
After her May graduation, Morris plans to complete her research project for publication with Dr. Cheriyath while obtaining a master’s degree in biology at TAMUC.
About Texas A&M University-Commerce: A&M-COMMERCE serves rural and metropolitan Northeast Texas with distinction, consistently delivering on a promise that our founder, Professor William Leonidas Mayo, made more than a century ago: “No industrious, ambitious youth shall be denied an education if I can prevent it.” Since our university’s humble beginnings, the mission to provide a high-quality, personal, accessible and affordable educational experience for a diverse community of learners remains unchanged.
Programs are delivered on-site at the Commerce campus as well as in Corsicana, Dallas, McKinney, Frisco and Mesquite. Many courses are also available online. Students may choose from more than 135 degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels. A vibrant student life experience includes 14 NCAA Division II athletic teams, a thriving Greek system and more than 120 student organizations.
About the A&M System: The Texas A&M University System is one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation, with a budget of $4.69 billion. Through a statewide network of 11 universities and seven state agencies, the Texas A&M System educates more than 150,000 students and makes more than 22 million additional educational contacts through service and outreach programs each year. System-wide, research and development expenditures exceeded $996 million in FY 2017 and helped drive the state’s economy.
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