Local Coe College student participates in annual student research symposium

Coe College student Chas Messer of Winfield recently participated in Coe?s 15th Annual Student Research Symposium. Sponsored by faculty member Dr. Michael Leonardo, Messer presented ?Mixed Strain Biofilms: Competition and Cooperation Between Vibrio and Shewanella Strains? in a poster presentation at the symposium. Messer is the son of Chuck and Sue Messer and a 2011 graduate of Winfield Mount Union High School.

The symposium presentations, which range from academic research to artistic display and performance, are the culmination of work done by students over the past academic year. Some of the student work has been done independently, with some accomplished as part of a student and faculty team. The featured work represented in the symposium is the result of honors projects, student participation in ongoing professional research programs and the cumulative product of an undergraduate career of achievement in the arts. Each case reflects an extraordinary effort by a highly motivated student.

The symposium followed a format similar to that of a professional conference. There were panels, moderated by faculty members, in which students presented papers and a poster session where students displayed and discussed the results of their work. In addition, there was a graduate and professional school panel that consisted of recent Coe graduates.

Coe College offers superb academics and exciting co-curricular activities in a thriving urban setting that promotes student growth and success. Established in 1851, Coe has a national reputation for academic excellence enhanced by a student-centered, highly supportive campus environment. Coe?s vibrant Cedar Rapids location provides an abundance of internships for students and career opportunities for graduates.