Nicole Haese, a first-year graduate student in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences, presented research at the Biennial National Beta Beta Beta Convention in Durango, Colorado, in May.

As an undergraduate at Saint Mary’s University in Winona, Minnesota, Haese was asked to be a member of Beta Beta Beta (Tri Beta), the National Biological Honor Society founded in 1922. Tri Beta membership recognizes academic accomplishments and interest in biology and the life sciences. One of the requirements Haese had to meet for graduation from St. Mary’s was to complete an independent research project. Haese’s project is titled “The Effects of the Dietary Supplement Lauricidin on Blood Glucose Levels of Diabetic Mice.” Jeanne Minnerath, PhD, associate professor of biology and the director of the Allied Health Program at Saint Mary’s University, was Haese’s research advisor.

Haese applied for and was awarded a grant for her research from the Beta Beta Beta Foundation. One of the stipulations of the grant was that she present her research at the district Tri Beta meeting, where she won the Frank G. Brooks award, which is given for excellence in oral presentation of undergraduate research. Winning the Brooks award at the district meeting gave Haese the opportunity to present at the national meeting.