MHS Bio Students to Present Study at UWM

Scientists generally don't make a true mark in their field until they have their research published. Two Muskego High School students will have already achieved such a goal before they graduate this May.

Graham Ambrose and Megan Rogahn were two of the three students chosen from among 258 high school students in 22 schools to present their findings at a conference at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Student Union on Tuesday, April 3.

AP Biology teacher Pam Gilmore said she brought the idea of the program back with her from summer, when she took a course at UW-Milwaukee and felt their Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) program would be a great opportunity for her students. She opted for the zebrafish module, saying the species is like the 'lab rat of the aquarium.'

Ambrose, a senior, studied the effects of acid rain on zebrafish development and fellow senior Rogahn looked into the effect of apple seeds on Zebrafish embryo development. Apparently, she had a habit of eating apples, core and all, and friends told her the seeds were toxic. While the seeds contain cyanide and are harmless to humans because of their hard coating, she decided to see what concentrations in water could prove harmful to fish.

Ambrose and Rogahn both did their research work as an optional after school project in hopes of having their work selected for presentation at this conference. Gilmore said the experience was invaluable in preparing her students in applying scientific method in proving their hypotheses over a three week trial. In Ambrose's case, she said he felt he needed to reset his experiment, which is also a part of the scientist's 'trial and error' world.

Results of Rogahn's experiment with the apple seeds were not unexpected, as the highest levels of cyanide prevented the development of all of the embryos, and improved in lower concentrations. Ambrose found that the optimum pH level in water for the development was a six, or slightly acidic. More acidic levels, he found, could be tempered naturally with the addition of limestone.

The research lessons were made possible through a SEPA grant, bringing schools together with educators and scientists at UWM who are working on environmental issues. Other modules in the program include a hands-on investigation of the impact of lead on fathead minnow reproductive behaviors and a study of the effect of environmental factors on earthworms.

At the conference, UWM will be recognizing the students as well for their hard work, and will be published in the SEPA Online Journal.

Gilmore said the entire class became enthusiastic over the studies conducted, and she hoped to involve more students in the program next year.