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The Lock Haven University Biology Department recently hosted a virtual conference webinar for the 53rd Annual Commonwealth of PA University Biologists on April 9.

The conference included 125 registrants and 44 different research talks or posters highlighting biological research occurring in Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education (PASSHE).

LHU had many presentations in the morning and afternoon sessions and online viewing of poster presentation sessions.

The conference speakers included Dr. Bashar Hanna, LHU interim president; Dr. Ron Darbeau, LHU provost; Dr. Matt Foradori, Edinboro University; and keynote speakers Dr. Greg Turner, PA Game Commission, Harrisburg; and Dr. Brent Sewell, Temple University; who discussed conservation of species and the susceptibility of bats to diseases such as white-nose syndrome, a fungal disease found in bats in Pennsylvania.

Co-hosts were Dr. Heather Bechtold and Dr. Jenny Bandura, LHU Biology Department, who organized and acted as master of ceremonies for the event.

Lock Haven had several students present research and win awards. Kayla Forlenza, a senior biology major with minors in chemistry and in environmental studies, was awarded the LHU Outstanding Student Award. Jacob Adams, biology, won second place for his research talk describing a new species of fungi. LHU student researchers also contributed four student presentations and three student posters.

"The annual CPUB conference provides a phenomenal opportunity for our students to showcase their research. Congratulations to all presenters and attendees and many thanks to the faculty whose dedication to their students make events like this possible," said Dr. Bashar Hanna, LHU interim president.