Ashland University Graduates Selected to Give Presentations

Two May 2011 graduates of Ashland University were honored by being selected from more than 700 applications nationwide to give poster presentations at an undergraduate research event in Washington, D.C.

Ashland University toxicology graduate Daphne Guinn from Stockport, Ohio, and geology graduate Jennifer Miller from West Union, Ohio, presented a poster titled “Cadmium contamination of consumer products: An emerging threat to children’s health” at the April 13 “Posters on the Hill” event in Washington, D.C. This event is sponsored by the Council for Undergraduate Research.

The poster by Guinn and Miller was one of only 74 presentations accepted out of more than 700 applications nationwide. Guinn and Miller were accompanied to Washington by their adviser Dr. Jeff Weidenhamer, professor of chemistry at Ashland University, and his wife, BethAnn.

"Selection to present their research on Capitol Hill is a distinct honor for Daphne and Jennifer, and for Ashland University,” Weidenhamer said. “Their research has made a difference in drawing attention to the potential hazards of a very dangerous heavy metal in jewelry products, and has made a significant impact on public policy. So it was highly appropriate for their research to be selected as an example of the value of undergraduate research to our nation."

While the group was in Washington, they met with Ohio congressional representatives and staff to discuss their research and emphasize the importance of funding for undergraduate research and STEM education.

Guinn and Miller also were selected as co-recipients of the Yeager award in spectroscopy from the Cleveland Section of the Society for Applied Spectroscopy. They are the first Ashland University students to win this prestigious award since Weidenhamer won it as an undergraduate student in the late 1970s.

Guinn is the daughter of Charles and Karen Guinn of Stockport and she is a 2007 graduate of Morgan High School. Miller is the daughter of Katrina and Michael Miller of West Union and she is a 2007 graduate of West Union High School.

Ashland University (www.ashland.edu) is a mid-sized, private university conveniently located a short distance from Akron, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. Ashland University values the individual student and offers a unique educational experience that combines the challenge of strong, applied academic programs with a faculty and staff who build nurturing relationships with their students.