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Hamilton’s Kirkland and Rogers glens offer beautiful forest paths for joggers, dog-walkers and nature lovers. Hidden within the lush greenery, a well-trained eye can spot several plant species growing there that aren’t native to the glens. Invasive plant species in forests have the potential to interfere with native plants and animals, as well as disrupt the microbial balance of the soil. Five biology students and Professor Bill Pfitsch are mapping these unwelcome visitors in a summer research project.

By organizing all eukaryotic species into groups and depicting their evolution in a tree-like structure, researchers shape a better understanding of how different sets of organisms relate to one another and how they evolved. However beneficial these trees might be, there is some debate as to which genetic markers should serve as the trees’ organizing principle, as well as which method of grouping should be utilized. Tani Leigh ’12 is working with Assistant Professor of Biology Wei-Jen Chang this summer to create a new version of the eukaryotic phylogenetic tree using ribosomal proteins.

Professor of English and Creative Writing Naomi Guttman will read from and discuss her work at the Colgate University Bookstore on Thursday, Aug. 11, at 5 p.m.  A book-signing and reception will follow. The event is sponsored by the Colgate Young Writers' Workshop and the Colgate Bookstore.

Associate Professor of Art Rebecca Murtaugh has 11 works in the exhibition titled "Fluidity" at the Estel Gallery in Nashville, Tenn. For the pieces in "Fluidity," confetti and watercolor are used as vehicles on paper, wood and aluminum. These abstract works ask the viewer to engage with shifting perceptions of one's reflection. The show is open though August 27.

The wonder and beauty of aquariums are enchanting to children and adults alike. Marine life offers a wealth of intricate diversity to our planet and these species help maintain ecosystems throughout the world. Johanna Farkas ’12 is spending the summer at one of the premier aquariums and world leaders in marine research, the Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration. Farkas’ internship is supported by the Jeffery Fund through the Career Center and the Renwick Prize in Biology.

Hamilton students and faculty are working with the U.S. Air Force this summer on a project that measures the neurological responses to fear, frustration and suspicion of humans as they interact with computers.

Chemistry Professor Robin Kinnel has recently discovered the chemical compound dichlorobouillonamide, which is released by a cyanobacteria in the Lyngbya family. The chemical has never been studied in depth, and it is possible that dichlorobouillonamide has potential applications in pain treatment. This summer Aaron Danilack ’13 and Jeffrey Blackburn ’13 are working with Kinnel to carry out a laboratory synthesis of dichlorobouillonamide.

Societal pressures shape the way in which many young people develop into adulthood. In fact, cultural norms are so ubiquitous that there are few examples of people who truly break the mold. Kadahj Bennett ’12, an Emerson Summer Grant recipient, is working with Associate Professor of Theater Mark Cryer to create an interdisciplinary, innovative street theater performance piece, Letters to the Shadows in the Sky, on the male black identity in modern society.

When working with human afflictions such as hypothyroidism and diabetes, researchers find it beneficial to study model organisms that can exhibit the same conditions. Animals such as mice and turtles, for example, can provide insight about the biological traits and medical conditions they share with humans. This summer Melanie Hundt ’13, Nicole Nietlisbach ’13 and Max Vaickus ’12 examined hypothyroidism and diabetes in mice and tested for the hormone ghrelin in turtles. The students worked with Professor of Biology David Gapp.

Assistant Professor of English Katherine Terrell presented a paper at Natio Scota: The Thirteenth International Conference on Medieval and Renaissance Scottish Language and Literature, held in Padua, Italy.