Biology student presents undergraduate research at 2016 CCURI Colloquium

January 06, 2017

Anoka-Ramsey Community College Biology student Steven LeVasseur recently presented at the 2016 Community College Undergraduate Research Initiative (CCURI) Fall Colloquium in Glendale, Arizona.

Through an independent study project and assistance from instructor Dr. Kristen Genet, LeVasseur conducted research on the water quality of Lochness Lake in Blaine, MN in response to commercial and residential development in the surrounding area. 

“This research will be extremely helpful for my future as a scientist, as I am interested in resource management and water quality,” LeVasseur says. “It has already helped me land my first internship with the city of St. Cloud’s storm and wastewater division as an environmental compliance specialist.”

Based on his Anoka-Ramsey courses and his mentorship with Biology faculty, LeVasseur is confident that he is fully prepared to take the next steps toward a career in environmental science.

“I have always loved nature, the outdoors and how the well-being of humans and the environment are intertwined,” LeVasseur says. “Studying at Anoka-Ramsey has provided me the opportunity to make my passion my career, and I’m forever grateful for the faculty and programs there.”

LeVasseur has transferred to St. Cloud State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in environmental science.

Undergraduate research is one of the reasons Anoka-Ramsey was recently named one of the top 10 community college’s in the nation by The Aspen Institute. For more information on the top 10 finalists for the 2017 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence or The Aspen Institute visit: www.aspeninstitute.org

More about Community College Undergraduate Research Initiative (CCURI)

CCURI is a consortium of 38 community colleges nationwide that is funded by the National Science Foundation. CCURI strives to incorporate undergraduate research into community college curricula, thereby connecting students to research opportunities and prospects to transfer their experience to a four-year institution. Anoka-Ramsey has been a part of this initiative since 2012.

The spring 2017 CCURI Colloquium will be hosted by Anoka-Ramsey, April 28, 2017, in coordination with the Second Annual Student OSCARS (Outstanding Scholarship, Creative Activities and Research Symposium).

For more information on CCURI, visit: www.ccuri.org/

For more information about the Anoka-Ramsey Community College Biology Department’s Undergraduate Research visit: http://www.anokaramsey.edu/academics/academic-initiatives/undergraduate-research/biology/

 

ABOUT ANOKA-RAMSEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Anoka-Ramsey Community College, with campuses in Cambridge and Coon Rapids, is a member of the Minnesota State system and has been a leading provider of higher education and training in East Central Minnesota since 1978 and the north suburban area of Minneapolis/St. Paul since 1965. Annually, the college serves more than 12,500 learners of all ages as they pursue associate degrees that transfer as the first two years of a bachelor's degree, or certificate programs that lead immediately to rewarding careers. Anoka-Ramsey Community College is aligned with Anoka Technical College and together the institutions serve more than 16,000 learners–the largest community and technical college entity in Minnesota. An affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and educator. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by calling the Minnesota Relay Service at 1-800-627-3529.