Coker College Student Mellissa Hughes Receives SCICU Research Grant

HARTSVILLE, S.C. (04/25/2012)(readMedia)-- Coker College student Mellissa Hughes, of Myrtle Beach, S.C., recently received a grant from the South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU) Student/Faculty Research Program. This grant will provide Hughes with a stipend for performing research this summer and will cover the cost of supplies necessary for the project. Hughes is a biology major at Coker.

For her project, "Occurrence of intestinal parasites in coyotes found in South Carolina," Hughes will document intestinal parasites in coyotes within the Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge in McBee, S.C.  Fecal flotation will be conducted on fresh scat samples to identify parasites and their eggs. E.L.I.S.A. methodology will be used to look for the presence of Giardia in coyotes. This information will be helpful in determining the potential for disease transmission between coyotes, domestic animals and humans in the state. Given the recent increase in coyote numbers, a better understanding of the ecology of this species in the state is necessary.The project will be supervised by Assistant Professor of Biology Jennifer Borgo.

Developed by SCICU in 1995, the Student/Faculty Research Program is designed to strengthen educational programs for students attending member institutions by providing quality undergraduate research experiences. These experiences are transforming students' lives and encouraging them to explore a career in research.

Established in 1908, Coker College readies undergraduates for personal and professional success through a distinctive four-year program that emphasizes a practical application of the liberal arts as well as hands-on and discussion-based learning within and beyond the classroom. Coker is ranked among the "Best Colleges" in the South by U.S. News & World Report as well as The Princeton Review. Located in Hartsville, S.C., Coker is within two hours of the cultural, financial and recreational resources of Charlotte, Columbia, Charleston and Myrtle Beach.