Jennifer Perry of St. Paul, Minn., Participates in Summer of Scientific Inquiry

DES MOINES, IA (07/21/2011)(readMedia)-- Jennifer Perry of St. Paul, Minn., is one of nine Drake University students pursuing an individual research project as part of the University's Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program.

Thanks to grants provided by the fellowship program and organized by the Drake Undergraduate Science Collaborative Institute (DUSCI), Perry has spent two months studying the impact of hip replacements on physical abilties.

She is a physics and mathematics double major at Drake, a private, independent university in Des Moines, Iowa.

"From molecular chemistry to the visual perception of the pigeon, the students' project topics span the gamut," said Maria Valdovinos, director of DUSCI. "They are doing phenomenal and complex work, and it's been amazing to see the diversity of talents they possess."

The students applied in April for the opportunity to participate in the summer fellowship, where they have worked one-on-one with faculty mentors to conduct research full-time.

Approximately 3,300 full-time undergraduate students from 50 states and 50 countries are enrolled at Drake. The University's mission is to provide an exceptional learning environment that prepares students for meaningful personal lives, professional accomplishments and responsible global citizenship. The Drake experience is distinguished by collaborative learning among students, faculty and staff and by the integration of the liberal arts and sciences with professional preparation.