Malone University Senior Allison Balloon Presents Research at Regional Conference

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Allison Balloon

CANTON , OH (11/04/2011)(readMedia)-- Allison Balloon, a Malone University senior chemistry major from Canton, Ohio recently presented original research at the American Chemical Society Joint Midwest and Great Lakes Regional meeting, held Oct 19-22 in St. Louis, MO.

The research project, which explores Burmese python population control methods, allowed Ms. Balloon to represent Malone University students to a broad academic and corporate community. The research will next be presented nationally.

Project Background:

The Burmese python is of growing concern to Florida and bordering states. The NPS and other scholars have estimated a sustained breeding population in excess of 250,000 snakes in the Everglades alone. Burms have been found in wild, agricultural and residential areas presenting a threat to ecological systems, livestock, and children. Based on a population tracking survey by The University of Florida, the population of snakes is growing at an exponential rate while spreading north towards Georgia and Alabama. Methods of population control are limited but there has been some success with synthetic chemical pheromone lures in both the Red sided garter snake and Guam brown tree snake. With our population of over 30 Burmese pythons, we seek to isolate and test the pheromone as a lure.

For more information regarding the Malone University Department of Chemistry, visit www.malone.edu.

Malone University, a Christian university for the arts, sciences, and professions in the liberal arts tradition, affiliated with the Evangelical Friends Church, awards both undergraduate and graduate degrees in more than 100 academic programs. Malone is recognized by the prestigious Templeton Foundation as a leader in character development, named one of Northeast Ohio's Top Workplaces by the Cleveland Plain Dealer, and is ranked among the top colleges and universities in the Midwest under the category Regional Universities according to U.S.News & World Report's America's Best Colleges 2012.