Otterbein Undergraduate Research and Creative Work

Otterbein Undergraduate Research and Creative Work This page is for Otterbein University undergraduate research and creative work.

Congratulations to all of our 2026 Distinction students! They worked diligently to develop a project proposal, carry out...
04/03/2026

Congratulations to all of our 2026 Distinction students! They worked diligently to develop a project proposal, carry out an intensive research or creative project, write a thesis, and complete their defense.

The Distinction program hosted our very first poster symposium this week! The event gave our graduating Distinction stud...
04/03/2026

The Distinction program hosted our very first poster symposium this week! The event gave our graduating Distinction students the opportunity to showcase their research and creative projects to Otterbein donors, faculty advisors, family members, and prospective distinction students. The menu featured creative items inspired by the student projects. The event concluded with a panel of Distinction alumni, faculty, and current students. Panelists shared their experiences and spoke about how the program helped them to develop skills leading to graduate school or career opportunities.

Only 20 hours left to give during the Founder’s Day challenges! Last year, the Student Research Fund awarded $17,794.62 ...
03/26/2026

Only 20 hours left to give during the Founder’s Day challenges! Last year, the Student Research Fund awarded $17,794.62 to student research and creative work projects. These funds covered the costs for project supplies and conference travel for students presenting at regional and national conferences. Your gift makes a difference! Link in comments.

One week left before Round 3 closes!
01/23/2026

One week left before Round 3 closes!

There are two remaining deadlines for Student Research Fund and Distinction this year! Apply by January 29th or March 19...
11/20/2025

There are two remaining deadlines for Student Research Fund and Distinction this year! Apply by January 29th or March 19th on the Otterbein Student Research Fund (SRF) or Distinction webpages.

Presentation awards are now funded at the beginning of every month, concurrent with the READY deadlines. Apply for Presentation awards on the Student Research Fund page.

If you are looking for funding for supplies or costs associated with a research or creative work, apply for an SRF Research Grant. If you are looking for conference presentation funds, apply for an SRF Presentation Grant. If you would like to complete a research or creative project and are not in the Honors program, consider applying for Distinction.

SRF Research and Presentation Grants: https://www.otterbein.edu/academic-affairs/research/srf/

Distinction: https://www.otterbein.edu/university-programs/distinction-program/

Distinction students this year conducted research around the world, from pandas in China to coral reefs in Fiji, terns i...
05/12/2025

Distinction students this year conducted research around the world, from pandas in China to coral reefs in Fiji, terns in Maine, to poetry, microbiology, and marching band projects right here in central Ohio! Here are the 2025 Distinction theses: https://digitalcommons.otterbein.edu/stu_dist/

Synthesis of a Diacylglycerol Analog Near IR Dye
Student: Jen K. Vallejo
Advisor: Dr. John Tansey
Second reader: Dr. Carrie Hayes

Rot Collection: Psalms of Loss
Student: Adam E. Willis
Advisor: Dr. Shannon Lakenen
Second Reader: Dr. Paul Eisenstein

Characterization of RmdA and RmdB in Cyclic-di-GMP Signaling of Streptomyces coelicolor
Student: Ramla Abdullahi
Advisor: Dr. Jennifer Bennett
Second Reader: Dr. Carrie Hayes

A Novel Role for a Two-Component Regulatory System in Bacterial Cell Division
Student: Hibo D. Adan
Advisor: Dr. Jennifer Bennett
Second Reader: Dr. John Tansey

Maternal Experience of Giant Pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) and its influence on Behavior Development of Juvenile Cubs in Captivity
Student: Caitlyn McDaniel
Advisor: Dr. Andy Calinger-Yoak, James Ayala of Chengdu Panda Base
Second Reader: Dr. Bennett Grooms

Behind the Baton: A Survey into the Challenges Faced by Women Band Directors
Student: Kylie M. Harbert
Advisor: Dr. Michael Yonchak
Second Reader: Dr. Gayle Walker

The Role of a Novel Three-Gene Operon in Streptomyces Development
Student: Ellena C. Fritz
Advisor: Dr. Jennifer Bennett
Second Reader: Dr. Dave Sheridan

Coral Reef Structure and Fish Communities: Implications for Coral Conservation and Coastal Subsistence in a Warming World
Student: Harley T. Miller
Advisor: Dr. Hal Lecinsky
Second Reader: Dr. Brandon Sinn

Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii dougallii) Nest Shelter Applications
Student: Katelyn R. Shelton
Advisor: Dr. Michael Hoggarth
Second Reader: Dr. Bennett Grooms

Status of the Federally Threatened Round Hickorynut (Obvaria subrotunda) in Alum Creek, Delaware County.
Student: Nicholas Tschertan
Advisor: Dr. Michael Hoggarth
Second Reader: Dr. Bennett Grooms

Earlier this month, the Otterbein University Flute Ensemble performed at and attended the Central Ohio Flute Association...
04/29/2025

Earlier this month, the Otterbein University Flute Ensemble performed at and attended the Central Ohio Flute Association festival. This was supported by a Student Research Fund Presentation Award.

Here are the ‘24-‘25 deadlines for BOTH Student Research Fund and Distinction! SRF provides up to $400 grants for studen...
07/29/2024

Here are the ‘24-‘25 deadlines for BOTH Student Research Fund and Distinction!

SRF provides up to $400 grants for student research and creative work projects. Distinction provides a designation on the student’s transcript after they complete an extensive research or creative project, write a thesis, and present their work.

We changed the Distinction deadlines to make them more flexible and also opened the program up to both sophomore and junior applicants (students must have 1-2 years of coursework at Otterbein remaining to apply), and should apply at least one year prior to their spring defense date.

We received a large volume of SRF applications during the last application cycle, so we are no longer accepting late applications or applications that do not meet the criteria outlined in the guidelines. We are currently updating some of the information in the packet and this will be completed before the semester begins.

Enjoy the rest of your summer vacation 😎!

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