Wilson College Students Shine at Pennsylvania Academy of Science Annual Meeting

Wilson College biology, chemistry, and biochemistry majors showcased their research, professionalism, and scientific curiosity at the 2026 Pennsylvania Academy of Science (PAS) annual meeting, held this weekend at Misericordia University in Dallas, Pennsylvania.

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Back row: Amber Marble, Assistant Professor of Biology; Sherri Buerdsell, Assistant Professor of Biology; Assistant Professor of Biology; Kylie Gardiner '27, Ellen Zimmerman '27, Brenden Cleary '27 Front row: Matt Browning '26, Katherine Kimmel '26, Acadia Banis '26, Rosa Portilla '26, Adesewami Ajirotutu '26, Marianne Ngo Baba Ba Boumtje'26 Not pictured: Adan Rodriquez-Sapien '27, Alyvia Henneman '27, and Kaelyn Goff '27.

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Acadia Banis '26 and Bili Mattes, Executive Director at STEM-UP Network

Several students received notable recognition for their work. Acadia Banis ' 26 was awarded First Place in the Women in Science Oral Presentation category, The Women in Science award is sponsored by STEM Up Network and was presented by its executive director, Bili Mattes, D.Ed. 

Rosa Portilla '26 earned Honorable Mention for her oral research presentation. 

In addition, Alyvia Henneman '27 and Kylie Gardiner '27 received PAS Research Grants, which will support the purchase of materials for their research projects during the upcoming academic year.

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Acadia Banis '26, Alyvia Henneman '27, and Rosa Portilla '26

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The Wilson team “Fire Chickens,” with members Alyvia Henneman '27, Rosa Portilla'26, Marianne Ngo Baba Ba Boumtje'26, Acadia Banis '26, and Matt Browning '26, placed third in the PAS STEM trivia competition

Reflecting on the experience, Amber Marble highlighted both the depth of student preparation and the broader impact of participating in a professional scientific conference.

“Over the course of three semesters, our students invest tremendous effort in shaping their projects and honing their scientific communication.” Marble said. “PAS offers our students the chance to see themselves as part of a larger scientific community. By encountering diverse research topics and sharing their own enthusiasm with audiences beyond Wilson, they are able to deepen their curiosity, confidence, and sense of belonging as emerging scholars.”