Invasive species have the ability to spread to a degree that can cause damage to the environment, economy and human health, among other things. Shelja Thakur, Luther College senior of Satiwala, Himachal Pradesh, India, saw the first-hand effects of these invasive species during her summer research project when she participated in land stewardship projects on Luther’s natural areas to remove plants such as European buckthorn and garlic mustard.

The landscape surrounding Decorah is home to many springs and streams, making it a prime destination for recreation. Unfortunately, these waters are also home to high levels of bacteria such as E. coli, particularly after summer rains. Tiwonge Chirwa, Luther College junior of Lilongwe, Malawi, was selected to research antibacterial resistance of bacteria inhabiting water sources in and around Decorah.

Monarch butterfly populations increase dramatically over the course of several generations each summer in Iowa, then early each fall the adults travel about 2,000 miles south to Mexico to spend the winter. This unique migratory phenomenon is threatened due to a dramatic decline in the monarch populations.  Elizabeth Glennon, Luther College junior of Saint Louis Park, Minnesota, is studying butterfly diversity in prairies and specifically the use of milkweeds by monarch butterflies as part of her summer research at the college.

Biosafety level 1 bacteria are often used for research because they are generally harmless to humans. Alexander Schaeffer, Luther College sophomore of New Prague, Minnesota, is researching outer membrane protein expression in biosafety level 1 bacteria as part of his summer research at the college.

The dance program at Luther College focuses on learning about the body and developing movement practices to prepare students for careers in their chosen fields. Abigail Grinager, Luther sophomore of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, was selected to research new perspectives on dance within interdisciplinary endeavors.

Human serum albumin is the most abundant protein found in human blood plasma. Emily Fuller, Luther College junior of Bettendorf, Iowa, is researching the interactions between curcuminoids and Human Serum Albumin using steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy for her summer research project at the college.

Human serum albumin is the most abundant protein found in human blood plasma. Megan Roozeboom, Luther College senior of Oskaloosa, Iowa, is using steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy to research how curcuminoids, a major component of the spice turmeric, bind with HSA for her summer research project at the college.

With a greater focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics in schools, more children are being encouraged to look at pursuing a career in these fields. Kathleen Woods, Luther College senior of Savanna, Illinois, helped develop and implement the Adventures with Chemistry middle school camp for her summer research project at the college.

The electric guitar is rarely heard in chamber ensembles, but new-age composers are working to expand the instrument’s role within the Western classical tradition. This summer, Andrew Murray, Luther College senior of North Mankato, Minnesota, is researching different styles and unique arrangements in compositions for the electric guitar.

The foreign exchange market is the largest financial market in the world, transferring billions of dollars’ worth of foreign currencies between countries. Hakam Abdul El Mitshu, Luther College senior of Tripoli, Libya, is researching and building opening and closing strategies for foreign exchange traders for his summer research project at the college.