Posted: May 1, 2018

Students showcased their work at the 2018 Undergraduate Exhibition at the HUB-Robeson Center on April 18.

Image: Melissa Mercado

Image: Melissa Mercado

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA - Students showcased their work at the 2018 Undergraduate Exhibition at the HUB-Robeson Center on April 18. According to Penn State News, there was an increase of more than 100 posters and presentations registered this year compared to the 2017 exhibition. In addition to poster presentations, students were allowed to exhibit a performance or oral presentation this year.

Amongst those registered was Melissa Mercado, who's studying plant biology with a minor in plant pathology. Mercado's poster, entitled "Bacillus spp. strains used as a Biological Control for Trichoderma aggressvium f. aggressivum on Agaricus bisporus cultivation," tied for first place in the course-based category. Melissa was also recognized for outstanding leadership by Adult Learners of Penn State. In addition to her coursework and preparing for graduation, she has been working in Dr. John Pecchia's lab in the Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology department for the past two semesters.

"This was my first time attending the exhibition and I really enjoyed it," Mercado said. "It was great talking to people who knew absolutely nothing about mushrooms and seeing their faces fill with excitement as I explain the research to them. I am thrilled that I was able to present my poster before I graduate next week."

Congratulations to Melissa and this year's Undergraduate Exhibition winners, as well as the Class of 2018. More information on the department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology can be found at plantpath.psu.edu.