NASA. Mozart. Ecuador. These were just a few of the many topics discussed during University Research Week, which took place November 4-8. See how researchers from Carolina — and around the nation — came together to support research engagement and drive curiosity across campus.
photos by Jon Gardiner, Alyssa LaFaro, and Matthew Westmoreland
NASA astronaut Zena Cardman gives a talk at Memorial Hall during University Research Week. Cardman, a UNC alumna, shared her journey from conducting research as an undergraduate at UNC to training for future space missions.
Cardman talks about her time at UNC and NASA, advising students to seek mentors and jump on opportunities throughout their education.
Greg Wang, associate professor of biochemistry and biophysics and one of four recipients of the 2019 Hettleman Prize, speaks about his research focused on the epigenetic changes that occur in cancer. The Phillip & Ruth Hettleman Prizes for Artistic and Scholarly Achievement are awarded annually to professors who exemplify groundbreaking research and future career promise.
UNC Opera presents a preview performance of their fall production, Mozart’s “The Dream of Scipio.” In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, the staging of this classic finds the characters on the moon in a fantastical celebration of the 1960s space era.
Undergraduate researchers discuss their work in the northern Andes Mountains measuring carbon in a watershed with UNC geographer Diego Riveros-Iregui.
Undergraduate students Chloe Schneider, Maribel Herrera, and Anayancy Estacio-Manning share the stresses and joys of their field work, how they overcame problems, lessons learned, and what it’s like conducting research in another country.
Zena Cardman is recognized during the halftime of the UNC versus Nortre Dame men’s basketball game.
Mary Lide Parker, a UNC alumna and former university research communicator, shares her experiences working alongside researchers and scientists on expeditions from the Outer Banks to the Antarctic Peninsula.
John Ambrose, a biochemistry major, explains his study about the impacts that different flavors of Juul vape pods have on the lungs to chemistry majors Ciara Gillis (center) and Troy Vulpis at a student poster presentation on Friday, November 8.