STEM & Emerging Technologies Fellowship

Lara Carnier Matuck, a fourth-year Biology and Environmental Studies major, is driven by her passion for renewable energy and sustainability. Her proposed research project, "Setup, Troubleshooting, and Lesson Development Utilizing a Benchtop Fermenter," seeks to enhance Augustana’s educational infrastructure by integrating innovative fermentation technologies into the classroom.

Lara’s project focuses on leveraging a gifted benchtop fermenter to promote hands-on learning opportunities across skill levels. Her goals include developing detailed setup and troubleshooting manuals, creating accessible student guides, and designing experiments for introductory, intermediate, and advanced levels. These efforts will not only contribute to STEM advancement on campus but also promote the understanding of renewable energy technologies, bioprocessing, and sustainability.

With prior experience as a fermentation intern at POET and extensive research under the mentorship of Augustana faculty, Lara brings a wealth of skills to the program. Her involvement in presenting research at national conferences and working as the Knudson Student Research Coordinator highlights her leadership and commitment to advancing research at Augustana.

Through this fellowship, Lara aims to further her expertise in bioprocessing while inspiring and equipping students with practical knowledge in fermentation—a field critical to sustainability and innovation. Her project reflects her vision of fostering educational growth and her dedication to a future career in research.

Andrew Berntson, a fourth-year student majoring in Computer Science and Biology at Augustana University, is embarking on an innovative research project combining artificial intelligence, automation, and aquaculture science. His project, titled "Automatic Population Estimation of Neocaridina davidi Shrimp Using a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN)," aims to address the challenge of monitoring shrimp population density in breeding tanks. By integrating AI with Internet of Things (IoT) technology, Andrew seeks to create a system capable of collecting and analyzing high-quality data to estimate shrimp populations efficiently.

The core of his research involves setting up aquaria equipped with automated imaging systems, collecting extensive image datasets from tanks housing Neocaridina davidi shrimp. Using the ResNet50 CNN architecture with transfer learning, Andrew plans to develop a model that can estimate shrimp populations from these images. This project not only tackles the immediate issue of monitoring ornamental shrimp populations but also holds potential applications for food-species aquaculture. If successful, the outcomes could streamline aquaculture practices by reducing labor costs, increasing data accuracy, and promoting sustainable resource use.

Andrew’s passion for both AI and aquaculture stems from his academic and personal experiences. During Interim 2024, he built a CNN model capable of accurately identifying shrimp in images, achieving over 97% accuracy. His expertise as an experienced Neocaridina davidi keeper further solidifies his ability to manage the technical and biological aspects of this project.

Through this program, Andrew hopes to advance his knowledge of AI development, precision farming, and IoT applications while making a meaningful contribution to aquaculture science. He is driven by a vision to combine computer science and biology to develop technologies that minimize humanity’s environmental footprint. This project represents a significant step toward achieving his goal of innovating sustainable solutions in emerging technologies.

Ashton Jensen, a fourth-year student at Augustana University, is committed to reshaping how artificial intelligence (AI) is introduced into K-12 education. Majoring in Chemistry (ACS) and Secondary Education, Ashton is passionate about curriculum development and ensuring that teachers feel empowered, not overwhelmed, by the rapidly evolving landscape of AI tools. His research project, "Development of Targeted Professional Development for AI Integration into K-12 Schools," focuses on bridging the gap between AI advancements and teacher preparedness, helping educators confidently integrate AI into their classrooms.

Ashton’s research is designed to develop structured, school-specific AI training programs, ensuring that professional development is tailored to the unique needs of each district. His work involves conducting surveys with educators, analyzing their comfort levels with AI, and designing action-based training modules covering AI policy, ethical considerations, and hands-on classroom applications. Through partnerships with both large and small school districts in South Dakota, Ashton aims to create a scalable model for AI professional development that could serve as a blueprint for schools nationwide.

Ashton’s passion for education extends beyond research—he has worked as an adjunct faculty member, one-on-one instructor, and STEM mentor, providing him with first-hand experience in the challenges teachers face when integrating new technologies. His work will not only help shape AI policies in schools but also ensure that students are prepared for an AI-driven future. Through this STEM and Emerging Technologies Research Fellowship, Ashton hopes to transform AI literacy in K-12 education, equipping both teachers and students with the skills needed to thrive in a technology-driven world.

Faith Lynn Burns, a third-year Biology major at Augustana University, is leading research that explores the intricate relationship between the immune system and pregnancy. Her project, "Neutrophil Phagocytic and Migratory Behaviors in Response to Factors within the Gestational Environment," investigates how white blood cells (neutrophils) contribute to the onset of labor and the immune balance needed to sustain a healthy pregnancy. This work is critical to understanding preterm labor risks, maternal immune function, and the broader implications of stress and infection during pregnancy.

Faith’s research focuses on how neutrophils interact with fetal membranes and gestational hormones, specifically analyzing their ability to migrate and respond to bacterial infections. By using flow cytometry, migration assays, and fluorescent imaging, she is quantifying the impact of stress hormones and immune responses in the uterus. Her findings have already provided insights into how the body prevents inflammation from triggering premature birth, and she hopes to continue this research into publication.

As a dedicated researcher in the Gubbels Lab, Faith has presented her work at prestigious conferences, including the Society for Reproductive Investigation in Vancouver. Through the STEM and Emerging Technologies Research Fellowship, she aims to expand her knowledge of immunology and women’s health, contributing to vital conversations on pregnancy, medical research, and public health education. Faith’s passion for bridging scientific discovery and public understanding makes her an essential voice in the future of biomedical research.

Clark Egland, a first-year Biochemistry (ACS) major at Augustana University, is exploring groundbreaking solutions at the intersection of material science and biotechnology. His research project, "The Antimicrobial Examination of Various Stages of Amine-Modified Layer by Layer (LbL) Contact Lenses," focuses on improving contact lens technology to enhance eye hydration, drug delivery, and antimicrobial properties. Many individuals rely on topical eye medications, yet traditional eye drops are inefficient, with as little as 1-5% of the medication reaching its target. By incorporating hyaluronic acid and chitosan nanoparticles into silicone hydrogel contact lenses, Clark’s work aims to create a longer-lasting, more effective treatment for bacterial eye infections.

Through chemical modifications and antimicrobial testing, Clark’s research will evaluate how well these enhanced contact lenses prevent bacterial growth and improve drug retention. Working under Dr. Duffy-Matzner in collaboration with Vance Thompson Vision, his findings have the potential to revolutionize ocular drug delivery, making contact lenses safer, more comfortable, and more accessible for individuals who struggle with dry eyes or frequent infections. Clark’s passion for medical innovation is driven by personal experience—his mother has been unable to wear contact lenses due to eye dryness, a challenge he hopes to help solve.

Through the STEM and Emerging Technologies Research Fellowship, Clark is gaining valuable experience in biomedical research, lab techniques, and problem-solving. His work will contribute to advancing material science in ophthalmology while preparing him for a future in medical research or biotechnology. With a strong foundation in GMP lab experience, international research, and hands-on biotech internships, Clark is well-equipped to tackle the challenges of developing next-generation medical treatments.