Wartburg College students Alexandra Holden and Michael Bechtel recently presented their research at the National Science Teaching Association National Conference on Science Education in Denver, Colorado. Holden, a Fairfield High School graduate, was one of seven students who participated in the conference and showcased her project titled “Composting with Cockroaches in Northeast Iowa K-12 Schools.” Her research aimed to explore the potential benefits of using cockroaches for composting in schools.
Bechtel, an associate professor of science education at Wartburg, presented his research titled “Bat Houses to Reduce Malaria Infections and International Progress.” His project proposed strategies for building sustainable bat houses in tropical areas to help reduce malaria infections. Bechtel expressed his pride in the Wartburg students and their dedication to conducting meaningful research.
The research projects and conference attendance were made possible through the support of Wartburg’s undergraduate research program, Student Senate, and the college’s NSTA chapter. This opportunity allowed Holden and her peers to showcase their work and contribute to the field of science education.