FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 23, 2018

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Scott Wentz at the WV Academy of Science annual meeting

GLENVILLE, WV - Glenville State College senior biology major Scott Wentz was recently recognized as the Outstanding Science Poster Presenter at the 93rd Annual Meeting of the West Virginia Academy of Science. The meeting was held on April 7 at WV Wesleyan College.

"Being recognized in a discipline that I truly enjoy makes me even more motivated to work toward more data in our research and shows the potential of Glenville's science program," said Wentz. His research poster focused on a systematic approach to elucidate the evolutionary relationships of Diastema.

Diastema is a genus of flowering plant found in Central and South America. This particular genus has not been the focus of adequate research; currently, there are only twenty described species. Wentz used molecular and morphological techniques to delineate species and separate Diastema from Pseudodiastema. "I have been working on this project for three semesters. My favorite part is the molecular biology portion such as polymerase chain reaction. The most challenging part is working with a plant that has very little information and that only a few people have ever worked with," he added.

Wentz says that he has always had an interest in science and, particularly, biology. "After learning new laboratory techniques and basic principles of biology, I have been able to apply a wide array of techniques to my research from computer imaging software for leaf morphology to amplifying DNA," he said.

His research was conducted with the assistance of Dr. Jeremy Keene, an Assistant Professor of Biology at GSC. "Dr. Keene and all of the science faculty are great resources who are all very knowledgeable. It's great to have such a well-rounded team when working on a difficult project like this research. Dr. Keene is very experienced in this area and he is great about preparing you for questions and presentations. It is nice to have a research advisor that is approachable but also makes you put in the hard work so that the student truly understands the material," Wentz said.

"Scott has worked hard for three semesters to understand the differences in Diastema. His attention to detail and understanding of the genus has definitely paid off," said Keene.

"I am proud of the way GSC was represented at the WV Academy of Science Annual Meeting. I'm glad to see that Scott is participating in undergraduate research, and doing so very successfully I might add. Outstanding faculty mentorship and unique research opportunities are hallmarks of GSC's Science and Math Department. These opportunities help our students further their education and prepares them to transition to a career or graduate school after they graduate from Glenville State College," said GSC's Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Gary Morris.

When he isn't presenting research or studying, Wentz is President and founder of the GSC Bio-Chem Club, Treasurer for the Student Government Association, a Resident Assistant, and Peer Mentor. The Beverly, West Virginia native is the son of Gene and Rosemary Wentz.

After graduation he plans to attend graduate school and obtain a Master's Degree in biomedical science.