Krista McAndress, a Clinical Laboratory Science major, has been selected for the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) at the Rowan University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in Stratford, NJ.

The SURE program provides hands-on research experience for undergraduate students who are considering graduate education in the biomedical sciences. Each student in the program learns the basic skills necessary to contribute to a research effort while working with a member of the Rowan graduate faculty.

McAndress is a junior who was recently elected as the president of Neumann’s chapter of Sigma Zeta, the national honor society for science and math. She is a resident of Blackwood, NJ, and a graduate of Highland High School.

“When I heard that I was accepted into this program, I was studying for a hematology exam,” explained McAndress. “I threw my books in the air and couldn’t wait to tell someone. This is research, and I love the lab!”

She originally wanted to study Nursing but that major was full by the time she decided to attend Neumann. When an advisor showed her options, including biology and psychology, she jumped at the Clinical Laboratory Science track because she enjoys hands-on work.

This summer, McAndress wants to “explore research opportunities and graduate school connections.” She envisions a graduate degree and an eventual career in science, working long hours in the lab.

During a ten-week period from May 27 to August 1, students in SURE learn techniques such as cell-culturing, electrophoresis, chromatography, immunochemistry, and fluorescence imaging. They attend scientific seminars and present their results at the end of the program.

McAndress was selected based on her application, transcript, and two letters of recommendation (one each from Dr. Sandra Weiss and Dr. Patricia Fallest-Strobl). All students receive a stipend of $3,500 to help offset housing and travel expenses to and from the Stratford campus.