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Ernest Williams, the William R. Kenan Professor of Biology emeritus and lecturer in biology, was the lead author on a recently published study. “Phenological Advancement of Lycaenid Butterflies in Massachusetts” appears in the current issue of the Journal of the Lepidopterists’ Society.

Associate Professor of Biology Mike McCormick presented recent research findings at the annual meeting of Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR). The conference was held Aug. 25-29 in Auckland, New Zealand.

Caitlin Jacobs ’07 has been recognized by the L.A. Times for her extensive work researching large cats on various Florida cattle ranches.  While on the ranches, Jacobs spent her time investigating type of predator was causing the cattle to die and how she could reduce the number of cattle deaths.

Three longtime members of Hamilton’s science faculty retired during the last academic year. Eugene Domack, Timothy Elgren and Ernest Williams had a combined 79 years of service at Hamilton.

Patrick Reynolds, vice president for academic affairs and dean of faculty, announced the appointment of new faculty for the 2014-15 academic year, including six tenure-track appointments, 24 visiting professors and instructors, and three teaching fellows.

Varicose veins, twisted and swollen veins just below the surface of the skin, can cause pain, ulcers and even blood clots. Elisa MacColl ’16, a biology major, is spending the summer interning for Harvard Medical School’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) in Boston, studying varicose veins. Her internship is supported by the Jeffrey Science Fund.

Although the number of cases of Lyme disease has been decreasing since 2009, according to the CDC, nearly 30,000 Americans fell prey to the tick-born illness in 2012 alone1. This summer, a group of student researchers is assisting Associate Professor of Biology William Pfitsch with an ecological examination of the relationship between honeysuckle and tick populations. 

Zoe Tessler ’16 is interning this summer at the Wild Center in Tupper Lake, N.Y, with support from the Jeffrey Fund in the Sciences, which funds students who intern at organizations that promote wildlife conservation or animal care. The Wild Center, located in the Adirondack Park, is a nonprofit organization that educates visitors on the Adirondacks’ rich biodiversity and natural history often through interactive exhibits.

Between the open curriculum, independent studies and interdisciplinary majors, Hamilton’s dedication to intellectual flexibility is evident. Although most students staying on campus are pursuing research in their field of study, Carly Poremba '15 is embracing the breadth of opportunities offered by the College. Poremba is a neuroscience and creative writing double major who is pursuing an Emerson project, “Horticultural and Historical Exploration of Botanico-Vegetable Medicine.”

About one in every seven American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime1. Combatting cancer is difficult, but one crucial step is early detection, which is made possible through screening examinations such as the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test. Philip Parkes ’17 is working with Professor of Biology Herm Lehman on a project titled “The Origins of Over-Testing: Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Test” that is sponsored by a Levitt Summer Research Grant.