UW-River Falls students showcase research

Her presentation of research to better control an invasive species causing havoc in waterways earned University of Wisconsin-River Falls student Devon Mares the first-place award in the March 1 WiSys Quick Pitch event on campus. 

Competing against other UW-River Falls students, Mares’ winning presentation was titled “Creating a Biocontrol Agent for Zebra Mussels.” Mares focuses on controlling zebra mussel populations by genetically engineering algae to be toxic to zebra mussels, but not to any other species. Zebra mussels are an invasive species that have caused harm to North American waters. Competition judges praised Mares, a biotechnology major from Unity, for describing her topic in a way that was understandable to a broad audience. 

Read the complete article from River Falls Journal here.