ACC student Jesica Leos with her research project at the Community College Undergraduate Research Initiative Fall Student Colloquium.

Student Jessica Leos recently presented a research project she worked on at ACC at the Community College Undergraduate Research Initiative Fall Student Colloquium in Philadelphia.

Leos’ project was on loquat, a plant that her mother gave her father for his health. Leos found that the loquat herb had as much antimicrobial activity as oregano, which is popular in health food stores for its antibacterial properties. She also discovered that loquat has a high level of plant flavonoids and antioxidants that are highly valued for their medicinal properties.

“I loved having the opportunity to talk to other future scientists, as well as receiving feedback on my project and getting advice on how I could further my research,” Leo says. “It was a once in a lifetime experience that I will always remember.”

Leos’ project was done in BITC 1471: Undergraduate Research, the first undergraduate research course offered at ACC. During the class’ inaugural spring session, students underwent intensive lab skills training while working on a research project of their choice.

“The undergraduate research course has taught me so much, from problem solving and intensive laboratory skills, to taking a published article and creating a procedure from it,” Leos says. “Without the class, I would not have had the hands-on experience or skills needed to do my research project.”

To learn more about the course, visit austincc.edu/biotech.