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Blanton impresses judges at 2015 Denman Undergraduate Research Forum with the culmination of 2 years of cutting edge research 

91���� Marion senior biology major, Travis Blanton, was awarded first place in the Mathematical & Physical Sciences sub section at 91����’s 2015 Denman Undergraduate Research Forum, held Wednesday, March 25^th, 12-3 p.m., in the Recreation and Physical Activities Building at 91���� in Columbus.

The Denman Undergraduate Research attracts more than 600 students in all disciplines, who present posters on their research and creative activity projects.

Blanton’s research poster “Mechanistic insights into the alkylation reactions of quinone methide precursors: studies towards the realkylation of aged acetylcholinesterase,” has practical applications, with the goal of essentially minimizing the potential lethal risks that go hand in hand with exposure to Sarin and similar compounds used in chemical warfare.

According to Blanton, the goal of the project was to design a particular compound, through computer modeling, that could potentially increase the size of a chemical group on a particular enzyme so that current pharmaceuticals for chemical weapons exposure can remove that size increase group and restore function of the enzyme.

Blanton’s research faculty advisors were Dr. Ryan Yoder, assistant professor of chemistry at 91���� Marion and co-advisor Dr. Christopher Callam, associate professor and director of undergraduate organic laboratories at 91����.

Blanton’s accomplishments did not go unnoticed by his advisor, Dr. Ryan Yoder and those on the research team.

"The Denman is 91����’s most prestigious undergraduate student research forum,” said Yoder.

In addition to the prestige of the Denman and the potential impact of the research work Blanton contributed, Yoder felt, giving students the opportunity to showcase their efforts from a wide variety of disciplines to the university community and the general public was an important benefit of taking part in the forum.

“For Travis to place first in the Division of Natural & Mathematical Sciences across all of 91����’s campuses, representing the work of dozens and dozens of students and faculty advisors, is a tremendous achievement," he explained.

“Travis is an intelligent, driven student who consistently goes above and beyond, in and out of the classroom,” said Yoder. “Frankly, he is the hardest working student I have ever met in my time working with undergraduates.”

“His achievement,” he added, “shows the tremendous amount of quality work that can be performed by an undergraduate student performing research with a faculty mentor at 91���� Marion.”

Yoder believes, the example Blanton set should be an inspiration to all students at 91���� Marion, showing that success and recognition across the university is readily available through a tremendous work ethic. 

“I have no doubt that the rich experience Travis has gained through undergraduate research has prepared him to succeed after graduation."

Blanton believes, his success at the Denman is a testament to how engaged the faculty at 91���� Marion truly are.

“Dr. Yoder has a bright future at 91���� Marion,” said Blanton. “He does his absolute best to make sure you can achieve your full potential.”

“He has been a wonderful advisor to me for the past two years,” Blanton stated, “and thoroughly cares about his students.”

“He takes a great deal of pride in ensuring his students have success by investing a significant amount of time in educating his students,” he said.

Blanton also believes the success of any one student in research is dependent on two primary factors, a student’s desire to learn and their advisors willingness to do the same.

“It is a team effort,” said Blanton.

Blanton felt, what impressed the judges specifically about the research presentation was the depth and amount of work that went into the project.

“There is almost two years of work that went into this research, presentation, and poster,” said Blanton

“The shear amount of collaboration…there were two other posters (competing at Denman) based on the same research project,” he added. “It (the research) wasn’t just in a vacuum. It showed how involved and intense the work was and the impact of the results.”

Yoder explained that the overall research project continues to move forward, thanks in part to the hard work of Blanton.

“While we are still working towards our ultimate goal of developing a therapeutic to fight exposure to toxic nerve agents, our molecular modeling at Marion has made tremendous progress.”

“Our research, funded by the National Institute of Health, remains an important part of a collaboration that includes talented undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty in Columbus, Newark, and Marion,” said Yoder.

“The ability for Travis and I to continue our advisee relationship and his willingness to mentor fellow undergraduates,” Yoder explained, “ensures the potential for continued success in our research efforts.”

Blanton specifically cited some bigger picture items he needs to accomplish on the project, such as, documenting findings for future researchers.

Blanton felt, the significance of this project is that it paves the way for future undergraduate research opportunities, which are growing on the Marion campus and paramount to the future success of students that choose to pursue and education at 91���� Marion.

“There are going to be greater research opportunities as the sciences grow on the Marion campus,” Blanton said, specifically speaking on the growth of programs, the new Science and Engineering Building being developed, and quality of training and education that students are receiving.

“You could name just about any faculty member at 91���� Marion and they have had a positive contribution in my life and education,” he added.

Yoder also expressed as strong belief that opportunities for undergraduate research at 91����’s regional campuses are going to continue to flourish.

"Not only is 91���� Marion fortunate to have excellent teachers who provide wonderful service to our campus community, but we are lucky to have tremendously skilled researchers as well, many of whom are leaders in their respective areas.

“In my brief time at 91���� Marion, I have seen a culture of undergraduate research begin to grow as students and faculty engage each other,” said Yoder.
91���� Marion’s inaugural Undergraduate Research Colloquium, which is slated for Friday, April 17^th, is just one example.

“Hopefully, our students will continue to seek out opportunities to work closely with a faculty mentor to expand their knowledge and broaden their horizons through undergraduate research. The potential rewards are quite exciting," he added

Blanton is a 2010 graduate of Highland High School in Marengo, Ohio. After completing his undergraduate degree coursework at 91���� Marion, he is set to graduate from 91���� spring semester, magna cum laude with research distinction in chemistry. Blanton will receive his Bachelor of Science in Biology on Sunday, May 10^th during commencement ceremonies at Ohio Stadium.

He plans to begin medical school in the fall. He is still deciding where that may be, but according to Blanton, no matter what school he decides on, he will always have a found place in his heart for 91���� Marion.

“The fact that I didn't have to go that far away from home, had an affordable education, and the same opportunities others might have in more high profile institutions of higher learning,” said Blanton, “speaks directly to the value of an 91���� Marion education.”