Wartburg College Students Shine at National Science Education Conference with Cutting-Edge Research Projects

Alexandra Holden, a Fairfield High School graduate and Wartburg College student, recently presented her research at the National Science Teaching Association National Conference on Science Education in Denver, Colorado. Her research, titled “Composting with Cockroaches in Northeast Iowa K-12 Schools,” aimed to explore the potential benefits of using cockroaches for composting in schools.

Michael Bechtel, an associate professor of science education at Wartburg College, also presented his research at the conference. His project, titled “Bat Houses to Reduce Malaria Infections and International Progress,” proposed strategies for building sustainable bat houses in tropical areas to help reduce malaria infections. Bechtel expressed his pride in the Wartburg students and their dedication to conducting meaningful research.

The research projects and conference attendance were made possible through the support of Wartburg’s undergraduate research program, Student Senate, and the college’s NSTA chapter. This opportunity allowed Holden and her peers to showcase their work and contribute to the field of science education.