Two LLCC biology students awarded summer research internships at UIUC

SPRINGFIELD — Lincoln Land Community College biology students Kayleigh Ambrose of Jacksonville and Anthony Lamb of Chatham are among 10 students chosen from across Illinois to participate in the Phenotypic Plasticity Research Experience for Community College Students (PRECS) at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign this summer.

PRECS, supported by a National Science Foundation grant, will begin with a boot camp on topics ranging from specific laboratory methods to research ethics. Students will then join a research immersion program in phenotypic plasticity, the phenomenon of a single genotype producing multiple phenotypes depending on environment. Ambrose and Lamb will present their research findings at LLCC as well as at an undergraduate research symposium at UIUC. They will each be awarded a $6,000 stipend along with food, housing and travel allowances for the 10-week program.

“The PRECS program is something I have been promoting to my biology students for the past five years,” said Dave Cox, LLCC professor of biology. “Kayleigh’s critical thinking skills will benefit her greatly during her internship this summer.”

“I was happy to recommend Anthony for this unique research internship focusing on phenotypic plasticity,” said Tony Rothering, LLCC professor of biology. “I have no doubt that the solid academic background he received at LLCC, combined with his inquisitive nature, will allow him to thrive in this position."

Following LLCC, Ambrose plans to transfer to UIUC to pursue a biology major followed by graduate school on the east coast. Lamb plans to attend Southeast Missouri State University after graduating from LLCC. His career goal is in wildlife conservation and management. Both expressed excitement at pursuing their first research experience at UIUC and the opportunities it will present as they continue their education and biological careers.

Another LLCC biology student, Becky Rose, was chosen for the prestigious research internship at UIUC in 2019.

LLCC offers an associate degree in biology.