LOCH SHELDRAKE, NY — By now, many Hudson Valley residents are wary of harmful algal blooms in area waterbodies—and of the health impacts they can have on humans and pets. 

Last fall, SUNY Sullivan green building technology major Dominique Etienne traveled to Phoenix, AZ to present the results of her research on these algal blooms (also known as  cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms, or CyanoHABs) at the annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Students (ABRCMS).

Etienne’s talk, titled “The Effects of Climate Change on CyanoHABs,” explored the impact that seasonal temperature changes can have on these algal blooms. 

Her study is the result of research she did this past summer in the Bridges to the Baccalaureate program at SUNY Purchase. It’s a paid eight-week summer research program, and is funded by the National Institutes of Health.

“My project was very interesting to me, because we really looked into the human and environmental causes and impacts of harmful algal blooms and CyanoHABs,” said Etienne. 

In addition, Bridges to the Baccalaureate helped Etienne prepare her presentation.

“The Bridges program did a really good job of preparing us for everything that we did. For example, we had our first practice symposium recorded so we could watch our feedback and we talked with the mentors on how we could improve ourselves.

“The feedback and repetitive practicing really made me improve throughout the program so I feel that I’m ready for ABRCMS,” she said.

“I’m so happy that I get to be part of Dominique’s experience,” said Kathryn Scullion, the coordinator of the program at SUNY Sullivan. “I’m proud of the research she has done through the Bridges program and thrilled that she was chosen to present her work at ABRCMS. I feel very fortunate that she works in the labs with me.”

Etienne also participates in the college’s garden club. “She’s so hardworking, intuitive, and inquisitive—and just a pleasure to be around,” Scullion said.

In addition to her studies at SUNY Sullivan and work in the garden club, Etienne, a Middletown resident, works in the science labs and is interested in the crochet, art and gaming clubs. She also likes to hike on the nature trails on the college’s campus.

“Life at SUNY Sullivan for me is super fun and educational, and my professors have been super helpful with providing me support when I reach out to them with questions I have,” Etienne said. Professors not only help with coursework, but “provide me with extracurricular opportunities like the Bridges program.”

Etienne hopes to work in the sustainability field after she graduates.

For over 20 years, the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists (ABRCMS) has been a significant conference for historically excluded community college, undergraduate and postbaccalaureate students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, SUNY Sullivan noted.

About Bridges to the Baccalaureate

The Bridges to the Baccalaureate Program is an intensive eight-week summer research program at SUNY Purchase for underrepresented community college students interested in science, who are seeking hands-on research experience. The program includes on-campus housing, a $4,800 stipend, professional development, workshops and off-campus field trips. 

Interested SUNY Sullivan students should contact Bridges program coordinator Kathryn Scullion at kscullion@sunysullivan.edu. For more information about the program, visit here.

Contributed by SUNY Sullivan.