Michael Bechtel, an associate professor of science education at Wartburg College, presented his research at the National Science Teaching Association National Conference on Science Education in Denver, Colorado. Bechtel’s research, titled “Bat Houses to Reduce Malaria Infections and International Progress,” aimed to explore strategies for building sustainable bat houses in tropical areas to help reduce malaria infections.
In addition to Bechtel’s presentation, Fairfield High School graduate Alexandra Holden also presented her research at the conference. Holden was one of seven Wartburg College students who participated in the conference and presented their research projects. Her research, titled “Composting with Cockroaches in Northeast Iowa K-12 Schools,” aimed to investigate the potential benefits of using cockroaches for composting in schools.
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.