Rising Junior Represents CBE at the Emerging Researchers National Conference

Revy Godehn won First Place in the Undergraduate Poster Presentation: Ecology Division (Earth Subdivision) at the 2025 Emerging Researchers National Conference held in Atlanta, GA in April. 

During the 2024-25 academic year, Revy performed DNA studies under the leadership of Prof. Angela Allen (Forestry and Environmental Resources) and Prof. Carlos Goller (Biological Sciences). She was specifically investigating the presence of E. coli in water sources as a serious cause of health issues in humans and a negative impact on the health of creek water. Water samples were collected from various sites in Southeast Raleigh, and DNA was extracted. The DNA was analyzed using full length 16S sequencing utilizing Nanopore Technologies (ONT) as well as digital PCR targeting specific organisms such as human, poultry, swine, and E. coli. Ultimately, the study expanded understanding of the source of E. coli found in the waterways. The team hopes their results will aid in the establishment of monitoring possible sources of runoff, overall water quality, and levels of pollution in the Raleigh area.

In addition to her research with Prof. Allen, Revy was also working as an undergraduate researcher for Prof. Nathan Crook for the second year in a row during the 2024-25 academic year. She felt comfortable taking on this second research opportunity because of her prior lab training and chemical engineering skills. This next fall she will continue to work in Prof. Crook’s lab.

“I really care about sustainability in general so I wanted to do more research with a direct application.”

Revy was able to participate in Prof. Allen’s research through the Campus As A Classroom Program run by the NC State Sustainability Office. The program provides experiential learning opportunities for students that support the university’s sustainability goals while fostering collaboration between students, faculty and staff. She decided to join this program because of her passion for sustainability and field work.

These opportunities have fortified Revy’s aspirations of going into research after graduation from NC State. This summer, she is currently interning with UCB Biosciences, a global biopharmaceutical leader focusing in neurology, immunology, and other areas. She will be gaining experience in functional genomics, CRISPR technology, and tissue culture engineering.