Bluefield State Students Featured at 2026 Research Day at the Capitol
Two Bluefield State University students were featured during the 2026 Research Day at the Capitol on Feb. 19, highlighting undergraduate biomedical research conducted on the university’s campus.
Research posters representing the work of Jaida Rodenberry and Damiesha Greene, students in the laboratory of Dr. Tesfaye Belay, were presented during the event’s poster session at the West Virginia State Capitol. Although neither student was able to attend due to personal reasons, Belay presented their research on their behalf.
The students’ biomedical research drew interest from lawmakers, higher education leaders, and fellow students from across the state. Among those who visited the Bluefield State display was Sen. Craig A. Hart, R-Mingo, who expressed appreciation for the quality of the students’ work.
Belay also engaged with representatives from other institutions and organizations, including Janet Rorrer of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and Tom Huber, president of the West Virginia Research Organization. Students from other universities, including chemistry major Ansata Gittens of West Virginia State University, attended the session and discussed undergraduate research opportunities.
Visitors to the event voiced strong encouragement for the continued involvement of undergraduate students in hands-on scientific research.
“These students are demonstrating that high-level biomedical research is happening right here at Bluefield State,” said Bluefield State University President Dr. Darrin Martin. “Providing meaningful research opportunities at the undergraduate level prepares our students for advanced study, strengthens West Virginia’s workforce pipeline, and reflects our commitment to academic excellence.”
The research presented at the Capitol is supported by grants awarded to Belay through the National Institutes of Health. Funding includes NIH Grant P20GM103434 to the West Virginia IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence under the Health Sciences and Technology Academy and Center of Natural Products Research programs, as well as NIH Grant R15AI174169-01 awarded directly to Bluefield State University.
Research Day at the Capitol is an annual event that showcases undergraduate and graduate research from colleges and universities across West Virginia, connecting students with policymakers and higher education leaders.
