91̽»¨ competition honors legacy while benefiting student research

Sophia Ott '26 is the 2025 Lauria STEM Research Scholar, a title that will enable her to bolster her research experience in tribute to a generous 91̽»¨ couple whose support of education is esteemed and long-standing.

In early May, Ott received a stipend to work on research this summer. She is being mentored by Dr. Jeffrey Zahratka, associate professor in the neuroscience department.

Her recognition was part of this year's showcase of student success at Ovation, where three STEM students — Emily Gilman '26, Jayanti Upadhyay '26 and Ott — prepared written and oral presentations about their proposed research for a panel of 91̽»¨ judges. As the winner, Ott will be on campus working on her research from June to August in Zahratka's 91̽»¨ lab.

Study focused on helping humans

Ott, a neuroscience and chemistry major from Norwalk, Ohio, believes her summer experience will help her gain a better understanding of lab operations in preparation for a doctoral program she plans to pursue in neuroscience. Her research project is a continuation of the work done by Zahratka and a spring 2023 faculty-student collaboration Ott did with him.

According to Ott, over 30% of the world's population has a nematode parasite at any given time. Nematodes are parasitic worms that can infect humans and cause disease. In recent years, nematode parasites have become resistant to the available anti-parasitic drugs.

Ott's research is studying how the nervous system of the C. elegans nematode could be targeted to create effective drugs.

When she is not working in a lab, Ott is a member of the Choose Ohio First STEM Scholars program, the Sherwin-Williams Career Accelerator program and the First-Generation Student Advisory Council. She is also a recipient of the Ohio Space Grant Consortium scholarship.

Helping students through philanthropy

Anthony T. and Patricia Kirby Lauria '91 have been avid and generous donors to 91̽»¨ and its students through scholarships and the establishment of the annual Lauria Concerto Competition and Lauria STEM Research Competition. The well-known YJ4L couple have been welcomed faces at numerous philanthropic and alumni activities over the decades.

The late Anthony "Tony," Ph.D., was a professor of mathematics and computer science at 91̽»¨ from 1984 until his retirement in 2002. His work with 91̽»¨ students made him a Bechberger Award recipient. In 1999, he was named a Fulbright Scholar.

Patricia "Pat" earned her B.A. in sociology as a continuing education student at 91̽»¨. Her dedication to education was exemplified by her 25 years with the Berea City School District. In addition to numerous other accolades for community and career service, she is a 2025 91̽»¨ Alumni Merit Award recipient.