Delgado Honors Students Participate in 2025 LSU Discover Day

April 30, 2025

Delgado Community College is proud of our Honors students who showcased their research at LSU Discover Day 2025 - Undergraduate Research and Creativity Conference in Baton Rouge on April 25.

This prestigious annual event highlights innovative student work from across the state, and our Delgado students delivered with a compelling poster presentation titled “Periodontal Microbes: The Possible Association with Cardiovascular Complications.”

Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Our Microbiology Honors students explored a potential connection between periodontal microbes and cardiovascular complications. Their research suggests that periodontal microbe-induced Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and G-protein-mediated calcium channel cell signaling pathways may play a role in the development of cardiovascular issues.

Participating in LSU Discover Day 2025 provided valuable opportunities for our students to engage with peers and faculty from other institutions, build confidence, and strengthen their resumes. This experience supports their goals of continuing their education, securing scholarships or university admissions, and pursuing careers in clinical and research labs, industry, or pathology laboratories.

Pictured from left to right: Alvarez Nurix, Jasmine Bonner, Dr. Habib Ansari (Assistant Professor of Biology), Courtney Powell, and Safia Bellouz — all Delgado Honors students. Not pictured is Darriana Daniels, also an Honors student and contributor to the project, who was unable to attend the event in person.

Congratulations to Dr. Ansari and our Honors students!