Faculty Expeaux ’17 showcases research

Nicholls’ Faculty Expeaux ’17 took place on Sept. 21 in the Cotillion Ballroom of the Student Union and
allowed professors to feature their recent research.

Every year at Nicholls, a research week is held where undergraduate and graduate students are able to
display their research. The Faculty Expeaux is a recent addition to the campus.

Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences, Dr. Christopher Bonvillain, was among many of the Nicholls’
professors to have their research displayed.

Bonvillain’s research focused on red swamp crayfish in the Louisiana region. He mainly studies crawfish
in the Atchafalaya River Basin. With the help of graduate students, Bonvillain was able to collect data on
the oxygen quality of the water and determine if higher oxygen concentration is better for the red
swamp crayfish.

Bonvillain pointed out that the public may not necessarily know where the money they are donating is
going, and having Expeaux should encourage the public to continue to donate money for research.

“It is important for the public to see what Nicholls is doing,” Bonvillain said.

Students can also gain knowledge from such a showcase. Bonvillain said that by working with professors,
students can apply what they have learned in the classroom to the real world.

“[Expeaux] encourages students to get with a professor and do research,” said Bonvillain.

Bonvillain has been studying the red swamp crayfish for about 11 years. He hopes that by showcasing
his recent research, more people will realize its importance and get more involved.