ASU Student, Camryn Slappey, Conducts Research at Brown University

An Albany State University (ASU) Honors student was selected to participate in the Brown University 2025 Summer Research Early Identification Program (SR-EIP).  Camryn Slappey, a junior biology major from Albany, Georgia conducted summer research with professors at Brown University. The program is a fully paid summer internship that provides undergraduates with training and mentoring in the principles of research and prepares them to pursue competitive applications to PhD or MD-PhD programs. During Camryn’s research, under the supervision of a Brown University professor, Camryn investigated metal pollution in Providence’s public spaces that were once industrial sites.  

During her research, Camryn found elevated levels of harmful metals including lead and arsenic, with varying contamination levels, based on the type of former industrial activity. These industrial sites were in the Providence metro area since 1900.  Camryn also targeted flood prone areas to assess the risk of future pollution mobility.  Camryn concluded that most soils measured had moderate to high levels of arsenic and lead, while zinc levels were relatively low. Legacy dry-cleaning sites are particularly high in Pb and Zn.  The project highlights the importance of testing soil conditions especially in public areas.  Additionally, it was determined that future flooding in Providence may spread contaminated soils.

As a part of a partnership between Brown University and Albany State University, initiated by Dr. Florence Lyons, Director of the Velma Fudge Grant Honors Program, Camryn’s research will also include an investigation of soil contamination in Albany, Georgia. Camryn will collect soil samples near the ASU campus and compare the soil samples with the samples taken in Providence.  ASU Biology professor Dr. AntaSha Jones will oversee Camryn’s research, just as a Brown University professor supervised the Providence research.  At the end of the semester, a Brown professor will come to ASU to review Camryn’s final results and comparisons.  

The program funded Camryn’s summer airfare, housing and provided a generous stipend.  The summer research program provided the opportunity to utilize and hone acquired research skills. Dr. Florence Lyons, stated, “We are fortunate to have a student of Camryn’s caliber in our program.  Camryn’s research skills are impeccable, and I am thrilled that she will be able to utilize those skills learned at both Brown University and Albany State University.”