Mark Madison, historian for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, presents to a room full of scientists at Shepherd University on Saturday. Photo by Tom Markland

SHEPHERDSTOWN – A room full of scientists from universities, colleges and agencies across West Virginia gathered at Shepherd University for the 99th annual West Virginia Academy of Science (WVAS) meeting on Saturday.

During the yearly meeting, the group gathers to present research results and advance the dissemination of scientific findings in the state.

Shepherd University President Mary J.C. Hendrix led the meeting, by discussing Shepherd’s recent achievements within their scientific community, including funding that they’ve recently received for their math, computer science and engineering research programs as well as congressionally directed funding for their new chemistry lab.

“These funds are just very, very important,” Hendrix said. “So you will see a whole new chemistry lab very, very soon.”

She also celebrated the university’s efforts to create the Shepherd University Agricultural Innovation center at Tabler Farm, the 158-acre forest and field property that currently hosts demonstrations, as well as an aquaponics research lab, a small bee apiary and a newly established food forest.

During the meeting, the WVAS also presented their ‘Teacher of the Year’ award to Jana Woofter, a 12-year veteran teacher of Spring Mills High School where she teaches students from grades 10 through 12 in chemistry, forensic science and physical science. Woofter is also the Science Fair Coordinator for both Spring Mills and Berkeley County schools.

“Woofter plays a pivotal role in nurturing students scientific curiosity and guiding them through the process of scientific inquiry,” said Jacqui Cole, professor of chemistry at Shepherd. “She looked a fantastic job and providing mentorship resources and support for the participating students.”

Woofter encouraged the many undergraduate and graduate students at the conference to continue in their love for science.

“Know that your teachers are so proud of you, whether they’re teachers from 10 years ago or teachers you have now,” Woofter said.

Throughout the day, hundreds of West Virginian scientists presented findings from their research on topics from DNA degradation in animals to detecting parking spaces with AI, all ending with an awards cemetery at the close of the day. Founded in 1924, the West Virginia Academy of Science is a corporation chartered by the West Virginia State Legislature for the advancement of scientific knowledge and the promotion of scientific work in the State of West Virginia.

Every year, their annual meeting draws hundreds of scientists and students to a university in West Virginia to share their findings. More information about WVAS is available online at pwvas.org.