Lone Star College-Montgomery Student Blake Restivo Presents Groundbreaking Research at National Conference in Pennsylvania

CONROE, TX -- Blake Restivo, an undergraduate researcher at Lone Star College-Montgomery, recently represented the college at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Restivo, from the Houston area, presented his research on using fungi for bioremediation, a method aimed at cleaning up oil spills.

Motivated by a love for biology and chemistry, Restivo's interest in environmental science was sparked by his experience growing mushrooms at home. He became curious about how certain fungi can break down pollutants like motor oil.

"My research aims to help restore ecosystems affected by oil spills," Restivo said. "Using these fungi, we can clean contaminated areas and make a real impact on our environment."

During his presentation, Restivo highlighted findings related to the fungus Rhizopus, which he found to be effective in degrading motor oil, even more so than current bacterial methods. This discovery contributes valuable knowledge to the field of bioremediation.

Restivo's research was supported by professors from both the biology and chemistry departments, demonstrating the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in tackling environmental issues. His professors and mentors, Julie Harless, Anitha Iyer, and Michael Sundermann, each took an active role in guiding him throughout the research process.

Preparing for the NCUR conference was challenging for Restivo, who had to juggle schoolwork, part-time work, and family commitments. He spent considerable time refining his data and presentation skills. He noted that one of the highlights of the conference was connecting with fellow students and learning about a wide range of research projects.

Looking ahead, Restivo plans to pursue graduate studies, aiming for a Ph.D. in chemistry while continuing his work in environmental science. He encourages other students to explore research opportunities, emphasizing the importance of reading and gaining experience for personal growth.

Restivo’s journey underscores the ongoing need to address environmental contamination and the innovative methods like bioremediation that can help. He calls on the community to support collaborative research efforts that create solutions for our planet's challenges.

For more information about Blake Restivo’s research or ongoing environmental initiatives at Lone Star College-Montgomery, please visit our official website at LoneStar.edu/Montgomery.