ABERDEEN, S.D. – Northern State University graduate Annika van Oosbree of Maple Grove, Minn., recently became the first NSU student to have an honors thesis published in a professional publication.

Van Oosbree’s thesis, entitled “Phenotypic effects of probiotics on Xenopus laevis development,” was coauthored by Dr. Alyssa Kiesow, NSU associate professor of biology, and was published in the sixth volume of the “Journal of Student Research.”

According to the abstract of the article: Probiotics supplementation, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacteria, has become increasingly popular as a means to naturally treat minor ailments and attain overall better health. This research sought to determine whether probiotics L. acidophilus and Bifidobacteria as well as a combination of the two had an impact on the development of Xenopus laevis (African clawed frog) embryos.

“Publishing my thesis research was fulfilling one of those little kid giddy dreams that I was starry-eyed about but never thought was actually possible - kind of like how I viewed going to the moon. I definitely could not have done it without my research advisor and coauthor, Dr. Kiesow, who helped me navigate through the arduous submission and peer review process and never gave up,” said van Oosbree.

Van Oosbree graduated from NSU on May 5, majoring in Biology and English.

About Northern State University

Northern State University is a regional university that offers outstanding academics and exceptional extracurricular activities at an affordable price on a safe, welcoming campus. Northern State recently announced its Educational Impact Campaign, with a goal of raising $45 million for a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, new athletic and recreation fields, and an on-campus regional sports complex. Once the campaign is complete, NSU will be the recipient of more than $100 million in privately funded building projects and scholarships within a decade. To learn more, visit NSU Admissions.