A handful of UMSL students will share their research with legislators during Undergraduate Research Day at the Missouri Capitol on March 1. (Photo by August Jennewein)

If indeed you are what you eat, are you healthier for eating food bought at Whole Foods Market?

University of Missouri–St. Louis anthropology graduate Katherine Ross wrote her senior thesis on the anthropological implications on St. Louisans’ Whole Foods shopping experiences. Her project is called “The Allure of Healthy Living: Customer Motivations for Shopping at Whole Foods Market.”

“I’m interested in why it’s so popular,” Ross said of the pricey natural food store. “There is an assumption that if you shop at Whole Foods you are healthier, which is interesting.”

Ross, along with a handful of fellow UMSL students will represent the university at Undergraduate Research Day at the Missouri Capitol on March 1. They’ll present their research in poster format on the day.

“Our department is very proud of their accomplishments,” said Donna Hart, director of undergraduate research in anthropology and lecturer at UMSL. “Their scholarly approach to research ranges through a variety of biological and cultural anthropological topics, but one unifying theme is the dedication and academic excellence exhibited by each of these students.”

The students will display their research posters to legislators and visitors in the Missouri Capitol rotunda in Jefferson City. Some will have the opportunity to let legislators know how their research addresses the needs of society.

Other UMSL students presenting their research poster are:

Kelly Devon Brewer, anthropology
Poster Title: “Osteological Stress Markers as Indicators of Occupation”

Erin Martin, chemistry
Poster Title: “Designing New Catalysts for Greener Chemical Reactions”

Jessica Boggs, social work
Poster Title: “Current and Proposed Healthcare Options and Policies for Legal Immigrant Children in Missouri”

Alexandra Willis, social work
Poster Title: “Current and Proposed Healthcare Options and Policies for Legal Immigrant Children in Missouri”

Elizabeth Fuchs, social work
Poster Title: “Current and Proposed Healthcare Options and Policies for Legal Immigrant Children in Missouri”

Emily Sudholt, physics
Poster Title: “Solar System Formation and the Rise of Life on Earth”

Katie Rynkiewich, anthropology
Poster Title: “Pharmacy Use by St. Louis Hispanic Communities”

Patrillie Hernandez, anthropology
Poster Title: “Perceptions of Nutrition Among African American Women in St. Louis City”