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Nancy Elwess is Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences and has dedicated 13 years to mentoring. During her tenure, Dr. Elwess has developed a reputation for her advanced work with undergraduate students as she helps them conduct DNA research. Nearly 100 of her students have given presentations at national and international conferences, and many have brought home top honors. Many of Elwess' students have also gone on to pursue higher degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields after being accepted into schools like Yale University and the University of Oregon. Dr. Elwess’ program involves organizing her students to return to the high schools from which they graduated to discuss the benefits of attending college and the thrill of working in science. Her efforts have significantly increased the number of applications from local schools to the State University of New York (SUNY) Plattsburgh and changed the student demographics of the department.