Two standout undergraduate student researchers at Indiana University of Pennsylvania were selected to participate in the 2025 Undergraduate Research at the Capitol event.
Parker Bradley (left) and Symia Taimuty-Loomis at the Capitol
Parker Bradley, a chemistry major from Stewartstown, presented his research poster, “Photochemical Studies of Anticancer Ruthenium-Platinum Bimetallic Complex Adsorbed on Montmorillonite Clay,” and Symia Taimuty-Loomis, a psychology major in IUP’s Cook Honors College from Mars, presented her research poster, “Evaluating the Effects of Psilocybin on Mental Health Disorder Symptoms in Recreational Settings.”
The Undergraduate Research at the Capitol-PA poster conference is an educational event allowing undergraduate students enrolled in Pennsylvania’s colleges and universities to showcase their research talents to the Commonwealth’s key decision-makers. All fields of research are encouraged, and students are nominated by their universities to participate in the event. Posters are on display in the Capitol Complex main rotunda.
IUP Associate Vice Provost for Libraries and Research Support Services Kelly Heider selected Bradley and Taimuty-Loomis to represent IUP at the event and accompanied them to Harrisburg.
“Parker and Symia demonstrated exceptional research acumen and presentation skills during the Final Research Symposium, the culminating event of IUP’s U-SOAR (Undergraduate Summer Opportunities for Applying Research) Program,” Heider said.
“Their ability to articulate complex ideas with clarity and confidence set them apart, making them ideal representatives of IUP for the Undergraduate Research at the Capitol event in Harrisburg. Their dedication to scholarly inquiry and their outstanding poster presentations exemplify the high caliber of undergraduate research at IUP.
“During the Capitol event, Pennsylvania State Representative Jim Struzzi and his team stopped by to meet Parker and Symia and were so impressed with their research and professionalism, further affirming the impact of their work,” Heider said.
From left, Rep. Jim Struzzi, Symia Taimuty-Loomis, Parker Bradley, Kelly Heider, and Trish Boring, IUP Libraries’ Information Services Coordinator
The IUP students were two of only 35 students from 30 colleges and universities in Pennsylvania who were invited to participate at the 2025 event, held on March 25.
Parker Bradley with his research poster
Bradley is the son of Darren Bradley and Kelly Bradley and is a 2022 graduate of Kennard Dale High School.
His project focused on delivery methods for an anticancer, photoactive, ruthenium-platinum bimetallic complex, which has the possibility to drastically reduce the side effects of chemotherapy.
“Presenting at URC-PA was an incredible experience,” Bradley said. “It gave me the opportunity to share my research with Indiana County’s Representative Struzzi, as well as faculty and students from across the state, building meaningful academic and professional connections.”
Bradley’s faculty mentor is Avijita Jain from the Madia Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Physics.
Bradley was named one of the Top 10 Undergraduate Poster Presenters at the 2024 Central Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society, and he won the outstanding academic achievement award from the Madia Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Physics in 2022, 2023, and 2024. He is a member of IUP’s track and field and cross-country teams.
Rep. Jim Struzzi talking with Symia Taimuty-Loomis in front of her poster.
Taimuty-Loomis is a 2021 graduate of Mars Area Senior High School.
Her research evaluated the effects of psilocybin in recreational user reports for self-treatment of depression, anxiety, and traumatic symptoms. Her faculty mentor is William Meil in the Department of Psychology.
She was selected for additional funding for her work by the IUP Libraries during the 2024 U-SOAR program, and won top research poster presenter during the 2024 IUP-Indiana Regional Medical Center’s third annual Pennsylvania Mountains Rural Health Conference.
She is the vice president of Collegiate Women in Progress and a member of the IUP Ambassadors Student-Alumni Association, Psi Chi National Honors Society in Psychology, Psychology Honors Program, a Department of Biology research assistant, an Applied Research Lab research assistant, a peer educator for the Haven Project, a Welcome Week volunteer, and a Welcome Week Head Leader.
Taimuty-Loomis was selected for the 2024–25 Justice Research Fellowship program offered through the IUP Administration and Leadership Studies Research and Training Center.
“It was a pleasure to meet so many people who impact our legislation in direct or indirect ways to share with them the importance of alternative treatments for mental health disorders,” Taimuty-Loomis said. “I am so thankful to have been able to make connections with people who care about my research and want to see a difference in drug policy and accessibility to treatment.”
Both students will be participating in IUP’s 2025 Scholars Forum on April 9, part of the university’s annual Research Appreciation Week events.