PELLA, IA (06/26/2015)(readMedia)-- Central College student Abby Saladino of Long Grove became a full-time researcher this summer. Saladino, a biology major, is working on two sustainability research projects with professor of biology Russ Benedict: Prairies for Agriculture, which investigates how restoring native prairie species could help Iowa farmers, and bat behavior research, which will help the Iowa Depa

Saladino is one of 23 student researchers on campus this summer. Students are supported by various grants, including support from the Arthur J. Bosch Endowment, Margaret A. Cargill Foundation, David and Linda Wesselink, American Chemical Society, Central College Dean's Office, Moore Family Foundation and Monticello College Foundation.

Founded in 1853, Central College of Pella, Iowa, is a private, residential four-year liberal arts college known for its academic rigor and strength in global experiential learning, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), sustainability education, athletics success and tradition, and leadership and service. Central continues to value its long-standing relationship with the Reformed Church in America that began in 1916. The college participates in NCAA Division III athletics and is a member of the Iowa Conference. Central is an active part of the Greater Des Moines region and just two minutes from Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake.