Sitha Thor developed a curiosity: Did his mother’s and relatives’ Hmong medicinal plants — “green” medicines — actually harbor antiviral properties?

In other words, would science prove these plants, used for generations by his elders and ancestors, really match the effectiveness of western medicines and control the spread and effects of viruses? The question formed a research project that has propelled Thor’s learning at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. The McNair scholar — a first-generation student — had multiple opportunities in early 2013 to showcase his work alongside other student research. One such venue: Wisconsin’s State Capitol.

Thor participated with several UW Oshkosh students in Posters in the Rotunda, a special research day giving students the chance to spotlight their research to members of the state legislature. Here’s his and other Posters-day students’ story…