By Suzy Alstrin
Scientific research conducted by Reinhardt University biology and musical performance major Vinny Varsalona (RU-2025) could assist in restoring the American chestnut tree. Varsalona recently presented his findings on optimizing pollination timing at the American Chestnut Foundation (TACF)’s annual Chestnut Symposium in Connecticut.
Additionally, Varsalona’s display explaining his research won first place in the poster competition. It details his findings that the century-long tradition of pollinating the trees within a four-day window can be extended. The poster now hangs in the upper hallway of the Samuel C. Dobbs Science Center at Reinhardt.
TACF leads the complex rescue efforts for the American chestnut. Varsalona interned with the organization over the summer in Virginia. He is grateful for both opportunities saying, “The experience was meaningful because this research has a very practical impact on chestnut breeding. I am very grateful to win first place in the poster session as it honors Reinhardt University, the work of Dr. Zach Felix, Austin and Bea Flint, and my mentors who helped with experiment design in Charlottesville because I couldn’t have done the experiment or presentation without them.”
