Summer Undergraduate Research Scholars Program Archives - è��ͷ�� University

è��ͷ�� Summer Scholar Fellows Study Clams, Alternative Therapies, Propaganda and Rwandan Genocide

Office of University Communications — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 12:08:31 +0000

Five Students Receive Grants to Work on Research Projects with Faculty Mentors

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—è��ͷ�� University awarded Summer Scholar Fellowships to five students this year. Through the program, they conduct original research under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Fellows are awarded room and board during a five-week summer term to complete their fellowship and receive a $500 stipend. They are required to present or publish the project by the end of next year.

Caleb Hill studied the DNA of the Arcidae family of clams.

In the first summer session, Caleb Hill, a biochemistry major, studied evolutionary changes in the Arcidae family of clams. Professor of paleontology Dr. David Campbell was his mentor. “By closely examining and comparing the DNA sequences of these organisms, we aimed to identify clear genetic markers that distinguish one species from another,” Hill assessed. “I chose to pursue this research opportunity because conducting research is what I ultimately hope to do in my future career. My long-term goal is to earn a Ph.D. and work in a research-focused role where I can contribute to meaningful scientific discoveries. I know that gaining hands-on research experience now is one of the most important steps I can take to prepare myself for the rigorous demands of a doctoral program.”

Jada Pittman worked with Associate Professor of biology Dr. Meredith Rowe to understand how redlight therapy supports the body’s natural healing processes. “Redlight therapy is becoming more popular, but many people still don’t fully understand how it works or how it compares to traditional treatments,” Pittman observed. “I’m curious about the science behind it and whether it can truly help people heal faster or feel better with fewer side effects.”

Pittman shared that working on the project helped her sharpen her research skills. She added, “I also learned that research often raises new questions as you go along, and it’s important to stay flexible and curious.”

McCoy Stowe

McCoy Stowe was also on campus to explore alternatives to traditional chemotherapeutics. Rowe also served as his faculty mentor. He was inspired by personal experiences with loved ones and the financial barriers of cancer treatment. “I sought options that were affordable, non-synthetic, and translatable to clinical oncology,” Stowe offered. “What began as a broad review has now evolved into an investigation of a nanoparticle-based delivery system for dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a plant-derived pro-oxidant compound with strong cytotoxic behaviors.”

Stowe stated that the initial goal is to execute experiments that test the cytotoxicity of DHA in his chosen model. “The study will then begin assessing the stability of DHA in environments which mimic that of serum, under physiological conditions,” he related. “Moving forward, I aim to optimize conditions that enhance DHA’s therapeutic response while preserving compound stability. I hope to carry this project into medical school to do further research to prove DHAs efficacy as an independent alternative chemotherapeutic.”

Two students will be researching in the Summer II term, June 25-July 31. They are:

Bethany Durham
- Mentor: Dr. Elizabeth Amato
- Research project: Durham’s research will examine women as perpetrators of genocide and how the media portrays their involvement. She will use the Rwandan Genocide as her case study. Durham is especially interested in this topic because there is a lack of mainstream research in this area and not much news that includes women being perpetrators of mass violence, especially in developing countries like Rwanda.

Andrea Stampone
- Mentor: Amato
- Research project: Stampone will examine the propaganda and methodology that was used to implement an Italian fascist agricultural policy prior to World War II. She will study how the policy was never meant to propel the economic interests of the state, but was instead a way to uphold a weak fascist regime. Her family grew up in Italy, and she grew up hearing about the lack of resources in the country. She is interested in learning how the lack of natural resources affected the historical development of the country.

Learn more about Summer Scholar Fellowships.

è��ͷ�� University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., è��ͷ�� prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at è��ͷ��.edu.

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è��ͷ�� Summer Fellow Kyndal Jackson Furthers Research on Antimicrobials

Office of University Communications — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 19:55:49 +0000

Her Project Adds to Ongoing Set of Experiments Conducted by Students in the Department of Natural Sciences

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Through a Summer Scholar Fellowship, è��ͷ�� University senior Kyndal Jackson extracted essential oil from ground caraway seeds. A meticulous process, her research could someday play a role in helping scientists discover purified compounds that inhibit bacterial growth (antimicrobials). The project is part of an ongoing set of experiments conducted by students in the Department of Natural Sciences.

Jackson, who is è��ͷ��’s second Tucker Scholar, graduates in December and plans to continue her education in a physician assistant (PA) program. A biology/biomedical major with chemistry and Spanish minors, Jackson has always been fascinated by science. “I love being in the lab and I feel like this relates to medicine,” she offered. “I love research and coming here and learning new things. I feel like this fuels my passion for PA school.”

Summer Fellows (formerly Summer Undergraduate Research Scholars) apply for the opportunity to conduct focused research outside the boundaries of the classroom. They are awarded grants for room and board on campus as they devote approximately 40 hours per week to their projects. After their research experience, they are required to present, perform or publish their project by the end of the following academic year.

Jackson’s mentor for the summer was Dr. Ben Brooks, professor of chemistry. Their goal was to extract the oil from caraway seeds and prove its purity with spectroscopy and chromatography.

Kyndal Jackson’s project involves extracting
the oil from caraway seeds.

In the 2024 Fall Semester, Jackson will continue her research as the recipient of a competitive grant from North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities. Brooks and Dr. Meredith Rowe, associate professor of biology, will be her advisors then. “This research will potentially strengthen preliminary results and extensively test the antimicrobial resistance of caraway seed oil with common skin microbiota,” Jackson shared. “With expanded research, healthcare professionals can access a broader range of evidence-based information about essential oils and develop guidelines and recommendations for their safe and effective use in various medical conditions.”

Learn more about the Summer Scholar Fellowship.

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Eight è��ͷ�� Students Receive Grants for Focused Research

Office of University Communications — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 15:05:30 +0000

Summer Scholars Work with Faculty Mentor on Topics They Choose

By Brandon Richmond, ’24, Intern for University Communications

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Eight new scholars received grants from the Summer Undergraduate Research Scholars Program, one of è��ͷ�� University’s academic enrichment opportunities. Every year, the initiative allows a student to spend 40 hours a week working on a project for five weeks with the assistance of a è��ͷ�� professor. The students learn more in their fields and help advance the field itself. They also tap into the professors’ knowledge and experience on how to conduct and complete a scholarly project.

Summer Scholars started after Professor of English Dr. June Hobbs assumed the position of Director of Undergraduate Research. She wanted to figure out a way for students to focus on full-time research. As she pondered what to do, Hobbs was in an airport and saw a student from a different university wearing a shirt that said, “Summer Scholarships.” From there, the dream was born.

“I had an epiphany that the thing to do was to have this time of uninterrupted work during the summer,” remarked Hobbs.

In 2012, the program started with scholar Jeremy Griffin, who went on to become Dr. Jeremy Griffin, whose research has been published in one of the most prestigious chemistry journals in the world, the “Journal of the American Chemical Society.” Griffin received the Stefka Eddins Undergraduate Research award from è��ͷ�� for his Summer Scholars project.

Jeremy Griffin, ’13, was the first student to receive a grant from the GWU Undergraduate Research Scholar Program. Working with his mentor, Professor of Biology Dr. David Judge, Griffin compared two methods of extracting the chemicals from ginger ales.

Since then, the program has grown with more students researching a variety of “extraordinary and very successful projects,” Hobbs said. She would love to see the Department of Undergraduate Research develop further into an effort that helps students apply for large scholarships that have a research component.

After choosing the 2023 Summer Scholars, Hobbs stepped down from the position of director of Undergraduate Research and passed the title onto Dr. Elizabeth Amato, associate professor of political science and international relations.

Reflecting on why she accepted the new position, Amato said, “I am excited for the opportunity to guide students towards high-impact and high-quality projects and undertakings. I believe it is through something like undergraduate research where students transition from students in the proper sense to experts.”

Amato believes that one-on-one mentoring is key to the success of the program. “Mentorships are important because they keep you from being lonely in the research process (and) build a relationship between a student and a professor,” she explained.

The 2023 scholars and their mentors are as follows:

A biblical studies major, Rebecca Majorel, of Winston-Salem, N.C., is studying the positive and negative images of chaos in the Biblical narrative using Mujerista Hermeneutics with the help of her mentor Dr. Anna Sieges-Beal.

Savannah Ward

Studying biology, Marissa DiMatteo, of Granite Falls, N.C., is working with Dr. Venita Totten to study the chemistry behind false positive tests used in both clinical and forensic fields.

Majoring in biology, Savannah Ward, a resident of Conover, N.C., is working with Dr. Venita Totten to observe fingerprints from the perspective of what is similar among family members rather than what is different.

Biology major, Mia Carlson, of Mooresville, N.C., is studying changes in the small mammal species composition within the Broad River Greenway with the help of Dr. Joseph Oyugi. She is building off of work done by previous Summer Scholar Christopher Lile.

Studying biology, Blake Henkel, of Granite Falls, N.C., with the aid of Dr. Ben Brooks is researching the extraction and characterization of the perfume and food product compound known as eugenol.

Majoring in both political science and communication, Emily Cox, a resident of Shelby, N.C., is combining her fields to develop a model for interpreting the effectiveness of framing and/or agenda-setting in the context of Middle East media. She is doing this with the assistance of Dr. Lisa Luedeman.

Psychology major, Brenda Manning, of Polkville, N.C., with the aid of Dr. David Carscaddon, is doing a correlational study between adverse childhood experiences and coping skills later in life.

Studying world languages, Nehemiah Broadie, of Concord, N.C., is focusing on a correlation study on how one’s eschatological orientations in terms of death, the afterlife, and humankind’s destiny influence mental health. His mentor is Dr. David Carscaddon.

Note to our readers: This article reflects the University’s tuition and fee schedule at the time of publication. Tuition and financial aid policies change annually. For the most up-to-date and accurate information on current tuition rates and financial aid resources, please visit the University’s official Admissions page.

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Two Students from The GWU Department of Natural Sciences Awarded Grants for Research

Office of University Communications — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 16:35:31 +0000

Biology Majors Marissa DiMatteo and Katie Wilson First in Department to Receive Outside Funding

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Two students from the Department of Natural Sciences at è��ͷ�� University have received grants for their research. They are the first students from the program to be awarded funding to conduct their studies. Seniors Marissa DiMatteo, of Granite Falls, N.C., and Katie Wilson, of Connelly Springs, N.C., are both majoring in biology with a biomedical sciences concentration.

Associate Professor of Paleontology and Department Chair Dr. David Campbell shared the department’s excitement for their students’ achievements and well-deserved recognition of their hard work. “Many years of work by faculty to build è��ͷ��’s research capacity, along with recent investment in equipment for the department such as the Withrow donation, have created a setting where students can develop their skills and interest into national-level research projects,” he praised. “We look forward to more students pursuing these opportunities in the future.”

DiMatteo is double majoring in psychology and plans to attend medical school. She serves as president of the Psychology Club and the Pre-Health Society. She is a member of Sigma Zeta Honor Society, the secretary for the Tri-Beta Honor Society and a lab assistant for the natural sciences department. She received funding from for an undergraduate research project titled “Presumptive Drug Test Kits and Compounds That Are Responsible for False Positives” that she conducted under the mentorship of Professor of Chemistry Dr. Venita Totten. This competitive grant is the first national award presented to the natural sciences department.

The donation by Marilyn Withrow purchased equipment to set up a teaching microscope with a camera and connect to a monitor. This setup allows the instructor to show students what to look for in their own microscopes.

Sigma Zeta recognizes and fosters undergraduate excellence in the natural sciences, computer science, and mathematics. Assistant Professor of Mathematics Teralea Moore is the Sigma Zeta faculty advisor, and Professor of Chemistry Dr. Stefka Eddins is the faculty liaison for Sigma Zeta undergraduate research awards.

DiMatteo also received a grant from the è��ͷ�� Undergraduate Research Scholars Program and conducted her research on campus during the first summer session. She became interested in her topic while taking Totten’s forensic chemistry class. “(Totten) suggested the research about the drug test kits,” DiMatteo related. “This research grant allowed me to conduct insightful research that showed the inaccuracies in the drug test kits that are used every day by law enforcement.”

Wilson, a chemistry minor, was selected as one of eight recipients for a award. As part of the award, Wilson will participate in the State of North Carolina Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium that NCICU co-sponsors. Her independent research project is to distill essential oils and evaluate their effects on the microbiome, which are tiny microorganisms that live in the human body. Her GWU mentors are Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Meredith Rowe and Professor of Chemistry Dr. Ben Brooks.

Wilson said her excitement is twofold: “The award means that I can continue my research at è��ͷ�� and also train other undergraduate students who are interested in the project to keep working on it.”

Her goal is to pursue a career in biomedical research, and this grant will help her gain experience and insight into the scientific research process. Wilson elaborated, “I chose this project based on my interests, which include both microbiology and organic chemistry, and also because the project has a real-world application in the realm of biomedical research. I am grateful for this grant because it validates the hard work myself, Jared Reeder (’23), and mentors, Dr. Benjamin Brooks, Dr. Meredith Rowe, and Jacob Willis have put into this research project.”

Wilson noted that her undergraduate research at è��ͷ�� also opened the door to other opportunities like her internship this summer in Dr. Laura Cox’s lab at the Center for Precision Medicine group at Wake Forest School of Medicine. “I am currently working on an aging study,” she related. “It has been such a good experience so far, and I can’t wait to bring back what I’ve learned to è��ͷ��.”

Further praising the collaborative efforts of students and faculty, Professor and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Robert Prickett observed, “Undergraduate research is an amazing, important activity. Our faculty work and learn side-by-side with students daily, but with focused undergraduate research, like these two awards represent, faculty and students have a unique experience, filling in the gaps of knowledge—not just for the student but for all. We are excited for Marissa and Katie—but also excited for Drs. Totten, Rowe, and Brooks, and è��ͷ��—to see their work recognized and encouraged in this way.”

Learn more about the programs in the College of Arts and Sciences.

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Scholar Completes First Draft of Novel During Summer Undergraduate Research Experience

Office of University Communications — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 13:38:48 +0000

Brandon Richmond Discovers Value of Research When Writing a Story and Creating Unique Characters

Written by Ashley Rich, ’26

Undergraduate students at è��ͷ�� University have a unique opportunity to explore their academic interest and aid their professional development through the Summer Undergraduate Research Scholars Program. Looking for the chance to learn about novel writing without the conflicts of a full-time college student, Brandon Richmond found a creative outlet in the program and received a grant to participate. “I had started a novel in November, National Novel Writing Month, the November before I did Summer Scholars. And when I was offered the opportunity of Summer Scholars and they said it can be a research project or a creative project, I decided it was best to take that time to work on my novel,” Richmond said.

The Summer Scholars Program allows undergraduate students to spend five weeks working with a è��ͷ�� faculty mentor on a research or creative project of their choice. Students like Richmond have the chance to stay on campus and take part in an enriching educational experience that allows them to develop their skills and knowledge.

Mentored by former Professor Matthew Duffus, Richmond spent his time in the Summer Scholars Program writing a first draft of a high fantasy novel. The draft at the beginning of the program sat under 200 pages and reached 669 pages by the end of the experience. He was surprised to find, however, that writing a novel involved more than simply tapping away at a keyboard.

“There is, in my opinion, a lot of research that goes into writing,” Richmond explained. “There’s also just an experience element to writing.”

Brandon Richmond, second from left, recently competed with a team from è��ͷ�� in the NCICU Ethics Bowl. Other team members , from left, were Weston Pratt, Micah Moulder and Rebecca Majorel.

Richmond’s majors in both English and philosophy and theology impacted both the development and writing of his novel. “I’m trying to incorporate a lot of what I learned in my writing courses. I mean, before I started this novel, I had just learned how to write dialogue. As a philosophy major, I’ve been more into existentialist philosophy,” Richmond expressed. “My philosophy major played a large part in creating a novel that’s unique and explores unique characters, but also characters that feel comfortable being themselves.”

It was also important that his novel included representation of groups that rarely receive attention in fantasy literature. “Personally, growing up and reading fantasy, there weren’t many Black characters. There weren’t many queer characters. There aren’t even that many women, and so I wanted to make fully fleshed out, diverse characters while seeing what they would look like in a fantasy world,” Richmond said.

The first draft of Richmond’s novel was completed by the end of the program, and he aims to edit the second draft and submit it to test readers before sending it to a publisher.

Through the Summer Scholars Program, Richmond gained valuable experience in creating large written products under time constraints and was able to get an idea of what work as a full-time writer might be like should he pursue it as a career.

“For anyone who wants to do a creative writing project for summer scholars, know that you’re going to do a lot more than just write,” Richmond noted. “Some of my time during Summer Scholars was writing, but some of it was reading. Some of it was just walking around Lake Hollifield and thinking about plot points and where the plot could go. Drawing from your own experience also takes a lot.”

Ashley Rich is a è��ͷ�� English major from Etowah, N.C.; Ashley likes to play piano, read, drink tea, and go for walks in the woods.

About Summer Undergraduate Research Scholars

The è��ͷ�� University Summer Undergraduate Research Scholars program is an opportunity for students to participate in a focused research or creative project during a summer term. Guided by a faculty mentor, students work on their project for 40 hours weekly for five weeks. After the experience, students are required to present their research at a scholarly forum.

About è��ͷ��

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è��ͷ�� Pre-Med Student Participates in Elite Research Opportunity

Office of University Communications — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 13:20:00 +0000

Jared Reeder, ’23, One of 10 Chosen for Bioengineering Program

While gaining lab experience for medical school, Jared Reeder, of Asheboro, N.C., is participating in pre-eminent research. The è��ͷ�� University senior biology major is working with a synthetic chemistry project, studying how bacterial surface sugars are structure.

With encouragement from his GWU professors, Reeder applied for and was accepted into the UNC-Charlotte Department of Chemistry Nanoscale Bioengineering REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates). He is grateful for the opportunity, because a hundred students from around the country apply for the 10 positions in the program.

He defines and describes the lab’s important work: “Biosynthesis is the body or organism creating complex molecules. Bacterial polysaccharide biosynthesis is the process bacteria go through to make these complex sugars that coat their outer surface. If we gain understanding through fluorescent tags on how these sugars repeat themselves on the outside of certain bacteria, this can help scientists find new ways to target them through anti-bacterial agents.”

Reeder said interactions with professors and his GWU classes in organic chemistry, chemical biology and enzymology apply to his work in the lab. “What I value the most from my è��ͷ�� experience so far is the mentorship from professors, such as Dr. Meredith Rowe and Dr. Wilson Hawkins,” Reeder affirmed. “These two professors have encouraged me to pursue hard things and to never be content just doing what other students are also doing. Research often requires relentless hours of trial and error. My failures and successes so far this summer have all been wonderful learning experiences that would not have been possible without being pushed by these wonderful professors.”

In 2021, Jared Reeder participated in the Summer Undergraduate Research Program at è��ͷ��.

Further, participating in the Summer Undergraduate Research Program at è��ͷ�� and the UNC-Charlotte program has helped him to realize that graduate schools look deeper than a student’s grades. “While it is certainly important to earn stellar grades while in undergrad, what many lab groups look for in their incoming PhD students is the ability to think critically and solve real-world problems, not just problems in a book,” Reeder observed. “By pursuing these opportunities during undergrad, I believe that the transition into graduate school will be much smoother.”

Because of these benefits, his advice to incoming freshmen is to focus on the present. “Create meaningful relationships with those who will push you closer to your goals,” he stated. “Find some extracurriculars that bring you fulfillment and immerse yourself in them—these will bring you so many amazing experiences in the long run.”

Reeder’s interest in the medical field began when family members spent time in the hospital for cancer treatments. “The doctors who served my family all those years treated my family as if they were their own family,” he reflected. “I just want to live a meaningful life and give my future patients the quality of care that I would want my own personal family to receive.”

His goal is to work at a metropolitan academic medical center in fetal medicine or pediatrics. “I continue to develop a deeper interest in cancers within utero and early childhood,” he explained. “Using my research experiences at è��ͷ��, my dream is to pursue an MD or an MD/PhD joint program, working with patients clinically as well as on my own personal research.”

è��ͷ�� University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to six professional schools, 14 academic departments, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., è��ͷ�� prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at è��ͷ��.edu.

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è��ͷ�� Recognized by Colleges of Distinction for Academics and Student Engagement

Office of University Communications — Tue, 19 Jul 2022 13:22:14 +0000

The University is Among the Top 10 N.C. Schools in Nursing, Career Development and Christian Principles, Also Recognized for Business and Education Programs

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Colleges of Distinction, a unique guide for college-bound students, has recognized è��ͷ�� University for its commitment to encourage and challenge undergraduate students to learn, develop their talents, and succeed. è��ͷ�� has been named a 2022-2023 College of Distinction and a North Carolina College of Distinction.

“What an honor to be recognized for our successful work with students,” expressed Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Karen Aubrey. “I am proud of our faculty and staff who work to keep students in the forefront of all that they do. It makes a difference in transforming students’ lives and in invigorating the campus community. We celebrate our ranking as a state leader in higher education and will continue to provide supportive and life-changing opportunities in our academic programs and through impactful campus engagement.”

Wes Creel, the founder of Colleges of Distinction, believes that a thorough selection process requires more than an overview of institutional data, statistics, and size of endowment. Instead, the Colleges of Distinction selection process involves in-depth research and detailed interviews with the schools, accepting only those that adhere to four distinct principles:

Engaged students – Students have the opportunity to take an active part in their own learning through common intellectual experiences, undergraduate research, and diversity and global learning.
Great teaching – Students have meaningful interactions with faculty in first-year experiences, writing-intensive courses, and collaborative assignments and projects.
Vibrant community – Creating connections with peers outside of the classroom is an important part of a well-rounded college experience. è��ͷ�� offers service/community-based learning, and living-learning communities to help students find a sense of belonging and meaning throughout their campus experience.
Successful outcomes – The undergraduate experience works cohesively to prepare students not only for graduation, but for life after graduation. Some of these experiences include internships, professional development seminars, capstone courses and projects.

“è��ͷ��’s inclusion is informed by the unique ways it commits to achieving student success,” Creel noted. “The University offers engaging experiences that are recognized as effective strategies for student satisfaction and outcomes. We’re inspired by the ways in which è��ͷ�� immerses students in their fields, all while fostering a welcoming community that will support them through and beyond their college years.”

Aside from overall undergraduate recognitions, Colleges of Distinction also awards recognition in individual areas. è��ͷ�� is among the top 10 North Carolina schools to earn additional recognition in the areas of nursing and career development, and one of the top 18 North Carolina schools to achieve exceptional recognition in business and education. Moreover, è��ͷ�� was the only N.C. School to be named a Christian College of Distinction.

Learn more about è��ͷ��’s recognitions .

About Colleges of Distinction

For more than 20 years, Colleges of Distinction has been committed to honoring schools throughout the U.S. for true excellence in higher education. The member schools within the Colleges of Distinction consortium distinguish themselves through their dedicated focus on the undergraduate experience. For more information, visit .

About è��ͷ��

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Eight GWU Students Receive Summer Undergraduate Research Grants

Office of University Communications — Wed, 01 Jun 2022 17:23:14 +0000

Scholars Spend Five Weeks Conducting Focused Research with Faculty Mentors

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The è��ͷ�� University Summer Undergraduate Research Scholars Program has awarded grants to eight students for five weeks of focused research outside the boundaries of the classroom. The grants provide room and board on campus for students as they work with faculty mentors or faculty collaborators in any academic discipline.

During the summer term, the student is expected to devote approximately 40 hours per week to the project. After their research experience, Summer Scholars must present the results of their projects in forums beyond those required for fulfilling the requirements of a class.

Research by previous Summer Undergraduate Research Scholars has led to scholarships from graduate school and Ph.D. programs and eventual publication in international journals. Others have participated in exciting opportunities, such as an internship with Oscar-winning film score composer Hans Zimmer or studying lemurs in Madagascar.

The 2022 Summer Undergraduate Research Scholars

Summer I, May 25-June 28

Catherine Clover, of Waxhaw, N.C., psychology major

A literature review of publications on post-traumatic disorder (PTSD), including an examination of the effects on brain development and trauma-related treatments and therapies. (Mentor, Dr. James Morgan)

Bethany Mace, of Connelly Springs, N.C., history major

Research culminating in a scholarly paper on the contributions of the Charlotte YWCA from the 1910s to the 1950s, focusing especially on contributions to the war effort such as hostess houses for soldiers and their families and facilities for African American women and girls. (Mentor, Dr. Aihua Zhang)

Brandon Richmond, of Salisbury, N.C., English major

Revision of a fantasy novel that explores real-world issues about self-discovery and diversity. (Mentor, Prof. Matt Duffus)

Summer II, June 30-July 26

Makayla Jibben, of Anderson, S.C., biology major

Method development for extraction and characterization of eucalyptol (1,8-cineole) from cardamon using steam distillation followed analysis using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, Infrared (IR) spectroscopy, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), and flash chromatography. Makayla hopes to improve her lab skills to prepare for medical school and to invest in anti-cancer methodology. (Mentors, Dr. Ben Brooks and Dr. Stefka Eddins)

Michelle Lominac, of Conover, N.C., political science major

A study of the potential future of laws and regulations concerning social media as a public forum. (Mentor, Dr. Elizabeth Amato)

Madison Mintz, of Canton, N.C., biology major

A literature review of scholarship on CRISPR as a potential treatment mechanism for genetic conditions such as Huntington’s Disease. (Mentor, Prof. Susan Manahan)

Nicole Riha, of Knoxville, Tenn., biology major

Method development for extraction and characterization of citral oil from lemongrass using steam distillation followed by analysis using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, Infrared (IR) spectroscopy, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), and flash chromatography. Citral has both cosmetic and medicinal uses. (Mentor, Dr. Ben Brooks)

Rebekah Vaughn, of Kernersville, N.C., political science and international affairs major

A study of Supreme Court cases related to Roe v. Wade and including the Texas and Alabama heartbeat laws. The study will be unusual in approaching abortion from a political science perspective instead of a theological perspective. (Mentor, Dr. Elizabeth Amato)

Learn more about the Undergraduate Summer Scholars Program.

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Undergraduate Research Program Gives Scholar Time to Develop Creative Writing Skills

Office of University Communications — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 17:12:49 +0000

Sarah Goode, ’22, Begins Draft of Juvenile Fantasy Novel

By Sarianna Miranda-Rosado, ’24, Intern for Communications

Since childhood, Sarah Goode has loved reading and writing stories—inspired by the way authors create images, retell ideas, and stir emotions. “I considered other pathways, like music and history, but writing was where I always found the most joy. At è��ͷ�� University, I’ve had the chance to hone my writing skills and deepen my understanding of the English language by being an English major,” Goode expressed.

The GWU Undergraduate Research Scholar Program gives students like Goode, of Lenoir, N.C., an opportunity to experience research discoveries that will aid in their future success. With her major, Goode chose a creative writing emphasis and is minoring in history. Her research project was to begin a draft of a juvenile fantasy novel. “The Undergraduate Research Scholar Program was a chance to take all that I learned from my creative writing classes and invest all my effort into one story,” Goode observed.

When writing her story, Goode ensured her style was consistent with young adult literature, her characters were well developed, and the plot proceeded at a good pace. “I used my non-writing time to ensure my story was built on a strong foundation,” Goode explained.

Photo courtesy of Mary Klein
(@marykleinphotography)

In the process of writing the draft, some days were more productive than others, where Goode produced 3,000 words. Sometimes, though, she struggled to get 300. The biggest challenge for many writers, including Goode, is working through writer’s block. She shared three make-it or break-it steps to overcome a creative slowdown, “The first is to simply keep writing. Ideas often develop in the process, not beforehand. The other ways to overcome writer’s block are to take a break and do something habitual or to read the work of others. I often feel very refreshed and ready to work on my writing after reading a chapter or two from someone else’s novel.”

Professor Matthew Duffus mentored Goode. “In the moments when I felt my story was stuck, he always gave me encouragement and advice for moving forward,” she praised. Along with the process, Duffus recommended books such as “No Plot, No Problem” By Chris Baty and “Wonderbook” by Jeff Vandermeer.

In her writing and academic growth during the process, Goode learned a lot about herself. “I have been surprised multiple times by the plot of my own story,” she related. “Each writer has a different approach to writing. My approach is to start with a basic idea and characters and then let much of the plot develop along the way. There were times I didn’t know where my story was heading, but it took me to some interesting places.”

When she graduates from è��ͷ��, Goode would like to teach English in middle school or as a foreign language to second language learners while incorporating creative writing. “I believe writing and stories not only teach how language can be used in different mediums, but also how enjoyable and powerful language is,” she noted. “Writing this story, in particular, will help me to empathize with 10- to 14-year-olds as I have considered the challenges they may face and incorporated them into the book.”

Goode hopes to publish her novel and will be working on her second draft in the coming year. In the meantime, she plans to present excerpts from her draft during her 2022 Spring Semester at è��ͷ��.

She values her experience in the Undergraduate Research Program, because it gave her time to learn from those who are wiser and more experienced. “The research program is an opportunity to take what you are most passionate about or interested in and explore it in great depth,” Goode shared. “It is a chance to discover more about yourself and how you will fit into a community.”

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Undergraduate Researcher Gains Hands-on Lab Experience for Medical School

Office of University Communications — Tue, 02 Nov 2021 14:05:43 +0000

Jordan Mitchell, ’23, Tests Citrus Peelings for Chemical Used to Disinfect, Fight Cancer

By Sarianna Miranda-Rosado, ’24, Intern for Communications

Research by a è��ͷ�� University student explored more efficient ways to turn kitchen waste into useful and possibly life-giving materials. Jordan Mitchell, ’23, tested various citrus fruits to determine which peelings produce the most limonene, a chemical that works as an eco-friendly disinfectant and pesticide—and has shown promise in the fight against cancer.

Mitchell is one of eight scholars who received a grant from the GWU Undergraduate Research Scholar Program to pursue an academic interest. Guided by her faculty mentor, Dr. Benjamin Brooks, she worked 40 hours a week on her project for five weeks. Undergraduate researchers are also required to publish their research or present their work in a professional forum, such as GWU’s Life of the Scholar Multidisciplinary Conference.

The experience gave Mitchell, of Hiddenite, N.C., an opportunity to participate in a hands-on project that will aid in her future success. Mitchell is a biology and chemistry major with a biomedical science minor.

“This topic interested me for a number of reasons,” Mitchell explained. “Dr. Brooks used limonene to make a disinfectant spray for the natural sciences department to use during COVID-19, which made this project seem very timely and important. Additionally, I—and pretty much anyone in the medical field or medical research—would love to find a better treatment or ultimately a cure for cancer, so when I was researching limonene and found that it has shown potential in not only treating cancer but also preventing it, I knew this would be an important topic to study and a great research project for me.”

Jordan Mitchell extracted limonene by setting up a steam distillation apparatus. Photo by Dr. Benjamin Brooks

Mitchell hopes to go to medical school after completing her undergraduate degree and believes the research experience provided valuable preparation for graduate school. “I wanted to do research to gain more experience in the lab and with research overall,” Mitchell expressed. “Research is directly related to critical thinking, independent thinking, creativity, and discovery. In my opinion, gaining more experience with research, and in turn with these attributes, will not only help me during medical school but will also help me as a doctor.”

Mitchell started her journey into the medical field in high school, earning a Certified Nursing Assistant certificate and working in healthcare. “I loved biology and the medical field, so I chose to major in biology at è��ͷ�� University,” she noted. “During my first semester, I discovered my love was not only for biology but also for chemistry.”

For her research, Mitchell extracted the limonene by setting up a steam distillation apparatus, zesting the peels off the fruit, adding them and water to a flask, then distilling until the product was collected. Through various tests and analysis with Infrared (IR) spectroscopy, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and other instruments, she was able to identify (R)-(+)-limonene.

Brooks offered advice throughout the project. “He helped me decide on my research topic, showed me ways of finding more reliable and useful sources online, helped me condense down my research to be more manageable, helped me in the laboratory when I had a question or was unsure of something, and he has taught me many different things along the way,” she asserted. “I also have to give a shoutout to Jacob Willis, our lab coordinator, because he has also helped me during this research experience countless times and is always willing to help if needed.”

For students who are considering applying for an Undergraduate Research Scholar Grant, Mitchell said, “Go for it!” Then, she added, “This research project has taught me so much about science, the researching process, and given me so much hands-on experience. Choose a topic that interests you but will also challenge you. Just be prepared for lots of hours of research inside and outside of the lab. It’s a lot of work and dedication, but it is all worth it!”

Learn more about the Undergraduate Research Program.

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