Summer Enrichment Programs Archives - �۶�ֱ�� University

�۶�ֱ�� University Launches Summer Searight Scholars Program for High School Students

Office of University Communications — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 20:06:37 +0000

Three-Day Academic and Career-Focused Experience Set for June 2-4

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—�۶�ֱ�� University is introducing a new summer program designed to help high school students build a strong foundation for academic and career success. The Summer Searight Scholars Program (SSP), a three-day learning experience, will be held June 2-4 on the GWU campus.

The program grew from insights shared by the Rev. Johnny and Mrs. Shirley Searight, whose passion for education established the Searight Pace Program. �۶�ֱ�� President Nate Evans and Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Nicole Waters helped to make the Searight’s vision a reality by cementing a partnership with the Foothills Workforce Development Board. The organization works in Cleveland, Rutherford, Polk and McDowell counties to develop the region’s future workforce and its mission includes expanding career-focused opportunities for high school students.

Designed for students in grades nine-12, the Summer Searight Scholars Program strengthens academic engagement, college preparedness, and workforce readiness. Classes will be taught by qualified �۶�ֱ�� faculty and subject‑area experts. Participants will explore multidisciplinary topics such as artificial intelligence, global food systems, healthcare, and social media marketing. They will also be introduced to personal finance and business etiquette. In sessions with �۶�ֱ�� admissions staff, they will learn about academic programs, identify career interests, and develop skills for college success.

“The Summer Searight Scholars Program (SSP) is beneficial to high school students because it helps them to continue learning and developing important life skills during the summer,” observed Dr. Anthony Negbenebor, a �۶�ֱ�� professor and the assistant vice president for Business Development and Partnerships. “With the assistance of our full-time faculty and staff, students will explore new subjects, build leadership and teamwork skills, and stay academically engaged so they do not forget what they learned during the school year. Students will return to school more confident, prepared, and motivated for future opportunities.”

Negbenebor also noted that industry partners, including a representative from the Foothills Workforce Development Board, will serve as guest speakers. They will discuss emerging workforce needs and professional expectations. Regional employers will share information about job opportunities along with the new, high‑demand career fields developing in the region.

The SSP is offered through the Searight PACE Program, GWU’s continuing education initiative that provides professional and lifelong learning opportunities for individuals at all stages of their education. Negbenebor noted, “Through our specialized courses with certificates, learners identify critical gaps, pivot to new career paths, and gain the tools to make lasting contributions to their fields. We equip faculty and staff to solve real-world problems, explore new career horizons, and build distinguished careers that serve the greater good.”

Summer Scholars Program

Seats are limited, and early registration is encouraged.

Dates: June 2-4
Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (educational sessions, lunch, plus two hours of homework daily)
Location: Tucker Student Center, �۶�ֱ�� University
Eligibility: Rising ninth-12th grade students
Credit: 10 continuing education (CE) credits
Completion: Certificate ceremony on June 4
Register here.
Contact: pace@gardner-webb.edu or 704 406‑2667

�۶�ֱ�� 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., �۶�ֱ�� 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. Become More at .

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�۶�ֱ�� College of Health Sciences and Community Partners Introduce High School Students to Healthcare Careers

Office of University Communications — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 13:34:47 +0000

Summer Bridge Program Made Possible at No Cost to Students with Funds from Golden LEAF Foundation

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Caroline Sparrow is a rising 11th-grader at Kings Mountain High School. She has an interest in anesthesiology and wanted to find out if that’s the right career path for her. The new Summer Bridge program held recently at �۶�ֱ�� University gave her a hands-on introduction to anesthesiology along with various other healthcare professions.

Sparrow, with the help of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Kaitlin Benedict from Atrium Health Cleveland, intubated a mannequin and was amazed by the realistic procedure. Her friend, Tristian Ballard, also a rising 11th-grader at Kings Mountain High School, was excited to perform the intubation as well. Motivated by his mother’s determination and success, Ballard has already decided that he wants to be a nurse.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Kaitlin Benedict from Atrium Health Cleveland, center, talks to Caroline Sparrow, left, and Tristian Ballard, right, about how to intubate a patient for anesthesia.

“I saw her go to school later in her life,” he offered. “She wanted to be a nurse when she was a lot younger, but she never got the chance. She went back recently, and I saw her do that and learned a little bit about it and she was a big inspiration to me.”

The intubation activity was part of a career fair, where the students rotated to different stations to learn about several types of health professions. Sparrow and Ballard also practiced surgical techniques using a simulator provided by Cleveland Community College Surgical Technology Program. They participated in other learning experiences during the week and received third-party credentialing in CPR and Stop the Bleed, making them more prepared to advance in their education and careers.

The immersive experience was offered two separate weeks and welcomed a total of 26 students. It was made possible by funding from the Golden LEAF Foundation Community-Based Grants Initiative. �۶�ֱ�� collaborated with community partners, Cleveland Community College (CCC) and Cleveland County Schools to secure a total of over $1.2 million to offer the camp for high schoolers as part of a Healthcare Educational Pathway. Leaders from all three entities presented separate proposals to form this plan to address regional health workforce shortages, particularly in nursing and allied health professions. (Read more about the award here.)

Representatives from the Cleveland Community College Radiography
program talk to students about their profession.

Associate Professor of Nursing Dr. Jessica Ivey and Assistant Professor of Nursing Dr. Angel Queen coordinated the Summer Bridge program and were enthused about the inquisitive and interested students who attended. “We’ve worked really hard the past couple months to prepare a curriculum for these students over the last four days,” Ivey observed. “They are loving it. We have introduced students to a variety of different healthcare professions—pharmacy, nursing, physical therapy—and we’re hoping that this will help them make decisions and continue to stay here in Cleveland County and have a career. We are excited, and we’re excited to do this again next year.”

Queen further addressed the goals of the program and the importance of exposing young people to opportunities in their hometowns. “There’s so much that Cleveland County offers with them being able to do a lot of studying in high school,” she asserted. “Exposing them early to how they can get their associate degree or get their bachelor’s degree and even move up to master’s or doctoral programs helps them set those short-term and long-term goals, and how to achieve those. A lot of times, you just have to plant that seed. And then, you have all of us that help support and water and help that grow into whatever they decide to be when they grow up. We need different providers in different areas and different specialties, and so it’s so important that we foster these young students, and we expose them to all the different avenues that they can do.”

Sparrow and Ballard said they appreciated all the opportunities the week provided, including staying in a residence hall on �۶�ֱ��’s campus. “It’s actually good because I feel like it pushes me to want to do more for my own education,” Sparrow shared. “It’s really special because we didn’t have to pay for any of this.”

Ballard added, “I enjoyed the campus the most. It’s a beautiful campus. I learned a lot about being a nurse, and what type of nurses there are and what I have to do to become a nurse.”

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.

About The Golden LEAF Foundation

Golden LEAF was created to receive 50 percent of the annual payments made by cigarette manufacturers to North Carolina under the historic 1999 Master Settlement Agreement that included 46 states. LEAF stands for Long-Term Economic Advancement Foundation. The endowment has funded hundreds of millions of dollars in grants and scholarships to support its mission to increase economic opportunity in North Carolina’s rural and tobacco-dependent communities. Read more .

About �۶�ֱ�� University

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�۶�ֱ�� Hosts Science Academy with Grant from Stonecutter Foundation

Office of University Communications — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 16:00:25 +0000

High School Students Explore Branches of Science in the Lab and On the Job

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The 11 high school students who recently attended the Science Academy at �۶�ֱ�� University experienced a variety of hands-on activities in five days. The camp introduced them to biotechnology, forensics, physician assistant studies, physiology, chemistry, and exercise science. They also toured Rutherford County (N.C.) Sheriff’s Forensics Department, Cohesion Phenomics, a DNA lab in Spindale, N.C., and Rutherford Regional Health System.

A grant from the Stonecutter Foundation in Rutherford County helps keep the cost down for participants. Instructors are Assistant Professor of Biology Jay Zimmer and Jill Francis, instructional coach for Rutherford County Schools and a former teacher at Chase High School. This year, they were assisted by GWU alumna Haley Bright and Katie Vassey, a recent graduate of Rutherford Early College High School in Spindale, N.C.

Vassey plans to attend �۶�ֱ�� in the fall and major in biology with a biomedical sciences concentration. She participated in the camp last year, and because she learned so much, she contacted Zimmer early in the year to ask if she could volunteer this summer. “I loved all the parts of it, especially the biological side of things,” she noted. “I like the microscopes and the electrophoresis.”

Helping mentor the students gave Vassey a deeper appreciation of the work that Zimmer and Francis put into providing the summer experience. “It’s incredible what they do,” she praised.

Bright, of Claremont, N.C., graduated from �۶�ֱ�� in 2022 and has helped with the Science Academy in the past. Her full-time job as a medical assistant takes her away from a lab setting, so she enjoys using her vacation days to help students with the activities and set up the equipment.

Jane Gonzales, a senior at Rutherford Early College High School in Spindale, N.C., decided to attend this summer to explore different STEM careers. One of her favorite events of the week was learning about the Department of Physician Assistant (PA) Studies at �۶�ֱ��.

The ninth- through 11th-grade students who attended have career goals related to science. The majority want to work in the medical field: anesthesiologist, nurse, oncologist, pharmacist, paramedic, pediatric nurse, sports medicine, and psychologist. One wants to be in law enforcement.

Maddyn Bright, a student at the Master’s Academy in Forest City, N.C., enjoyed learning more about the branches of science and how they are used in forensics, biotechnology and healthcare. While she talked, the other students at her table were examining hair under a microscope to determine who killed the butterflies in the fictional case they were working to solve.

Grant Roberts also attends the Master’s Academy. While he also liked the hands-on activities, his main reason for coming was to learn more about the PA program. “I found out a lot of information that was good for me to know,” he said. “It helped me, and the teachers gave me their emails to talk to them, to ask questions.”

2024 Science Academy Participants

Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy

Samariah Florient
Grace Christman
Yaahri Whyte

East Rutherford

Molly Randolph

Pinnacle Classical Academy (Shelby, N.C.)

Evie Hawkins
Kate Saravia
Lillian Wellmon

Master’s Academy

Grant Roberts
Maddyn Bright

REACH (Rutherford Early College High School)

Lily Gait
Jane Gonzales

For an overview of the week in photos, check out the Science Academy Facebook Page .

Learn more about the �۶�ֱ�� Department of Natural Sciences.

About The Stonecutter Foundation:

The Foundation has sponsored the science academy at GWU since 2014. The Foundation, a non-profit established in 1945, has invested in numerous Rutherford County community institutions such as the town library and Isothermal Community College. Since its inception, the foundation has invested millions into the surrounding community.

About �۶�ֱ��:

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�۶�ֱ�� Honors Experience, July 14-19, Introduces Qualified High School Students to College Life

Office of University Communications — Wed, 01 May 2024 13:13:36 +0000

Participants Automatically Invited to Compete for Full-Tuition Scholarship

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The Honors Experience at �۶�ֱ�� University this summer invites students to explore an array of topics through innovative learning techniques. Offered July 14-19, the program gives high-achieving high school students an opportunity to experience all aspects of life on the GWU campus from attending classes and chapel to staying in residence halls and eating at the many campus dining options.

Professor and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Robert Prickett noted the planning team’s excitement over the wide variety of courses to be offered. “Due to interest and demand, we have upped the number of academic interests, ranging from photography to psychology to physics to exercise science and more,” he related. “What is really exciting about the Honors Experience is that we are getting at these academic fields through the study of viruses, Taylor Swift, NASCAR, podcasts, food, and more. Thus, we are combining our amazing faculty and their interests to present such engaging and meaningful interactions and education.”

The college immersion program is open to students in grades nine through 11 who have an unweighted GPA of at least 3.7. Students who are accepted into the program are automatically invited to compete for �۶�ֱ��’s Ignite Excellence Scholarship for a chance to win a full-tuition scholarship.

�۶�ֱ�� President Dr. William M. Downs shared his praise of The Honors Experience: “The clearest indicator we have of this program’s impact is that summer participants so often turn later into enrolled students at GWU. Those of us who work and learn at �۶�ֱ�� know first-hand what a special place this is, but high schoolers won’t just take our word for it; instead, they too need to live it to believe it. For high-ability students, the combination of a rigorous but engaging weeklong curriculum along with a glimpse into our strong Christian community really is the experience they need as they prepare for college.”

The credit-bearing college courses are designed to help students engage academics with Christian faith.

Courses include:

Dr. Jennifer Buckner, Professor of English — Mic Drop: Writing with Sound
Dr. Paula Qualls, Professor of Religious Studies — Lions, & Tigers, & Prayers, Oh My!: Danger and Prayer in the Bible
Dr. Wilson Hawkins, Assistant Professor of Physics — Atoms to Galaxies: The Physics of Everything
Jessica Maloney, Assistant Professor of Photography and Design — Delicious Perspectives: Exploring Food Photography
Dr. Joshua Vadeboncoeur, Assistant Professor of Sport Management — Stock Cars and Society
Jessica Grant, Assistant Professor of American Sign Language — Voice of Silence: See the World Through Deaf Eyes
Dr. Iva Naydenova, Professor of Psychology and Counseling — Fatal Attractions: Introduction to the Study of Close Relationships
Dr. Meredith Rowe, Associate Professor of Biology — Viruses, Vaccines, and You
Dr. Nicole Waters, Professor of Nursing, and Angel Queen, Instructor of Nursing — Taylor Swift’s Tortured Poets Department Seminar: Exploring the Poetic Depths of Swift’s Eras

Another essential part of the program is providing students community service opportunities, which are coordinated by �۶�ֱ��’s Associate Minister for Community Engagement & Athletic Ministries, Robbie Gaines. “The Honors Experience at �۶�ֱ�� is truly transformative because of the faith-oriented atmosphere and the relationships made with other participants, staff, and faculty,” Gaines observed. “This experience taps into the vibrancy of campus life that gives a glimpse to prospective students on what makes GWU feel like home. Designed to be an immersive experience living on campus and traveling to field experiences, the Honors Experience lays the foundation for a student’s success in college.”

Along with their community service, the students will collaborate on an Innovation Challenge that brings classroom learning together with community engagement. Before they arrive, students will receive a prompt related to a problem affecting the community. When they come to campus, they will be divided into teams to work together on creating solutions. At the end of the week, they will present their ideas to a panel of faculty, staff and community partners.

The cost to attend is $600, which covers five nights of lodging and meals, transportation to field experiences, course instruction, activity fees, and materials. A $50 application discount is offered to children of current faculty, staff, and alumni; a student who brings a friend to apply (both receive the discount), and returning Honors Experience participants.

Applications must be submitted by July 1. Learn more about the Honors Experience and apply, here.

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event. Please call 704-406-4270 or email disabilityservices@gardner-webb.edu with your request.

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�۶�ֱ��’s First Living-Learning Community Helps Students Transition to Campus Life

Office of University Communications — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 17:47:35 +0000

Honors Pilot Group Values the Relationships and Community Created by the Program

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—�۶�ֱ��’s Division of Student Success and Office of Housing and Residence Education offered the University’s first living-learning community (LLC) this semester. An LLC is a program where first-year students live together on campus and participate in a shared academic endeavor. They also have resources in their residence environment designed for them and engage in structured social activities that also emphasize academics.

The pilot group is the University 111 Honors Section first-year experience course taught by Dr. Wilson Hawkins. An assistant professor of physics, Hawkins is the director of the University Honors Program and faculty fellow for the Honors LLC. Before the 2023 Fall Semester started, first-year students learned about the new LLC. Those who chose to enroll as Honors students were invited to participate.

Dr. Wilson Hawkins, director of the University Honors Program, is the faculty fellow for the Honors Living-Learning Community (LLC) and the peer leader is Makayla Jibben.

“Our students definitely collaborated inside and outside of class,” Hawkins observed. “We played a game where they threw a volleyball around the room and answered questions written on the ball. During this game they recalled some of their favorite college memories, things they regret, things they like to do to destress, etc. Most of these small responses included moments and activities involving each other. They started various Bible study and homework session traditions in their dorm on their own.”

Other special activities held for the 17 students in their residence hall included a question-and-answer session with seniors in the honors program. Students learned about Honors conferences, travel, the Honors thesis, Honors Student Association and other topics. The students were also invited to enjoy doughnuts and muffins while meeting one-on-one with Hawkins in HAPY lobby.

“In Housing, we’ve seen the benefits of this new addition come to fruition within the current class living in HAPY Hall,” said Shelbilyn Boelsche, director of Housing and Residence Education. “I look forward to the continued partnership with Student Success in creating a holistic living and learning environment for our student body.”

Dr. Ryan Erck, executive director of the Division of Student Success, added that LLCs set students up for success moving forward. He quoted from national research conducted by the Assessment of Collegiate Residential Environments and Outcomes. “Students living in an LLC were shown to exhibit higher levels of campus belonging, career attitudes, critical thinking scores, and campus civic engagement,” Erck noted. “In short, these types of initiatives are positively associated with a number of academic and social outcomes.”

Makayla Jibben, a biomedical sciences major, served as Peer Leader for the Honors LLC. She said her priority has been to create a space where students could freely express themselves and connect with each other. “I’m a senior now, but I still remember all the emotions that I felt as a freshman, some of which were overwhelming or even negative at times,” Jibben reflected. “I know as a new student, they’re most likely juggling feelings of homesickness while also being worried about how to balance classes, all while trying to find their people. I see this goal coming to life as my students come in together after grabbing breakfast or using our time tracker activity to make plans to play sand volleyball or go to the movies.”

Two students in the LLC, Ezekiel Petree and Rachel Gaura, said the program helped them connect to life on campus. Petree is majoring in elementary education and minoring in music. Gaura, a Tucker Scholar, is a psychology major with a minor in discipleship.

Petree believes that all students could benefit from the LLC concept. “It has been really helpful with the transition from home to here,” he stressed. “I think LLC is amazing; the people I am closest to all live in HAPY and most of us are in the same UNIV 111 class. Once I got to know these people, I was introduced to their friends and then I was able to build other relationships through that.” 

Gaura values the community and camaraderie. “I have enjoyed this program as it has allowed me to develop more intimate relationships with other freshman on campus,” she reflected. “It increases our understanding of one another, while also allowing us extra time to spend together outside of the classroom. Additionally, it gives me someone to walk to class with since we’re all coming and going from the same place.”

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High Schoolers Receive First-Hand Knowledge of Campus Life Through Honors Experience

Office of University Communications — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 19:27:49 +0000

Participants are Automatically Invited to Compete for Ignite Excellence Scholarship

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—After spending a week immersed into campus life at �۶�ֱ�� University, Troy Berchoff, of Mooresville, N.C., is excited about applying early and making GWU his college home. The faith-oriented atmosphere is important to him. “My favorite part was how well everybody connected from the start,” he shared.

Berchoff was one of 29 high school students who recently participated in the Honors Experience at �۶�ֱ��. They stayed in residence halls, ate in the cafeteria, went to classes, studied the Bible, volunteered, and worked to solve a need in the community.

After attending the Honors Experience, Troy Berchoff, second
from right, is sure he wants to attend college at �۶�ֱ��.

“They had a tremendous week,” asserted Robbie Gaines, associate minister for Community Engagement & Athletic Ministries. “It was a good opportunity for �۶�ֱ�� to be a place that invested in these students spiritually and intellectually. We had a lot of fun, and we did that in community.”

Grace Snyder, of Shelby, N.C., also appreciated the opportunity to form relationships with other students. “My favorite part of the Honors Experience was meeting new people and capturing a glimpse into the college life at GWU with them,” she observed.

Like the others, Kimberly Bell, of Lincolnton, N.C., affirmed that the most important experience for her was establishing connections with the people she met. “I learned how to come out of my shell and be a part of the community around me,” she noted.

The Honors Experience is open to academically gifted and talented students in grades nine through 11. Students who are accepted into the program are automatically invited to compete for �۶�ֱ��’s Ignite Excellence Scholarship.

Integral to the week’s success are the counselors—�۶�ֱ�� juniors and seniors—who mentor the students throughout the week. “They all love �۶�ֱ�� and are great representatives of what it looks like to be a Runnin’ Bulldog,” Gaines noted.

Grace Snyder, left, enjoyed meeting new people at the Honors Experience.

During the morning chapel time, Gaines and other staff members from the Office of Christian Life and Service led devotions on 1 Peter 1:13-25, which focuses on living for Christ and loving one another. They also talked about the parable of the Good Samaritan and answered the question, “Who is my neighbor?”

Participants chose two classes to attend. The subjects included English, exercise science, physics, photography and videography and forensics.

The afternoons were devoted to volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club, helping at the Green Bethel Baptist Food Pantry or working on the innovation challenge project, which asks students to identify a need in the community and work collaboratively to solve it. They chose to tackle the problems of homelessness and education. At the end of the week, they shared their ideas with a panel of faculty, staff and community partners.

Kimberly Bell, right, said the most important part of attending the Honors Experience for her was making new friends.

Honors Experience Participants

From Lincoln Charter School:

Jack Beasley, Iron Station, N.C.
Jocelyn Ruiz, Lincolnton, N.C.
Joshua Mora, Lincolnton, N.C.
Kimberly Bell, Lincolnton, N.C.
Luke York, Cherryville, N.C.
Zachary “Zack” Garner, Crouse, N.C.

From Gaston Christian School:

Michael Beebe, Gastonia, N.C.
Alexis Gantt, Bessemer City, N.C.
Kailey O’Donoghue, Belmont, N.C.

Other schools:

Johnnae Alston, Bishopville, S.C., Lee Central High School
Abrielle Dunlap, Gastonia, N.C., Cumberland Christian Academy
Alejandro Arredondo, Forest City, N.C., Chase High School
Ashley Colson, Union, S.C., Union County High School
Chloe Ventura, Concord, N.C., West Cabarrus High School
Daissy Soto, Shelby, N.C., Pinnacle Classical Academy
Eduardo Ruthes, Battleboro, N.C., Rocky Mount Academy
Elyse Henkel, Granite Falls, N.C., South Caldwell High School
Grace Snyder, Shelby, N.C., Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy
James Brooks, Yorktown, Va., Tabb High School
Jesse Padgett II, Asheville, N.C., A.C. Reynolds High School
Julia Karnilowicz, Rock Hill, S.C., Rock Hill High School
Kendall Lewis, Harrisburg, N.C., Hickory Ridge High School
Kensley Marlowe, Grover, N.C., Burns High School
Kosi Archie, Charlotte, N.C., Bridge School
Lacey Cozart, Sophia, N.C., Randleman High School
LeAnna Mullis, Matthews, N.C., David W. Butler High School
Macarthy Monteith, Gastonia, N.C., Homeschool
Troy Berchoff, Mooresville, N.C., Mooresville Senior High School
Baylee Herring, Hope Mills, N.C., Northwood Temple Academy

GWU Student Counselors

Garrett Despres
Jenna McKee
Trevor Wyatt
Robert Osowski
Katelyn Suggs
Jacquelyn Carroll

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Internships Help Senior Biology Major Determine Her Career Path

Office of University Communications — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 13:33:58 +0000

Karson Dean, ’23, Spends Summer Working with a Mobile Veterinary Clinic

Senior biology major Karson Dean, of Dallas, N.C., has cared passionately about animals for as long as she can remember. When she graduates from �۶�ֱ�� University in December 2023, she plans to pursue a career in veterinary technology.

This summer, Dean has interned with , based out of Vale, N.C. The clinic is owned by Dr. Terra Stines Smith, who works with Dr. Melanie E. Runkle. Smith’s parents, brother, sister and husband also work in the practice. “Dr. Terra and Dr. Melanie’s kind spirits, constant encouragement and thorough teaching are among the many things that make this job wonderful,” Dean affirmed. “The best part of the job is the animals … being able to interact with a wide variety of animals and bring healing and comfort not only to them but to their owners is what makes this field so worth it. You get to be a voice for those that cannot speak up for themselves and serve them.”

The mobile veterinary unit travels in a 30-mile radius. On any given day, Dean may help Smith with dogs, cats, cattle, goats, sheep, alpacas, horses, rabbits, ducks, chickens, pigs and other species. The veterinarian can provide most all of the services of a stationary clinic: dentals, spays, neuters, mass removals, annual vaccines, medical appointments, etc. Dean has worked approximately 55 hours over the summer.

She said the most challenging part of the job is dealing with the death of an animal. “Coping with this can be difficult, and some days will be worse than others, which is why it is important to focus on the positives of the job,” Dean observed. “Grieving the patients that you have lost is important, but it is also important not to dwell on that. Directing my focus to the patients we have saved, and those that are happy to see us each day, is how I get through the day. Surrounding myself with a community of people that I trust both in the field and outside is also another coping mechanism I use.”

This summer Karson Dean has worked with goats, dogs, cats, cattle, sheep, alpacas, horses, rabbits, ducks, chickens, pigs and other species.

Dean began interning with Smith and Runkle two years ago when she was a student at a large public university. They welcomed her to the team and were genuinely interested in helping her learn. After shadowing the two professionals, though, Dean realized that she didn’t want to be a veterinarian. She wasn’t interested in performing surgeries but preferred to assist the doctor as a registered veterinary technician. “They have encouraged me to pursue my calling in veterinary medicine whether that be attending vet school or becoming a registered technician,” she shared. “They have never made me feel less than or incapable of performing a task just because I am younger or less educated.”

Along with the change in her career focus, Dean decided to transfer to �۶�ֱ�� in the spring semester of her sophomore year. She was miserable at the large school she attended and decided to come to �۶�ֱ��, where she would be closer to home, her family, and church. “Each professor at �۶�ֱ�� takes the time to pour into their students both spiritually and academically, encouraging them to chase their dreams, but also to face reality and provide their students with experiences to achieve these realities,” Dean said. “These unique opportunities will help me stand apart from others in the future when pursuing more schooling or a career.”

She continued, “What I value most about my �۶�ֱ�� experience is the school’s Christian values and the small campus population, which allows for professors to develop relationships with their students. At �۶�ֱ��, students are treated as unique individuals and not just a number.”

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Students Gain Experience in Computer Science Technology at �۶�ֱ�� Camp

Office of University Communications — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 13:49:21 +0000

Eight �۶�ֱ�� 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 �۶�ֱ�� 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 �۶�ֱ�� 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 �۶�ֱ�� 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.

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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 �۶�ֱ�� 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 �۶�ֱ��’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 �۶�ֱ�� 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 �۶�ֱ�� 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 �۶�ֱ�� 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 �۶�ֱ��.”

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 �۶�ֱ��—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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