Digging Deep

Research and internships are two ways that Roan Scholars “dig deeper” and further their professional and personal development. This past year has provided some unique opportunities for Scholars to explore deeply, build their creative portfolios, and advance our understanding of science.

Blazing New Paths: DIGGING DEEPER

Shivam Patel ’22 learned there are plenty of surprises just below the surface as he completed summer research on the microbiome of Southern Appalachia.

With financial support from an Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowship, administered by ETSU’s Honors College, Shivam collected and is analyzing soil samples from throughout the region to identify microbes – some of which may have significant health benefits. Shivam learned about antibioticresistant microbes in the lab of Dr. Sean Fox, where he has worked for the past two years. Dr. Fox was also the research advisor for Shivam’s summer research project.

The rise of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms has been identified as a major threat to global health, explains Shivam. “Appalachia could be the answer to combat this new health threat,” he said. “As the most biodiverse temperate forest region in North America, our beautiful backyard in the Smoky Mountains contains a plethora of microorganisms that have become genetically diversified over billions of years. Many of these soil bacteria naturally produce their own antibiotics.”

Shivam is currently applying to medical school, where he plans to continue his passion for improving the health of communities.

Jordan Teague ’22 participated this summer in the highly-competitive Pediatric Oncology Education (POE) program at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, funded by the National Institutes of Health / National Cancer Institute. The primary goal of the POE program is to encourage students to pursue a career in cancer research.

Jordan, a Physics major, worked with Dr. Wilburn Reddick’s Diagnostic Image and Signal Processing Laboratory, which focuses on developing and validating quantitative methods to assess structural brain injury. Jordan was “most excited to learn more about magnetic resonance and how exactly this is used to quantify the diffusion of water across the myelin sheath” along with how image data “can be utilized to improve cancer treatment for pediatric patients.” Jordan has been engaged with medical research since her first semester at ETSU, when she began working in Dr. Gregory Ordway’s lab at the Quillen College of Medicine, which focuses on research related to suicide and depression.

Going Where Needed

“Serving as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) has been the most impactful work I have done in my college career,” said Clara Reynolds ’22, who plans to be a Physician’s Assistant. While maintaining a full course load this past year, Clara worked significant hours during the pandemic as a CNA, including when her hospital floor was temporarily converted to a COVID-19 unit. Working as a CNA “has shown me insight into the workings of a hospital and the experiences of patients within,” said Clara, including having “grown my respect for nurses, doctors, and other healthcare workers tenfold.”

The experience also helped Clara develop new levels of compassion and empathy. “For most of the people I help, my ‘average’ day can be the worst day of their life. Keeping that perspective in mind reminds me to practice empathy every day, no matter how drained or tired I might be,” she said.

Sharing the Power of STEM

McKenzie Templeton ’22, a Media and Communications major with a concentration in Advertising and Public Relations, had the unique opportunity to complete a capstone project in her major virtually this year with the Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) Center - an international STEM nonprofit based in Monterey, California. “I worked with a team to create a brand strategy and social media campaigns,” says McKenzie. “This was a wonderful experience where I once again got to apply my textbook knowledge to real world experience - which is how I learn best.” McKenzie’s capstone project included writing scripts, creating storyboards, and posting copy. She also worked on a video about MATE that was entered into the National Science Foundation’s ‘STEM for All’ Video Showcase.

Promoting Childhood Literacy

Lily Edwards ’22 interned this year with The Point Nine, a local marketing and advertising agency. The experience allowed her to use skills she has developed as a Media and Communications major with a concentration in Advertising and Public Relations.

“Before this, I had never gotten to see behind-the-scenes of creating social media content,” said Lily. Soon she was writing captions, creating images, and scheduling posts for multiple accounts that the company manages. One of the projects Lily contributed to was designing materials for Twin City Reads, a local organization focused on children’s literacy.

Scholar Range

Roan Scholars pursue a range of academic interests – including some unique major and minor combinations. This approach often yields powerful insights for Scholars about how their professional and personal interests relate and how different fields of study can enrich one another. Here are a few examples of Roan Scholars charting unique academic paths.

Adam Rosenbalm ’21

Finance, with Minors in Accountancy and Storytelling

Larissa Copley ’21

Anthropology, with minors in Emergency/Disaster Response Management

Lily Edwards ’22

Advertising/Public Relations, with minors in Social Work and Psychology

Caroline Parris ’22

Communication Studies, with a minor in Women’s Studies

Clara Renyolds ’22

Human Health, with minors in Digital Media and Music