MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University senior religious studies and nursing double major Eli Ward swept his arm over the five striking, colorful stained glass images depicting the stories of faith and perseverance of the patients he worked with for his research project.

It was one of the almost 200 projects showcased recently inside the Student Union Ballroom at Middle Tennessee State University’s 18th annual research exposition that culminates “Scholars Week,” a premier research expo each spring giving students like Ward the opportunity to present their wide range of projects and passions to the campus community.

“I think that lifting people up and beautifying their stories is meaningful, and it encourages people to be affirmed that their story has value, has meaning, has beauty,” said Ward about his work on the connection between health and spirituality conducted with his mentor Rebecca King, professor of religious studies. 

“In the hospital, I think oftentimes that relational aspect of caring for people is cast to the side, so you can become very task oriented. ‘I’ve got to give you this medication. I’ve got to hook up your IV line here,’” he continued. “We miss out on the person we’re caring for that’s in the hospital. This project is an encouragement to focus on the person that you’re caring for and not just the body.”

‘I know how to be professional’

Scholars Week features days of smaller, college-based poster presentations leading up to the grand finale of universitywide poster presentations Friday, March 15, and including a catered lunch, creative performances and an awards ceremony in the Student Union Ballroom. 

“Scholars Week provides a wonderful opportunity for students from across different disciplines to share their research and creative projects with the campus community,” said Katie Medrano, coordinator of the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs who is one of the lead event organizers. “We are grateful for all of the dedicated students and faculty mentors that took the time to prepare their presentations and join us for this event.”

Meirola Endraws, a senior biochemistry major, investigated the efficacy of certain treatments on breast cancer cells. 

“I joined Dr. (April) Weissmiller’s lab … (one of) the only cancer labs here on campus,” said Endraws, who needed to get a lot of experience in a short amount of time to apply for graduate school. “She wanted me to have a lot of experience, especially when I first started. I was (able) to do these big tests and parts of the experiment instead of less rigorous tests, so I got some serious procedures and (lab) experience.”

Endraws credited her opportunities on the project with helping her successfully land a spot at two graduate schools, now having to decide between programs before the mid-April deadlines. 

“Grad school, Ph.D., cancer biology, which is what I’m going (to school) for, is a repetition of research-present, research-present,” Endraws said. “Being able to practice it now helps me know I’m going to get there and … know what to do, and I’m not going to freak out because I’m in a professional program (now.) I know how to be professional.” 

The showcase did not slow during lunch. Student musicians Lauren Teel and Carter Elliott serenaded attendees enjoying Italian-themed food and refreshments. 

Many participants, such as biochemistry senior Eden Anderson, said they chose to attend MTSU because of its ample undergraduate research opportunities. 

“It’s such a warm environment,” said Anderson about her time working on her project examining estrogen pollution in the local Stones River Waterways under the guidance of mentor Rebecca Seipelt-Thiemann, biology professor. 

“All the professors are very encouraging of your research, especially getting into a lab. I’ve heard some colleges are very difficult and competitive to get into labs, but here if you mesh well with a professor, they’ll either offer you a lab or recommend a different lab for you … not just in the Science Building but across campus.”

‘I could nerd out with them’

Rand Hasan, another biochemistry senior, worked with Kevin Bicker, associate chemistry professor, to develop her study for combatting one of the most prevalent pathogens in hospital environments.

“I talked to him about my love for organic chemistry and how I wanted to synthesize a drug, something that could help,” said Hasan about how Bicker then connected her with a lab in the Biochemistry Department interested in exploring a peptide that aligned with her project goals. “Without Scholars Week, where would I ever talk about my project? My parents didn’t want to hear about it anymore,” she said with a laugh. “So, it’s a chance for us to meet other people that are generally interested in my project. I could nerd out with them. It’s so fun.”

Hasan will have even more opportunity to present her work and connect with peers while attending the National Conference for Undergraduate Research in Long Beach, California, next month with support from the Undergraduate Research Center, and she highlighted the importance of MTSU’s URECA, or Undergraduate Research Experience and Creative Activity, grant in making these experiences possible. 

“It’s a pretty simple process,” she said about applying for the grant that funded her and other students’ research projects. “They told you exactly what they wanted, what to write in the grant. There were multiple grants and grant levels available. I talked about this with grad students (not at MTSU), and they told me they didn’t have those opportunities until grad school. I’m doing this as an undergrad, which is impressive, and a lot of my friends (here) are too.” 

MTSU even extends its research opportunities to high school students. 

Rhys Stephens, a Blackman High School senior, presented his research on literacy through the partnership between Blackman’s Collegiate Academy program and the university’s SOAR, the Student Organization for the Advancement of Research, group that brings Blackman students to campus for Scholars Week each year as attendees or participants. 

“I did get to see other posters,” said Stephens, who will attend MTSU next fall as a recipient of the Buchanan Fellowship, the school’s most prestigious award. “I got to see Scholars Week (previously), and that did definitely inspire me to make this project.”

Learn more about the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs and all its research support and events at https://mtsu.edu/research/. 

— Stephanie Wagner (Stephanie.Wagner@mtsu.edu)