March 4, 2026 – Hendrix College hosted its inaugural Hendrix Day of Research
Thursday, February 26, welcoming approximately 100 students, faculty, staff,
and community members to campus to celebrate undergraduate scholarship and
discovery.
Held in the Trieschmann Fine Arts
Building, the student-led symposium featured poster and oral presentations
highlighting original research conducted by Hendrix students across
disciplines. Organized by the Hendrix Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Club,
the event showcased the breadth of inquiry taking place at Hendrix and the
collaborative mentorship between students and faculty.
“We were delighted at
the amount of support shown for students across campus for Day of Research,”
said the event’s Primary Proposer Rowan McCollum ’26. “It was wonderful seeing
the excitement and passion that our peers bring to their work and the Hendrix
communities' interest in it.”
The event began with a poster session in
the Trieschmann Gallery where students presented research spanning
microbiology, neuroscience, environmental science, economics, sociology, and
politics. The program concluded with an oral presentation session in Reves
Recital Hall featuring three in-depth research talks from Hendrix students.
Amna Abuabdou ’28, a biochemistry and
molecular biology major, presented research examining histone mutations
associated with the rare neurodevelopmental disorder Bryant-Li-Bhoj syndrome.
Using a yeast model system, Abuabdou’s work investigates how mutations affect
interactions between DNA and protein complexes involved in gene transcription,
helping scientists better understand the molecular mechanisms behind the
disease. Her research was conducted under the mentorship of Dr. Andrea Duina,
professor of biology.
Harry Lance ’26, a physics major, shared
findings from an experimental study of capillary action in porous metal
microchannels, a topic relevant to high-efficiency cooling systems for advanced
computing technologies and electric aircraft. By examining how surface
treatments affect fluid movement through copper foam, Lance’s research
contributes to improving thermal management systems for next-generation
electronics.
Ella Kelly ’26, a biochemistry and
molecular biology major, and Colby Gainer ’26, a psychology major, presented
collaborative research from the Hendrix Psychology Department, exploring how
everyday student behaviors influence cognitive function. Their projects
examined the relationship between athletics participation and working memory as
well as how features of music such as pitch, tempo, and volume affect stress
recovery and executive function in college students. The work was conducted
under the supervision of Dr. Sarah Irons, assistant professor of psychology.
Along with McCollum, who
served as lead organizer for the event, the symposium was coordinated
by Hendrix students Rebekah Caffey ’27, Neil Dogra ’27, Adhi Satish Kumar ’27, and Sofia Syed ’27, with support from faculty mentors and campus
partners.
Student organizers noted in the event
program that research at Hendrix grows out of mentorship, collaboration, and a
commitment to asking meaningful questions. Many projects begin in classrooms
and laboratories before expanding into regional, national, and international
research partnerships.
McCollum added, “We
hope that this year begins the start of a tradition that celebrates the
research of Hendrix students and faculty here on campus and supports our lively
research community.”
With strong attendance and enthusiastic
participation from across campus, the inaugural Hendrix Day of Research
highlighted the creativity, rigor, and collaborative spirit of undergraduate
research at Hendrix College.
View photos from the event here.
View the event program here.
About
Hendrix College
Founded in 1876, Hendrix College is
featured in Colleges That Change Lives: 45 Schools That Will Change the Way You
Think About Colleges and celebrated among the country’s leading liberal arts
colleges for academic quality, engaged learning opportunities and career
preparation, vibrant campus life, and value. The Hendrix College Warriors
compete in 21 NCAA Division III sports. Hendrix has been affiliated with the
United Methodist Church since 1884. Learn more at www.hendrix.edu.
“… Through engagement that links the
classroom with the world, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion, justice,
and sustainable living, the Hendrix community inspires students to lead lives
of accomplishment, integrity, service, and joy.” –Hendrix College Statement of
Purpose