Dr. Andrés Caro, Cynthia Cook Sandefur
Odyssey professor of chemistry and chair of the Biochemistry & Molecular
Biology Program at Hendrix College, has returned from an intensive five-week
research expedition to Ecuador with a team of undergraduate researchers: Tyler
Dearing ’26, August McQuiston ’26, and Julie Schwartz ’26.
Funded through Dr. Caro’s Odyssey
Professorship project, "Exploring Ecuador’s Anticancer Flora and Tackling
Cancer Cell Resistance Through Collaborative Research," the immersive
international experience combined fieldwork, laboratory research, cultural
exchange, and scientific presentation. The Hendrix team partnered with
Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (UTPL) and the University of Arkansas
for Medical Sciences (UAMS) to explore native plant species and their potential
applications in cancer treatment.
“This program gave students the chance to
apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting, combining laboratory work
with field-based research in a unique environment,” said Dr. Caro. “Our
partnership with UTPL and UAMS gave students exposure to international research
and showed the value of working across institutions and cultures.”
During their time in Ecuador, the research
team co-organized and presented at the International Symposium: Frontiers in
Pharmaceutical Research and Education alongside colleagues from UTPL and
UAMS. They conducted high-altitude fieldwork in the páramo ecosystem at 3,500
meters above sea level, collecting and preparing extracts from 18 native plant
species. In the lab, the students developed chemical fingerprinting assays to
evaluate the antioxidant and anticancer potential of the collected samples.
“Collecting and analyzing plant samples at
high altitude challenged students to think critically, adapt to new conditions,
and work independently on meaningful scientific questions,” Dr. Caro added. “Interacting
with local communities and participating in cultural events added depth to the
experience and helped students understand the broader context of their work.”
Beyond research, the team engaged in cultural
exchange by participating in UTPL’s English Conversation Club at the American
Corner and joining the Saraguro community for the Inti Raymi celebration, a
traditional Andean ceremony honoring the sun. They also traveled to the
Amazonian region, collaborating with Kichwa and Shuar communities to study and
prepare aromatic and medicinal plant extracts.
Of the student-researchers’ experiences, Dr.
Caro also said, “Students came away with stronger research skills, more
confidence in their abilities, and a clearer sense of how science connects to
global challenges.”
All plant collections were conducted with
appropriate scientific and environmental permissions. The team returned with
valuable data that will inform further research into the fight against cancer
cell resistance.
About
Hendrix College
Founded in 1876, Hendrix College is featured in Colleges
That Change Lives: 40 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